Know Before You Go to Shibuya! Rules for Smoking, Littering, and Graffiti
Shibuya City, home to Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Harajuku and Takeshita Street, Omotesando, and the area around Meiji Jingu, is a popular destination that attracts visitors from around the world.
Various initiatives are underway to make the city comfortable for everyone.
Starting in June 2026, an administrative fine for littering was introduced, further strengthening the city’s rules. This article explains the rules on smoking, littering, and graffiti that visitors should know before sightseeing in Shibuya.
Follow the rules and enjoy a pleasant visit to the Shibuya area.
3 Rules to Know before Sightseeing in Shibuya
Shibuya City has established strict rules concerning urban beautification to promote a cleaner city. Violations may result in an administrative fine even for tourists, so caution is required.
Before sightseeing in Shibuya, review these three essential rules.
1. Outdoor Smoking Is Prohibited except in Public Smoking Areas
In Shibuya City, smoking is prohibited not only around stations but also in outdoor public spaces throughout the city, including roads, parks, and plazas, so smokers should check the locations of smoking areas in advance.
The rules apply not only to cigarettes but also to heated tobacco products and cigars.
Anyone who violates the rules may be charged an administrative fine of 2,000 yen on the spot by Shibuya City enforcement officers patrolling the area.
When smoking, use one of the public smoking areas located throughout the city.
Even on private property, smokers are expected to avoid exposing people nearby to secondhand smoke, and those who fail to do so may receive guidance from the city.
2. Littering Is Prohibited
Littering is prohibited in Shibuya City.
To protect the city’s appearance and maintain a comfortable environment, an administrative fine has also been introduced for violators.
Use a trash bin at the store where you made your purchase, or carry a trash bag and take your waste back to your hotel or other accommodation.
Use the recycling receptacles beside vending machines for empty drink containers.
3. Graffiti Is Prohibited
Graffiti and affixing unauthorized stickers to buildings and facilities in Shibuya City are prohibited, and violators may be fined.
Volunteer graffiti removal activities and other efforts to protect the city’s attractive streetscape are carried out every day, helping sustain Shibuya’s appeal as a tourist destination.
Everyone who visits should follow the rules and help make Shibuya a pleasant place for all.
Use Public Smoking Areas When You Want to Smoke
Although smoking is prohibited in outdoor public spaces, public smoking areas are available throughout Shibuya City.
These areas are also located around Shibuya Station and in Harajuku, so always use a public smoking area if you need to smoke.
Anyone planning to smoke near Shibuya Scramble Crossing or around Takeshita Street in Harajuku should check the nearest smoking area in advance.
Here are three public smoking areas that are convenient to visit between sightseeing and shopping.
1. Shibuya Scramble Crossing Public Smoking Area near Shibuya Scramble Crossing and SHIBUYA SKY
This smoking area is convenient when visiting Shibuya Scramble Crossing or SHIBUYA SKY.
It is easy to reach from Shibuya Station and convenient to use between sightseeing and shopping.
It is a convenient smoking area when visiting central Shibuya.
- Japanese Name
- 渋谷駅前スクランブル交差点喫煙所
- Address
- 2-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Google Maps
2. Miyamasuzaka-shita Intersection Public Smoking Area near Shibuya Hikarie and MIYASHITA PARK
Located on the east side of Shibuya Station, this smoking area is convenient for those heading toward Miyamasuzaka or Aoyama.
With many offices and commercial facilities nearby, it is used on both weekdays and weekends.
It is also easy to stop by when visiting Shibuya Hikarie or MIYASHITA PARK.
- Japanese Name
- 宮益坂下交差点喫煙所
- Address
- 1-24 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Google Maps
3. Harajuku Station Takeshita Exit Public Smoking Area near Takeshita Street and Meiji Jingu
Located near the Takeshita Exit of JR Harajuku Station, this smoking area is convenient when visiting Takeshita Street or Meiji Jingu.
Because the area attracts large numbers of visitors from Japan and overseas, it is especially important to follow the rules when smoking.
Use this smoking area before or after exploring Harajuku, and avoid smoking in the surrounding streets.
- Japanese Name
- 原宿竹下口喫煙所
- Address
- 1-18-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Google Maps
Shibuya City Has More Than 40 Public Smoking Areas!
More than 40 public smoking areas are available throughout Shibuya City, including around Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Harajuku, Ebisu, and Daikanyama.
Use the “Public Smoking Areas in Shibuya City” and “Restaurants Where Smoking Is Permitted” maps to find a smoking area that suits your current location and sightseeing route.
What Happens If You Break the Rules?
Enforcement officers patrol Shibuya City 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
If an enforcement officer confirms a violation such as smoking or littering, you may be subject to an administrative fine without prior warning.
The administrative fine is 2,000 yen, and both cash and cashless payments are accepted.
Enforcement officers can provide multilingual assistance, and the fine can also be paid using cashless payment methods commonly used internationally.
The fine still applies even if you do not have a payment method available.
Follow the rules while sightseeing and enjoy the city responsibly.
FAQ about Smoking in Shibuya City
Q
Are heated tobacco products also covered?
Yes. Cigarettes, cigars, and heated tobacco products are included.
Q
What is considered a public place?
Public places include roads, parks, plazas, and other public areas.
Summary
Following the rules is the first step toward enjoying a comfortable visit to Shibuya.
To make the most of popular destinations such as Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Harajuku and Takeshita Street, and Omotesando, use public smoking areas, dispose of waste properly, and enjoy sightseeing while respecting the rules.