H E A L T H C A R E
How to Use Japanese Pharmacies & Drugstores: OTC Medicine, Prescriptions & Tax-Free
Drugstore vs prescription pharmacy, OTC medicine categories, what you can't buy without a prescription, tax-free shopping at Matsumoto Kiyoshi, and the 4-day prescription rule.
Quick Answer
- Headache, cold, stomach? Walk into any Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, Tsuruha, or Sundrug. Point at where it hurts — staff will recommend medicine. No prescription needed for most OTC drugs.
- Loxonin S (Japan’s best painkiller) is behind the counter — ask the pharmacist: 「ロキソニンSをください」 (Rokisonin S o kudasai).
- Tax-free shopping available at most tourist-area drugstores (¥5,000+ purchase). Bring your passport.
- Got a prescription? Take it to a 薬局 (yakkyoku) within 4 days or it expires. There’s usually one right next to the clinic.
- Can’t find your home medication? Brand names differ. Bring the generic name (e.g., “ibuprofen” not “Advil”) and show it to the pharmacist.
- Prescriptions: Take your 処方箋 + insurance card to any 薬局. You pay 30% of drug costs. Ask for ジェネリック (generic) to save money.
- Get an お薬手帳 (medicine notebook) — free at any pharmacy. It tracks all prescriptions and catches drug interactions. Bring it to every appointment.
- Prescriptions expire in 4 days (including issue date). Don’t wait.
- Regular medication? Ask your doctor for a 90-day prescription (長期処方) to reduce clinic visits.
- Loxonin S and other strong OTC meds are Class 1 (第1類) — behind the counter. Ask the pharmacist.
What This Guide Covers
✅ You’ll be able to:
- Buy the right OTC medicine for common traveler ailments
- Fill a prescription at a Japanese pharmacy
- Understand Japan’s 3-tier OTC medicine classification
- Get tax-free discounts at drugstores
- Navigate a pharmacy without speaking Japanese
⏱️ Time: Drugstore purchase: 5 minutes. Prescription fill: 10–20 minutes.
💰 Cost: OTC medicine ¥500–¥2,000. Prescription with insurance: 30% of drug cost.
⚠️ Watch out for:
- Prescription expires in 4 days — don’t procrastinate
- Loxonin S requires pharmacist consultation (you can’t just grab it)
- Codeine and pseudoephedrine have stricter rules than in your home country
Drugstore vs Prescription Pharmacy: Two Different Places
This confuses almost every foreigner. Japan has two types of places that sell medicine, and they serve completely different purposes:
| Drugstore (ドラッグストア) | Prescription Pharmacy (調剤薬局) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Retail store. Think CVS/Boots mixed with a cosmetics shop. | Small pharmacy, usually next to a clinic or hospital. |
| What it sells | OTC medicine, cosmetics, snacks, drinks, household items | Prescription medicine only (plus some OTC) |
| Prescription needed? | No (for OTC items) | Yes |
| Examples | Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, Tsuruha, Sundrug, Cocokara Fine | The small 「薬局」 next to your clinic |
| Tax-free? | Yes (at tourist locations, ¥5,000+ purchase) | No |
| Hours | 9:00–22:00 (some 24/7) | Usually 9:00–18:00, closed Sundays |
Rule of thumb: For a headache, cold, or stomach trouble → drugstore. For medicine a doctor prescribed → prescription pharmacy (薬局).
OTC Medicine: What to Buy for Common Problems
Japan’s OTC Medicine Classification
Japan classifies OTC medicines into 3 categories based on risk. This matters because you can’t just grab everything off the shelf:
| Category | Risk Level | How to Buy | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 第1類 (Class 1) | Highest risk OTC | Must consult pharmacist. Behind the counter. | Loxonin S, Gaster 10, some allergy meds |
| 第2類 (Class 2) | Moderate risk | On the shelf, but pharmacist will explain if asked. | Bufferin, Pabron, Eve A |
| 第3類 (Class 3) | Lowest risk | Grab and go. No consultation needed. | Vitamin supplements, eye drops, throat lozenges |
The catch with Class 1: You’ll see an empty box on the shelf. Take it to the counter, and the pharmacist will give you the actual medicine after a brief consultation. If no pharmacist is on duty (some drugstores in late hours), they cannot sell Class 1 items. Look for the 「薬剤師常駐」 sign.
The Tourist Medicine Kit: What to Buy
| Problem | Medicine | Japanese Name | Category | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headache/pain | Loxonin S | ロキソニンS | Class 1 | ~¥700 | Japan’s most popular painkiller. Ask at counter. |
| Headache (milder) | Bufferin A | バファリンA | Class 2 | ~¥600 | Aspirin-based. On the shelf. |
| Headache (ibuprofen) | Eve A | イブA | Class 2 | ~¥600 | Ibuprofen-based. On the shelf. |
| Cold/flu | Pabron Gold A | パブロンゴールドA | Class 2 | ~¥1,500 | All-in-one cold medicine. Very popular. |
| Stomach ache | Ohta’s Isan | 太田胃散 | Class 2 | ~¥700 | Powder form. Classic Japanese stomach remedy. |
| Diarrhea | Seirogan | 正露丸 | Class 2 | ~¥800 | Strong herbal remedy. Distinctive smell. Works. |
| Allergies | Allegra FX | アレグラFX | Class 1 | ~¥1,400 | Same as US Allegra. Ask at counter. |
| Muscle pain | Salonpas | サロンパス | Class 3 | ~¥500 | Pain relief patches. Grab and go. |
| Sore throat | Lulu Throat Lozenges | ルルのどスプレー | Class 3 | ~¥600 | Spray or lozenges. |
| Eye drops | Sante FX Neo | サンテFX ネオ | Class 2 | ~¥500 | Cooling eye drops. Very refreshing. |
How to Ask for Medicine (Without Speaking Japanese)
Method 1: Point at it. Walk to the medicine section and point at the box. Staff will nod and ring it up. For Class 1 items (empty boxes on shelf), take the box to the pharmacist counter.
Method 2: Describe your symptom. Point to where it hurts and say:
「ここが痛いです」(Koko ga itai desu — It hurts here) 「頭が痛いです」(Atama ga itai desu — Headache) 「お腹が痛いです」(Onaka ga itai desu — Stomach ache) 「熱があります」(Netsu ga arimasu — I have a fever) 「風邪です」(Kaze desu — I have a cold)
The pharmacist will walk you to the right medicine.
Method 3: Show the English name on your phone. Type “ibuprofen” or “antihistamine” into Google Translate (English → Japanese) and show it to the pharmacist. They’ll find the equivalent.
Filling a Prescription: Step by Step
After seeing a doctor in Japan, you don’t get medicine at the clinic. You get a piece of paper (処方箋, shohousen) and take it to a pharmacy.
The Process
Step 1: Leave the clinic with your prescription paper.
Step 2: Walk to the nearest pharmacy (薬局). There’s almost always one within 30 seconds of any clinic — look for the green cross or 「薬局」 sign.
Step 3: Hand over:
- The prescription (処方箋)
- Your insurance card (保険証) — if you have one
Step 4: The pharmacist will say:
「お薬手帳はお持ちですか？」 (Okusuri techō wa omochi desu ka? — Do you have a medicine notebook?)
If you don’t have one, say: 「ありません」(Arimasen — No, I don’t). They’ll give you a free one.
Step 5: Wait 10–20 minutes. The pharmacist prepares your medicine.
Step 6: The pharmacist explains dosage:
「1日3回、食後に飲んでください」 (Ichinichi san-kai, shokugo ni nonde kudasai — Take 3 times a day, after meals)
Common dosage instructions:
| Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1日1回 | Once a day |
| 1日2回 | Twice a day |
| 1日3回 | Three times a day |
| 食前 | Before meals |
| 食後 | After meals |
| 寝る前 | Before bed |
| 1回1錠 | 1 tablet per dose |
| 1回2錠 | 2 tablets per dose |
Step 7: Pay. With insurance: 30% of the drug cost. Without insurance: full price.
The 4-Day Rule
Prescriptions expire 4 days after issue (including the day of issue). Get a prescription on Monday? It expires Thursday. Miss the deadline? You’ll need a new clinic visit and a new prescription. Don’t put it off.
Save Money: Ask for Generics
Say this at the pharmacy counter:
「ジェネリックでお願いします」 (Jenerikku de onegai shimasu — Generic, please)
Generic drugs (後発医薬品) are 30–80% cheaper than brand-name drugs and equally effective. The pharmacist must legally offer them if available.
The Pitfall: Medicine You Can’t Buy in Japan
Some medicines that are available OTC in your home country require a prescription or are banned in Japan:
| Medicine | Status in Japan | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Adderall, Ritalin (ADHD) | Banned. Amphetamine/methylphenidate are controlled. | Leave at home. Consult your doctor for alternatives before traveling. |
| Codeine (strong) | Prescription only | Available in some OTC cold meds in tiny doses, but strong codeine needs a prescription. |
| Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) | Restricted | Available in very low doses in some cold meds. High-dose Sudafed doesn’t exist OTC in Japan. |
| Melatonin | Not sold OTC | Bring from home (personal use, reasonable quantity is OK). |
| Birth control pill | Prescription only | See a gynecologist in Japan. Not available at drugstores. |
| Ibuprofen (high dose 400mg+) | Prescription only | OTC ibuprofen in Japan is lower dose (150–200mg). For higher dose, see a doctor. |
If you take regular prescription medication: Bring enough supply for your trip, plus a letter from your doctor in English stating the medication name (generic), dosage, and reason. Check Japan’s MHLW Controlled Substances List before traveling.
Tax-Free Shopping at Drugstores
Major drugstore chains offer tax-free shopping (消費税10% off) for tourists:
Requirements:
- Non-resident status (tourist visa)
- Passport (they’ll attach a record to it)
- Minimum purchase: ¥5,000 (excluding tax) in one store, one visit
- Note: Starting November 2026, Japan’s tax-free system changes to a refund-at-departure model. Until then, the current at-register exemption applies.
Drugstores with tax-free counters in tourist areas:
| Chain | Locations | Tax-Free? | English Staff? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matsumoto Kiyoshi | Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, Asakusa | Yes | Yes (tourist stores) |
| Welcia | Nationwide (3,000+ stores) | Some locations | Limited |
| Tsuruha | Nationwide | Some locations | Limited |
| Sundrug | Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno | Yes | Some stores |
| Cocokara Fine | Major stations | Some locations | Limited |
| Don Quijote | Tourist hotspots | Yes | Yes |
Pro tip: Matsumoto Kiyoshi in Shibuya Center-gai and Shinjuku Kabukicho are the most tourist-friendly — multilingual staff, English product labels, and tax-free counters. They also offer additional coupon discounts (3–7% off) if you show the coupon from their website or tourist apps.
What to stock up on: Japanese sunscreen (Anessa, Biore UV), sheet masks (LuLuLun), lip balm (Mentholatum), Salonpas patches, eye drops (Rohto). These are significantly cheaper than back home.
The Okusuri Techo: Your Free Medicine Tracker
The お薬手帳 (Okusuri Techō, medicine notebook) is a free booklet you get at any pharmacy. Every time you fill a prescription, the pharmacist adds a sticker with:
- Drug name
- Dosage
- Date prescribed
- Prescribing doctor
Why it matters:
- Prevents dangerous drug interactions
- Useful in emergencies (doctors can see your medication history instantly)
- Required for accurate prescriptions if you switch clinics
- Saves you money: Having an okusuri techo and using the same pharmacy earns a small discount on dispensing fees.
Get one on your first pharmacy visit. If you forget it, the pharmacist still fills your prescription — they’ll give you stickers to paste in later.
When Things Don’t Work Out
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy says "no pharmacist on duty" | Late hours. Some drugstores keep selling Class 2/3 but can't sell Class 1 without a pharmacist. | Come back during business hours (9:00–18:00), or find a larger drugstore with 「薬剤師常駐」 sign. |
| Prescription expired (past 4 days) | You waited too long | Go back to the clinic for a new prescription. You'll pay the consultation fee again. |
| Can't find your home medication | Brand names differ between countries | Show the generic (chemical) name to the pharmacist. Google Translate works. Or visit an English-speaking clinic — the doctor can prescribe the Japanese equivalent. |
| Medicine is too expensive without insurance | Some prescribed drugs are costly at 100% price | Ask for ジェネリック (generic). Or ask the doctor for a cheaper alternative. Keep receipts for travel insurance claims. |
| Pharmacist doesn't understand English | Most pharmacists speak limited English | Use Google Translate camera mode to scan medicine boxes. Or show symptoms in Japanese on your phone. |
FAQ
Q: Can I buy antibiotics without a prescription in Japan?
A: No. Antibiotics require a prescription in Japan — no exceptions. This is different from some countries where antibiotics are available OTC. If you think you need antibiotics, you must see a doctor first.
Q: Is Tylenol/Paracetamol available in Japan?
A: Yes, but under different names. Look for Calonal (カロナール) at a pharmacy, or Tylenol A (タイレノールA) at drugstores. The active ingredient is acetaminophen (アセトアミノフェン), same as Tylenol/Paracetamol. Class 2 — on the shelf.
Q: Can I bring my own prescription medication into Japan?
A: Yes, for personal use — up to 1 month’s supply without special permission, up to 2 months’ supply with a Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate from MHLW). Some substances are completely banned (amphetamines, certain opioids). Check the MHLW website before you travel. Carry a doctor’s letter in English.
Q: Are drugstores open late?
A: Most chain drugstores close at 21:00–22:00. Some Welcia and Don Quijote locations are open 24 hours. Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) sell very basic medicine (band-aids, throat lozenges, mild cold medicine) 24/7 — but the selection is limited.
Q: How do I ask the pharmacist to recommend something?
A: Point to where it hurts and say:
「おすすめの薬はありますか？」 (Osusume no kusuri wa arimasu ka? — Do you recommend any medicine?)
Or simply:
「風邪の薬をください」 (Kaze no kusuri o kudasai — Cold medicine, please) 「頭痛薬をください」 (Zutsū-yaku o kudasai — Headache medicine, please) 「胃薬をください」 (Igusuri o kudasai — Stomach medicine, please)
Related Guides
- How to Find an English-Speaking Hospital — Finding a doctor and making appointments
- How to Visit a Hospital as a Tourist — The full hospital visit process
- How to Handle Emergencies — Emergency numbers and disaster preparedness
- Payment Methods in Japan — How to pay at pharmacies and drugstores
- Trouble Response Hub — Central guide for all trouble situations