Pharmacy and Medicine in Japan: Foreigner's Guide (2025)
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. ...