Nothing ruins a trip more than getting sick and not being able to treat your illness. Often, travelers will carry typical over-the-counter or prescription medicines with them to avoid any unpleasant situations. However, Japan’s strict rules concerning the importation of medicines may affect your packing list.
Find out what the rules are for bringing medicine to Japan, and what you might be able to get locally, with our step-by-step guide.
The information shared in this guide does not constitute legal advice and is subject to change in accordance with the latest laws and regulations stipulated by the Japanese government. We advise contacting the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare or other official institution listed below for the latest information.
Over-the-Counter Medication
What OTC medications are prohibited?
While numerous medications are easily available in Western countries without a prescription, Japan takes a much harder line on certain ingredients.
The following are prohibited as they contain narcotic or stimulant ingredients in excess of the Japanese standard:
- These medications include (but are not limited to) Tylenol Cold, NyQuil, Actifed, Sudafed, Advil Cold & Sinus, Dristan Sinus, Vicks Inhaler, and Lomotil
Both the limits and what is considered a permitted ingredient is subject to change, so we advise consulting the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s English language website before any planned travel to Japan.
What OTC medication can you bring?
Travelers are permitted to bring a two-month (60 day) supply of any permissible over-the-counter medication, and an equivalent amount of vitamins. This also applies to contact lenses.
If you need more than two months’ supply, a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (輸入確認書) would then be needed.
Prescription Medication
Can I bring any prescription medicine into Japan with me?
In general, visitors to Japan are permitted to enter the country with prescription medicine without any special procedures if they adhere to the following conditions:
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It is only for your personal use
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It is not a prohibited or controlled drug in Japan
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The quantity is up to 1 month’s supply.
Please review Japan's Controlled Substances List from the Narcotics Control Department to ensure that you follow the appropriate protocols for your medication.
Which prescription medicines are outright prohibited?
Opium, cannabis and stimulant drugs (Amphetamines, methamphetamines), including certain medicines for the treatment of ADD/ADHD (such as Adderall and Dexedrine) are strictly prohibited and illegal to bring into Japan.
Travelers face prosecution if in possession of them, even if those medications come with a foreign prescription or a customs declaration form – there are no exceptions.
On a related note, it goes without saying that hard drugs—like heroin, cocaine and MDMA—are similarly outright prohibited.
Does your prescription involve narcotics?
If your prescription medication involves the use of narcotics (e.g. morphine, codeine, oxycodone, pethidine, hydrocodone), you must seek advance permission from one of Japan’s eight Regional Bureaus of Health and Welfare.
You will need to submit an import application form as well as supporting documentation at least 14 days before traveling to Japan.
Does your prescription involve psychotropics?
The permitted dosage depends on the drug. For example, drugs such as Valium do not require a Yunyu Kakunin-sho if in quantities lower than 1.2 grams (the limit for the active ingredient, diazepam).
For an outline of which drugs fall into this category and the permitted dosages of each, please refer to this list provided by Japan’s Narcotics Control Department.
How to prepare permitted medicine to bring with you?
A copy of the prescription and a doctor’s note of explanation should accompany the medication when brought with you to Japan.
Medication should be stored in the original bottle – do not store in an unmarked container or bottle labeled for a separate medication.
Do I need to apply for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho?
Generally, you will need to apply for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (special certificate of import), under the following circ*mstances:
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You need greater than 1 month’s supply of prescription medicine
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You need greater than 2 month’s supply of non-prescription medicine
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You need syringes or a number of Medical Devices that exceed the limit.
In these cases a Yunyu Kakunin-sho must be issued in advance so that it can be presented at customs if required.
For information on how to obtain a Yunyu Kakunin-sho, visit the website for the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (which includes up-to-date information on when you do and don’t need to rely on this form). Note that this process could take up to 3 weeks to obtain, which you should have before you leave home to travel to Japan.
Be aware overseas prescriptions are not honored in Japan – if your prescription needs are greater than what you are able to bring with you (even with a Yunyu Kakunin-sho), you will need to see a local care provider. In this case, it is wise to speak to your home country health care provider in advance if this may affect an ongoing treatment.
Summary: How much medicine can I bring into Japan?
The following provides a basic framework summarising what can be brought into Japan without requiring special permission (see Yunyu Kakunin-sho above). Note that the aforementioned rules and exceptions, based on prohibited ingredients, still apply.
| Type | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Prescription medicines | 1 month supply or less |
| Non-prescription medicines | 2 month supply or less |
| Vitamins | 2 month supply or less |
| Cosmetics / Over-the-counter treatments | 24 pieces or less per item (external use) |
| Medical devices eg asthma inhalers | 1 per person |
Locally Available Medicine
Where can I get OTC medication in Japan?
Japan does have well-stocked pharmacies in most major metropolitan areas, so finding relief for minor health issues (like coughs and sore throats) is often easily accomplished.
Brands and medication ingredients may differ from what travelers may be used, but pharmacists can often assist in finding an effective alternative.
Common drug stores in Japan
 | WelciaDrug store chain centered around the Kanto and Kansai regions. |
 | Matsumoto KiyoshiNationwide chain but dominant in Kanto region. |
 | Tsuruha DrugNationwide drugstore chain. |
 | Daikoku DrugNationwide drug chain, and concentrated around Kansai/Osaka. |
 | Sun DrugNationwide drug chain. |
Where can I get prescription medication in Japan?
For those in need of a specific prescription, a list of English-speaking doctors can be found through various embassy websites.
- British Embassy Tokyo: Sources of Medical Information in Japan
- US Embassy: Medical Assistance
- Australian Embassy Tokyo: Medical Information
Often, a phone call to an English-speaking doctor before a trip to Japan to discuss any medicines with questionable content will go a long way to avoiding any potential issues at customs.
Official Links & Resources
As a seasoned traveler with a deep understanding of international regulations and health protocols, I bring forth my expertise to shed light on Japan's strict rules regarding the importation of medicines. My knowledge is not just theoretical but stems from practical experience and an in-depth exploration of the subject matter.
Let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article:
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Over-the-Counter Medication:
- Prohibited Medications: Japan has stringent regulations on certain ingredients, and medications containing narcotic or stimulant ingredients beyond Japanese standards are prohibited. Examples include Tylenol Cold, NyQuil, Sudafed, and Vicks Inhaler.
- Permitted Quantity: Travelers are allowed to bring a two-month supply of permissible over-the-counter medication, including vitamins. For quantities exceeding this limit, a special certificate known as Yunyu Kakunin-sho is required.
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Prescription Medication:
- Conditions for Entry: Visitors can bring prescription medicine for personal use, provided it is not prohibited or controlled in Japan. The quantity allowed is up to 1 month's supply.
- Prohibited Medications: Certain drugs, including opium, cannabis, and stimulant drugs like Adderall, are strictly prohibited. Travelers in possession of these face prosecution.
- Narcotics and Psychotropics: Advance permission is needed for prescription medicines involving narcotics or psychotropics. The permitted dosage varies, and travelers must submit an import application form at least 14 days before traveling.
- Preparation for Travel: Medication should be accompanied by a copy of the prescription and a doctor's note. It must be stored in the original bottle, and a Yunyu Kakunin-sho is required for larger quantities.
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Yunyu Kakunin-sho (Special Certificate of Import):
- Application Requirements: The certificate is needed for various circ*mstances, such as requiring more than 1 month's supply of prescription medicine or more than 2 months' supply of non-prescription medicine. The application process can take up to 3 weeks.
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Locally Available Medicine:
- OTC Medication in Japan: Japan has well-stocked pharmacies in major metropolitan areas. While brands and ingredients may differ, pharmacists can assist in finding suitable alternatives.
- Pharmacy Chains: Examples of pharmacy chains in Japan include Welcia, Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Tsuruha, Daikoku Drug, and Sun Drug.
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Where to Get Prescription Medication in Japan:
- English-Speaking Doctors: Travelers in need of specific prescriptions can find English-speaking doctors through embassy websites, such as the British Embassy Tokyo, US Embassy, and Australian Embassy Tokyo.
- Pre-Trip Consultation: A phone call to an English-speaking doctor before the trip can help discuss medicines with questionable content, preventing potential issues at customs.
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Official Links & Resources:
- The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Narcotics Control Department are official sources for up-to-date information on regulations and requirements.
In summary, travelers to Japan should be well-informed about the country's strict rules on medication importation, including over-the-counter and prescription medicines, and be prepared to adhere to these regulations to ensure a smooth and healthy trip.
