Carrying cash from Japan to United States
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 Japan, Japan Customs requires a declaration above JPY 1,000,000. Entering United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires a declaration above USD 10,000. The two rules are independent: satisfying one does not satisfy the other.
Travelling as a family or group?
The threshold applies to your combined total, not per person. A family of four each carrying a little under the limit is still over it, and splitting cash between travellers to stay under does not make it legal.
The two legs
| Leg | Limit | Form | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving Japan | JPY 1,000,000 | Declaration of Carrying of Means of Payment | Japan Customs |
| Entering United States | USD 10,000 | FinCEN Form 105 (CMIR) | U.S. Customs and Border Protection |
The same declaration is required on departure. It can be filed on paper at the airport or online through NACCS.
There is no limit on how much you may carry; amounts over USD 10,000 must be reported.
If you do not declare
Japan: Penalties under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act.
United States: Seizure of the currency and possible civil and criminal penalties.
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
Japan uses JPY; United States uses USD.
Sources: rules as of 22 September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice; always check the official authority before travelling.