Medication & Pharmacies

Bringing Medication to Japan

Japan has strict medication import rules that differ significantly from most Western countries. Some medications that are legal and commonly prescribed in your home country are banned or heavily restricted in Japan. Failing to comply can result in confiscation, detention, or arrest at customs.

General Rules

• Up to one month's supply of prescription medication can be brought into Japan without prior approval, as long as the medication is not banned or controlled.
• Up to two months' supply of over-the-counter (OTC) medication can be brought in without prior approval.
• Exceeding these limits requires a Yakkan Shoumei (also called Yunyu Kakunin-sho), which is an import certificate issued by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW).
• Keep medication in original packaging. Carry the original box, bottle, or blister pack with the pharmacy label and your name on it.
• Bring a doctor's letter. Carry a signed letter from your doctor on official letterhead listing the medication name (generic/chemical name, not just brand name), dosage, diagnosis, and treatment period. Having this translated into Japanese is helpful but not required.

Banned and Restricted Substances

The following medications are banned or heavily restricted in Japan, regardless of whether you have a prescription:

Yakkan Shoumei (Import Certificate)

If you need to bring more than one month's supply of prescription medication or more than two months' supply of OTC medication, you must apply for a Yakkan Shoumei before traveling.

How to Apply

1. Download the application form from the MHLW website (mhlw.go.jp). Search for "Yunyu Kakunin-sho" or "bringing medicines into Japan."
2. Complete the form listing each medication, including: name (generic and brand), strength/dosage, quantity, and purpose.
3. Attach supporting documents: Copy of your prescription or doctor's letter, and a photo or scan of the medication packaging.
4. Submit the application to the Kanto-Shinetsu Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare by email, fax, or mail. Processing takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks.
5. Receive the certificate by email or mail. Print it and carry it with your medication when entering Japan.

Contact for Yakkan Shoumei

Kanto-Shinetsu Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare, Pharmaceutical Affairs Division:

• Email: Check the MHLW website for the current email address
• The MHLW information page: mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html

Pharmacies in Tokyo

Japan has two types of places to buy medication:

Pharmacies (Yakkyoku / 薬局)

Pharmacies (yakkyoku) dispense prescription medication and are staffed by licensed pharmacists. They are identifiable by the green cross or the kanji 薬 (kusuri, meaning medicine) on their sign. Pharmacies are found near hospitals, clinics, and in some shopping areas. A pharmacist can advise on medication interactions and basic health concerns.

Drugstores (Doraggu Sutoa / ドラッグストア)

Drugstores are large retail stores selling OTC medication, cosmetics, snacks, and household goods. Major chains include Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, Sundrug, Tomod's, and Cocokara Fine. Drugstores are found throughout Tokyo, often near train stations and in commercial districts. Many have tax-free counters for tourists.

You do not need a prescription for basic medications at drugstores. Available without prescription:

• Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen / paracetamol)
• Cold medicine and cough drops
• Antihistamines for allergies
• Digestive medicine (antacids, anti-nausea)
• First aid supplies (bandages, antiseptics)
• Eye drops

Opening Hours

Most drugstores are open daily from 9:00 or 10:00 AM to 9:00 or 10:00 PM. Some locations near major stations are open until 11:00 PM or midnight. Pharmacies near hospitals typically close earlier (6:00 or 7:00 PM) and may be closed on Sundays. Unlike some European countries, Japan does not have a standardized duty pharmacy rotation system. In an emergency, hotel staff can help locate a late-night drugstore.

Prescription Rules for Tourists

• Foreign prescriptions are not valid in Japan. A prescription from your home country cannot be filled at a Japanese pharmacy.
• If you run out of medication, you will need to visit a Japanese doctor. Hotels can help arrange an appointment at a clinic with English-speaking staff. Some hospitals in Tokyo have international patient departments, including St. Luke's International Hospital and the Tokyo Adventist Hospital.
• Bring enough medication for your entire trip, plus several extra days in case of travel delays. Split your medication between your carry-on and checked luggage in case one bag is delayed.

Medical Supplies

• Catheters and ostomy supplies: Bring your full supply from home. Japanese brands and sizes differ, and finding the exact match on short notice is difficult. Some barrier-free toilets in Tokyo include ostomate facilities with warm water sinks for managing ostomy appliances.
• CPAP machines: Bring your own CPAP and check voltage compatibility (see our Voltage & Chargers page). Hotels can usually provide a bedside outlet or extension cord.
• Mobility aids: Basic walking canes and crutches are available at drugstores and medical supply stores. For wheelchair and scooter rentals, see our Equipment Rentals page.

Health Insurance

Travel Insurance (Recommended for All Visitors)

Japan has no reciprocal health care agreements with most countries. Without insurance, medical care is expensive. A standard doctor's visit costs approximately 5,000 to 15,000 yen. Emergency room visits and hospital stays can cost tens of thousands of yen or more.

Purchase travel insurance with medical coverage before your trip. Ensure your policy covers:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospitalization
• Medical evacuation
• Pre-existing conditions (if applicable)

Emergency Treatment

In a medical emergency, hospitals will treat you regardless of insurance status. Call 119 for ambulance service. You will receive a bill afterward. Keep all receipts and medical documents for your insurance claim.

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