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.
Neither threshold on this route is a cap: you may carry more, but above it the duty is to report the cash, not to keep under the figure. 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.