Cremation and ashes transport

Cremation in Japan and bringing ashes home

For some families, arranging cremation locally and carrying ashes home is the right choice, and it can be quicker than full repatriation. This page sets out what Japan requires, and what to check before you decide.

Send an enquiry Full repatriation guide for Japan

Important: read this before making any decisions

Japan has a cremation rate of approximately 99.9% (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, 2022). Cremation is the default outcome for deaths in Japan, including deaths of foreign nationals. If your family member has religious or personal objections to cremation, you must act quickly and explicitly instruct the Japanese funeral director and hospital that full-body repatriation is required. This must be documented in writing before any preparations begin.

If there is any possibility a UK coroner may be involved, speak to us first. Do not instruct a funeral director to proceed with cremation until you have confirmed the position with the coroner's office.

Cremation in Japan

Can you cremate someone in Japan?

Ashes can be transported to the UK as hand luggage. A cremation certificate issued by the Japanese crematorium and an export permit from the local ward office (kuyakusho) are required.

Weighing cremation abroad against bringing your loved one home intact? How families decide between the two.

Airline guidance

Can you carry ashes on the flight home?

Airline rules that apply on any route.

What affects the cost from Japan

We do not publish a figure, because it turns on the specifics of the case. For Japan the things that move it are:

Distance from where the death happened to the nearest crematorium
Whether an investigation must conclude before release
Whether you carry the ashes yourself or need them shipped

Considering full repatriation instead?

Some families decide they want their loved one brought home intact. The full Japan guide sets out that process.

Full repatriation guide for Japan

First steps guide

What to do if someone dies in Japan

The step-by-step first response guide covers the first 24 hours in Japan.

Official lists for Japan

Published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for British nationals. We are not connected to the firms listed.

Lawyers, where an estate or an investigation needs local legal advice

Sources: FCDO: death abroad · FCDO travel advice · Repatriation from Japan

Talk to us about cremation in Japan

We can advise on whether cremation abroad is the right choice for your family. Tell us what has happened and we will take it from there.