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Are magic mushrooms legal in Japan?

Illegal

No. Psilocybin mushrooms are illegal in Japan, and possession is a criminal offence.

Mushrooms containing psilocybin are designated 'narcotic raw material plants' under a Cabinet Order, a control that took effect on 6 June 2002 after they had been openly sold; psilocybin and psilocin are also listed narcotics. Cultivation is banned except for licensed researchers and carries 1 to 10 years, while possession or transfer carries up to 7 years. Penalties rise for profit-making, and enforcement applies equally to foreign nationals.

Last verified against primary sources:

What is and is not allowed

Possession
Possessing non-heroin narcotics, which includes psilocybin and mushrooms containing it, is punishable under Art. 66.
Cultivation
Nobody may cultivate narcotic raw material plants except licensed researchers (Art. 4(3)); unauthorised cultivation is punishable under Art. 65(1)(2).
Sale and supply
Transfer or receipt of non-heroin narcotics is punishable under Art. 66; doing so for profit carries heavier penalties.
Penalties
Possession, transfer or receipt (Art. 66): up to 7 years; for profit 1 to 10 years, optionally plus a fine up to JPY 3 million. Cultivation, import, export or manufacture (Art. 65): 1 to 10 years; for profit at least 1 year, optionally plus a fine up to JPY 5 million. Preparation for cultivation (Art. 67): up to 5 years.
Recent changes
The designating Cabinet Order was last amended effective 6 September 2026 (Cabinet Order No. 258 of 2026); psilocybin-containing mushrooms remain designated.

Governing law

Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act (Act No. 14 of 1953), Art. 4(3) and penalties Arts. 65-68; Cabinet Order designating narcotics and narcotic raw material plants (Cabinet Order No. 238 of 1990), Art. 3(1) and Art. 1

Check before you act. This page is a reference, not legal advice. Drug law changes, and local rules can differ from national ones. Prohibited, with criminal penalties for possession. Read the primary source below before relying on it.

Common questions

When did Japan ban magic mushrooms?

They were designated narcotic raw material plants effective 6 June 2002; before that they were openly sold.

What is the penalty for possession in Japan?

Up to 7 years' imprisonment under Art. 66 of the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act, more if for profit.

Can I grow magic mushrooms in Japan?

No. Only licensed narcotic researchers may cultivate narcotic raw material plants; unauthorised cultivation carries 1 to 10 years.

Sources

  1. [1]Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act (e-Gov)
  2. [2]Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act, full text via e-Gov API (current as of 2026-10-01)
  3. [3]Cabinet Order designating narcotics and narcotic raw material plants (e-Gov)
  4. [4]Cabinet Order revision history (e-Gov API)
  5. [5]Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Public Health, magic mushrooms (regulated from 6 June 2002)
  6. [6]MHLW, public comment results on the 2002 designation

Other places in Asia

All jurisdictions