Metal Detecting in Japan

For Japan, I would separate searching for modern beach losses from investigating historical sites. The cultural property legislation requires advance notification for excavation intended to investigate buried cultural properties, and additional procedures apply to known archaeological areas. The Agency for Cultural Affairs also explains that discoveries of archaeological sites must be reported and unearthed artefacts normally handed to the relevant police station for assessment. I could not confirm a nationwide hobby detecting permission covering all beaches. Before searching, ask the beach or land manager and the local cultural property office about your exact plans. Finding something does not automatically make it yours to keep.