Carrying cash from Germany to Japan
Two separate rules apply to any cash journey: one where you leave, one where you arrive.
Do you need to declare?
Yes: and on both legs of the journey. Leaving Germany, Germany customs authority (EU cash controls) requires a declaration above EUR 10,000. Entering Japan, Japan Customs requires a declaration above JPY 1,000,000. The two rules are independent: satisfying one does not satisfy the other.
The two legs
| Leg | Limit | Form | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Germany | EUR 10,000 | EU Cash Declaration Form | Germany customs authority (EU cash controls) |
| Entering Japan | JPY 1,000,000 | Declaration of Carrying of Means of Payment | Japan Customs |
Applies when leaving the EU for a non-EU country.
Required when the total exceeds ¥1,000,000 or its equivalent. The threshold falls to ¥100,000 if you are travelling to or from North Korea.
If you do not declare
Germany: Cash may be detained and penalties applied under national law.
Japan: Penalties under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act.
There is no limit on how much you may legally carry in either direction, the duty is to report it, not to keep under it. Failing to report is the offence.
Currencies
Germany uses EUR; Japan uses JPY.
Sources: rules as of 22 September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice; always check the official authority before travelling.