JAPN Japan Pharmacy Guide: Medicine, Drugstores and Health Tips
Japan Pharmacy Guide: Medicine, Drugstores and Health Tips
What You Can Buy
Japanese drugstores (kusuriya) like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Tsuruha, Sundrug, and Cocokara Fine sell over-the-counter medications, cosmetics, supplements, and health products. Common medications including pain relievers (Loxonin, Eve), cold medicine (Pabron), digestive aids (Ohta’s Isan), and allergy medication (Allegra) are available without prescription. Dosages may differ from Western equivalents, and ingredients like pseudoephedrine found in some Western cold medicines are controlled substances in Japan.
Prescription medications brought from home should be accompanied by a doctor’s note or prescription copy. Some medications legal elsewhere are prohibited or controlled in Japan, including certain ADHD medications (Adderall), sleep medications, and any product containing amphetamines or their derivatives. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website lists controlled substances. If you require specific medications, research legality before travel and carry documentation.
Finding Medical Care
For non-emergency medical care, AMDA International Medical Information Center (03-5285-8088) provides multilingual referrals to English-speaking doctors and hospitals. Tokyo and Osaka have international clinics catering to foreign patients. Pharmacists at chain drugstores can recommend OTC medications for common ailments. First-aid supplies including bandages, antiseptic, and blister patches are available at all convenience stores and drugstores.
What You Can Buy
Japanese pharmacies (yakkyoku) and drugstores (doraggu sutoa) like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, and Sugi Pharmacy stock prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, cosmetics, and health products. Common needs covered without prescription include fever reducers containing acetaminophen (called paracetamol or acetaminophen in Japan), antihistamines, antacids, anti-diarrheal medications, and topical pain relief patches called shippu that are widely considered superior to Western equivalents. Loxonin, a popular Japanese painkiller containing loxoprofen, is available over the counter and favored for headaches and muscle pain. Eye drops by Rohto and Santen are famous for their cooling sensation and clarity improvement. Sunscreen by Japanese brands like Biore and Anessa is noted for its lightweight, non-greasy formulation. Staff may not speak English, but picture cards and translation apps facilitate communication. Some controlled substances in other countries are restricted in Japan, so carry prescriptions with documentation.
Common Medications
Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, and Sugi Pharmacy are the major drugstore chains found near every station. Loxonin (loxoprofen), a popular Japanese painkiller available over the counter, is effective for headaches, dental pain, and muscle soreness. Bufferin and Eve A are common alternatives for pain and fever. Seirogan, small herbal pills for digestive trouble, have been a Japanese travel staple since the early 1900s. Cooling fever patches (Koolfever) placed on the forehead are widely used for adults and children. Kampo herbal medicines prescribed in traditional Chinese medical tradition are sold both over the counter and by prescription, with formulations for cold symptoms, digestive issues, and fatigue.
Cosmetics and Skincare
Japanese drugstores double as cosmetics and skincare destinations, with products that have developed cult followings among international visitors. Biore UV sunscreen provides lightweight, non-greasy protection widely considered among the world’s best. Rohto and Santen eye drops offer cooling formulations unavailable in Western markets. Shiseido, SK-II, and DHC skincare lines are available at drugstore prices significantly below international retail. Sheet masks from Lululun and Minon cost 30 to 100 yen per mask in bulk packs. The Duty Free drugstore sections at airports offer additional savings, but the selection in city stores is broader and more current with seasonal releases.
Drugstores stay open late, with most locations operating until 10 PM and some 24-hour branches in entertainment districts. The Don Quijote discount chain stocks pharmacy items alongside general merchandise and keeps the latest hours of any retailer, often until 5 AM in urban locations.
Related Guides
This content is for informational purposes only and reflects independent research. Details may change — verify current information before making travel plans.