Antiquities → Japan

Important Cultural Properties restricted

Details

Japan's Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties (1950) prohibits the export of designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties without an export permit from the Agency for Cultural Affairs (Bunkacho). Travelers carrying antique pottery, scrolls, or art objects valued over JPY 200,000 should obtain pre-export documentation; undocumented departure with designated objects results in seizure and possible criminal charges under the Customs Law.

Legal reference

Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties

Leaving with this item

Japan controls export of important cultural properties under the Law for Protection of Cultural Properties (Law 214/1950). Important Cultural Properties and National Treasures may not be exported permanently.

Practical advice

General antiques are fine. Items designated as Important Cultural Properties are export-restricted.

Customs authority

Japan Customs (Ministry of Finance) · https://www.customs.mof.go.jp