Flight to Japan-- Pipes & Tobacco O.K.?

[Lay Piper]

Hey guys! I will be taking a trip to Japan this June and was wondering if anyone here has advice on traveling with pipes and pipe tobacco aboard an international flight.

Can I bring my pipes to Japan? I also plan on visiting the Tsuge factory in Tokyo to pick up a pipe from them directly. Would I be able to bring a pipe back from Japan to the US?

 

[jpmcwjr]

I'd think so, but I'd check with the airline. Bringing a pipe back should be no more than US customs duty, which I'd imagine would be a lot lower if the pipe were smoked.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

Yep, check the airline policies. Easy to find Japanese Customs info online. Check the limit on how much tobacco you can bring in, fill out any required forms accurately when you get there, etc. Don’t overlook airline policies on lighters. I took pipes and tobacco to Ireland - bought a Bic when we got there.

 

[kcghost]

Check the airlines Customs office. That way you get the straight skinny.

 

[Streeper541]

Last time I flew to Japan was 18 years ago from LAX to NRT (Tokyo Narita). I brought a couple pipes and some tobacco with me, but alot has changed it in the world since then.

The best advice has already been given... Check the customs laws for Japan and check with the airline on their policy.

 

[mso489]

Check with the officials as noted in the posts above. If it were me, I would take only pipes you could sacrifice in case of unannounced changes in policy -- good smokers but not your oldest "friends" or your most treasured briars or Meers. They could get confiscated at customs, lost in the confusion of travel, or stolen.

My advice for traveling with pipes in luggage or especially in carry-on, is to skip the lovely leather pipe bag you may own and get a cheap nylon shaving kit. This is far less tempting for theft. No one wants your deodorant and nail clippers. Whereas , a lovely leather bag looks just like a pistol case and will make thieves fly in from Cairo.

 

[coys]

Most countries have limits on the amount of tobacco you can bring in with you but I've never seen any discussion of pipes themselves.

One should bear in mind that nothing like a lighter or a match will be permitted in the cabin on a flight, though. Those items would have to be in a checked bag.

 

[RustiePyles CPG]

Most countries have limits on the amount of tobacco you can bring in with you but I've never seen any discussion of pipes themselves.

One should bear in mind that nothing like a lighter or a match will be permitted in the cabin on a flight, though. Those items would have to be in a checked bag.

You can a lighter in your pocket/carry on as long as its not a torch. Butane soft flame lighters are ok, I've been flying with one in my pocket for 5 or 6 years now. If its a pipe lighter TSA will often ask you to light it to demonstrate its not a torch but otherwise no issues.

I fly back and forth to Germany on a pretty regular basis and have never had an issue with my pipes, I usually have one or two in my carry on and a few more in my checked bag. I also bring new pipes back all the time with no issues as well. I've never had to pay any customs fees. As long you don't buy any $10,000 dollar pipes you shouldn't have to pay any customs, at least I never have.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

 

[Nightwinter]

just returned from Japan a few days ago...

i think you should be able to bring your pipes and pipe tobacco to Japan, but it’s a good idea to check the specific regulations for both countries before you go. I had a similar experience when traveling with my own collection. As long as you follow the rules and declare it when needed, you should be fine.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Commercial links from newcomers get deleted. With more time and participation, on topic links are fine.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

show me a country where you can not bring your own pipes and tobacco for personal use, there ain't such a country on earth

 

[BingBong]

show me a country where you can not bring your own pipes and tobacco for personal use, there ain't such a country on earth

Possibly Turkmenistan.

 

[Dr. Internet]

A few years ago, I was given a major IT program to manage in Australia. After checking prices in OZ, I decided to bring my own tobacco. I packed a few pounds of various pipe tobacco into Zip bags and packed six pipes in the original boxes. I took it all to the US Customs office at our airport. They took some pictures and had me fill in some forms. Then, they gave me a document that basically said I owned all of this in the US and should not be charged duty on my return.
When I got to OZ, Customs in Sydney asked me what was with all the dope. We all had a chuckle and I opened the bags for them to smell. They agreed it wasn't MJ and asked me why I was carrying so much. I told them my project would last at least a year and possibly two. They said, "OK, have a good time!"
My only problem was that I lost my original Peterson Sherlock Homes in Adelaide.

 

[romaso]

show me a country where you can not bring your own pipes and tobacco for personal use, there ain't such a country on earth

Some places you pay a large duty on tobacco over a certain limit (often 100 or 200 grams), which still might be better than paying local tobacco prices. Just be prepared.