Is there a curfew in Tokyo for minors? ?

Question

I'm 17 and I'm going to Japan for two weeks. I was wondering if I'll get arrested or in trouble for walking down the streets late at night by myself. Is it the same for all cities or do different cities have different laws?

Thanks!!

Answer 1

No curfews.  Police stay in their little police boxes as a general rule, though those in Tokyo are more likely to be out and about.  No difference in laws, just in the attitude toward enforcement.  There's a slim chance you might be stopped and asked what's up really late at night if you are in an out of the way area, but other than that, no worries if you aren't doing anything illegal.

Answer 2

Yes there is a curfew in Japan for under 18's, as i remember my friend (who lived there for a year) telling me that his host parents got really angry at him for coming home later than 10, because they said he could have got picked up by the police.

I dont think you will be 'arrested', as such, as its just for safety, so the police will most likely just pick you up and call your host parents to come and get you. The police might be a little more forgiving if you tell them you didnt know, but they will prably still take you home.

My boyfriend (who is japanese) just told me thats true, and under 16's arent allowed in games centres after 6pm, and under 18's after 10pm in games centres, as well as under 18's not being allowed to wonder the streets after 10pm.

Answer 3

No curfew in any place in Japan for minors.

Low teens are walking down on Shibuya, Shinjuku and so many places everywhere every night.

It doesn't mean you are always safe from problem or danger  in 100 percent by the way.

Answer 4

Yes, if you're under 18, you are not supposed to go out between 11pm and 4am *without a proper reason*.  This is stipulated in the ordinance of the metropolitan government.

That means if you have a proper reason - just trying to get from a friends house to your own, for example - you're fine, but if you're just hanging around in downtown, you might get picked up or at least questioned and told to go home.  It's extremely unlikely to get arrested, though.