Japanese pharmacies (薬局) and drugstores are excellent — well-stocked and widespread. But there are differences from what you might be used to, and some medications require a prescription or aren’t available at all.
Types of Pharmacies in Japan
Drugstore (ドラッグストア)
Large chain stores selling OTC medications, beauty products, groceries, and household goods. No prescription needed.
Major chains:
- Matsumoto Kiyoshi (マツモトキヨシ) — Nationwide, English-friendly in tourist areas
- Welcia (ウエルシア) — Largest chain by number of stores
- Tsuruha Drug (ツルハドラッグ) — Strong in Kanto and Hokkaido
- Sugi Pharmacy (スギ薬局) — Strong in Chubu region
- Don Quijote (ドン・キホーテ) — Has pharmacy section in many stores
Dispensing Pharmacy (調剤薬局)
For filling prescriptions from doctors. Usually located near hospitals and clinics.
Common OTC Medications Available
| Condition | Japanese Product | Active Ingredient |
|---|---|---|
| Pain / Fever | イブ (Ibuprofen) / バファリン (Bufferin) | Ibuprofen / Aspirin |
| Cold symptoms | パブロン (Pabron) | Acetaminophen blend |
| Allergy (antihistamine) | アレグラFX / クラリチンEX | Fexofenadine / Loratadine |
| Stomach upset | 正露丸 (Seirogan) | Creosote (traditional) |
| Antacid | ガスター10 | Famotidine |
| Diarrhea | ストッパ (Stoppa) | Loperamide |
| Sleep aid | ドリエル (Drewell) | Diphenhydramine |
| Eye drops (dry eyes) | サンテFX / ロートV | Various |
Medications NOT Available / Restricted in Japan
Japan has stricter rules than many countries on certain ingredients:
Restricted or banned:
- Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, many Western cold medications) — Controlled substance in Japan
- Codeine — Prescription only, heavily restricted
- Some ADHD medications — Adderall is illegal in Japan; Concerta/Ritalin available with prescription
- Strong stimulants in weight loss products — Many Western supplements are banned
⚠️ Bringing medication into Japan: Always check the Ministry of Health’s list before importing medication. Some perfectly legal drugs in other countries are controlled substances in Japan. You may need a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (import certificate) for certain prescriptions.
Check: MHLW Prohibited/Restricted Drug List
Using a Prescription Pharmacy
If a doctor gives you a 処方箋 (shohosen / prescription):
- Take the prescription to any dispensing pharmacy (調剤薬局)
- Show your health insurance card (保険証)
- Pay 30% of the medication cost (insurance covers 70%)
Prescription medications are significantly cheaper with insurance. Example:
- Antibiotics (7-day course): ¥500–1,500 with insurance
- Blood pressure medication (1 month): ¥500–2,000 with insurance
Online Pharmacies in Japan
For convenience, some OTC medications can be ordered online:
- Amazon Japan — Large OTC selection, fast delivery
- Matsumoto Kiyoshi Online — Full drugstore range online
- Rakuten Medicine — Competitive prices, Rakuten points
Note: Prescription medications cannot be purchased online in Japan.
Navigating the Pharmacy Without Japanese
Use Google Translate Camera
Point your camera at Japanese product packaging to get instant translations. Works well for understanding active ingredients and dosage instructions.
Look for the Drug Facts
Many products now include English product information or at minimum, international ingredient names on packaging.
Ask the Pharmacist
Most large pharmacy chains have staff who can use translation apps. Show them your symptoms or a photo of what you’re looking for.
Universal App
Yuuniwa has a pharmacy finder with English-speaking staff listings.
Bringing Medications to Japan
If you take regular prescription medication:
- Bring enough for your stay — Up to 1 month supply is generally allowed without documentation; more requires an import certificate
- Keep medications in original packaging with labels
- Carry a doctor’s note in English explaining your condition and medication
- For longer stays: Contact the Japanese embassy in your home country to confirm import rules for your specific medication
Inhalers, EpiPens, insulin — Generally permitted; carry documentation.