Written by Carey Finn
Researched by Hitomi Kuroda
Think twice before packing your power bank for Japan. In April 2026, new rules came into effect around carrying and using mobile batteries on airlines flying into and out of Japan. Here’s what to know.
Important: Charge your devices fully before boarding — either at the airport or before you leave home/your hotel — so you don’t need to stress on the flight.
Key rules around power banks on planes in Japan
- Each passenger can carry a maximum of two mobile batteries (power banks).
- Each battery must be 160Wh or less in capacity.
- Using a power bank to charge a phone or other device during the flight is not allowed — essentially you can carry the battery, but can’t use it onboard.
- You also cannot charge the battery on the plane.
- The power banks need to be stored at your feet, or otherwise in the seat pocket in front of you. You can’t put them in the overhead bins.
- You can’t put a power bank in your checked baggage — this is strictly prohibited.
Pro tip: See our Japan eSIM guide to get connected on your trip — we have discount codes to save cash.
What can you bring onboard?
You can still bring your electronic devices onto the plane, including:
- Laptops
- Tablets, e.g. iPads
- Digital cameras
- Handheld gaming consoles
How to charge your phone on the plane
If you need to charge your phone during the flight, you can do the following:
- Charge it using the USB port or seat power outlet — this is still allowed. Just remember that you can’t charge your power bank.
- Charge it from your laptop or tablet — this is allowed.
Why are there all these rules around power banks?
The new rules are in line with international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in March 2026. These are aimed at preventing fire and explosion accidents caused by mobile batteries on planes. We’ve all seen the headlines — that stuff is scary.
Sources: Kanko Keizai and JNTO
