Entry into Japan with rabbits (Leporidae)

When importing rabbits into Japan, you need to:

Notify import of your rabbit to the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) at least 40 days before arrival.
Obtain a health certificate issued by the government authorities of the exporting country.
Have your rabbit undergo a day, practically 3 days and 2 nights, post-arrival quarantine at a facility of the AQS of port of entry.

Procedures

STEP 1 : Notify import of your rabbit and make an appointment for quarantine

Submit a notification(EXCEL : 32KB) by email to the AQS at the expected port of entry (see below) not less than 40 days before arrival in Japan. Early notification is recommended since appointment for quarantine depends upon the availability of the facility. If it is fully booked, you may need to change the date or port of entry.
After reviewing your notification, the AQS will reply to you by email.

【Ports of entry】 Please note that the entry is limited to the following 19 ports.
Sea ports (8): Tomakomai, Keihin (Tokyo, Kawasaki, Yokohama), Nagoya, Hanshin (Osaka, Kobe), Kanmon, Hakata, Kagoshima and Naha
Airports (11): Shin(New)-Chitose, Narita Intl., Tokyo Intl. (Haneda), Chubu Intl., Kansai Intl., Osaka Intl. (Itami), Kobe, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Kagoshima and Naha

An email example

Email address:Please click here
Subject: Rabbit import notification (From US. Arrival on 1 Sep 2026)
Body: Please find attached the import notification for rabbits.
Regards, Taro DOKEN (your name, pls)

STEP 2 : Obtain a health certificate issued by the government authorities of the exporting country within 10 days before departure

The health certificate issued or endorsed by the exporting country must state:
As a result of inspection, the rabbits are not likely to spread pathogens of infectious diseases, including tularemia, rabbit hemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis.

Please note that the certificate issued by the following countries must meet respective animal health requirements.

The certificate must include:

A handwritten signature of a government veterinarian of the exporting country, an official seal, the name of the affiliated institution and the date of certification.
Notes:
1. Do not use a pencil, an erasable pen, correction fluid nor correction tape.
For any corrections, cross out, re-write and endorse with the date and signature.
2. Altering or adding information to a certificate is considered document forgery.

STEP 3 : Undergo 3 days-2 nights post arrival quarantine at the AQS of the port of entry

Bring your rabbit to the AQS at the port of entry before entering Japan.

【Required documents】

The original health certificate obtained at STEP 2
(For cargo transport,) a copy of the Air Waybill (AWB) or Bill of Lading (B/L)
Your valid photo ID, usually a passport
Power of attorney(Click Here for Details)
A sample of "power of attorney"

Other documents required by the AQS following STEP 1 and not submitted yet such as:

An application for import quarantine(EXCEL : 40KB)
Notification on caretaker

Rabbits must undergo post-arrival quarantine at an AQS facility in Japan for one day (practically 3 days and 2 nights).
Upon completion of the inspection, an import quarantine certificate will be issued.

Frequently-asked questions and answers

Requirements for entry into Japan.

Import of Pika (Ochotonidae) into Japan

If you bring Pika into Japan, the notification to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is required.
See Notification System for the Importation of Animals (Link: the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)