Buying medicines in a foreign country can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with unfamiliar brands, language barriers, and different regulations. For foreigners living or traveling in Japan, knowing how and where to buy both over-the-counter and prescription medications is essential for maintaining your health.
Here's what you need to know to buy medicines during your time in Japan.
Type of Medicine
In Japan, medicines are categorized into three classes based on their regulation and the level of risk associated with their use:
Class 1 Medicines (第一類医薬品, Daiichi-rui Iyaku-hin)
These are the most strictly regulated over-the-counter (OTC) medicines due to their potential for causing side effects or interactions. Class 1 medicines include strong pain relievers and medications with significant side effects. They can only be sold at pharmacies and require a pharmacist’s guidance. These medicines are usually kept behind the counter. To purchase them, people typically take an empty box from the shelves and exchange it at the counter when paying.
Medicines in a pharmacy
Class 2 Medicines (第二類医薬品, Dainii-rui Iyaku-hin)
Class 2 medicines are less strictly regulated than Class 1 but still require careful usage. They include pain and fever medications with lower risk compared to Class 1, some allergy medicines like common antihistamines, and digestive aids. These medicines can be purchased at drugstores with or without pharmacist consultation. They are generally more accessible but still come with usage instructions to follow.
Class 3 Medicines (第三類医薬品, Daisan-rui Iyaku-hin)
Class 3 medicines are the least regulated of the OTC categories. They include common pain and fever reducers, cold medicines, and similar products. Class 3 medicines are readily available at drugstores, and you can simply buy them. They are generally safe for use with minimal risk.
Where to Buy Medicines in Japan?
Where to buy your medicine depends on what type of medication you need. You can buy medicines at either a drugstore (kusuriya 薬屋) or a pharmacy (yakkyoku 薬局). Drugstores are more like general stores, offering over-the-counter medicines and health products, while pharmacies focus on providing prescribed medications with the help of licensed pharmacists.
1. Over-the-Counter Medicines
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in Japan are medications that you can buy without a prescription from a doctor. These are commonly available at drugstores (kusuriya 薬屋) and cover a variety of minor health issues, such as colds, headaches, allergies, stomachaches, and general pain relief. Popular OTC products include painkillers like acetaminophen, cold medicines, digestive aids, and anti-allergy medications.
However, it’s important to note that many OTC medicines in Japan tend to have milder formulas compared to those in some other countries. If you're used to stronger medication, you may find that Japanese versions are less potent.
In many cases, OTC medicines have labels written in Japanese, so if you're unsure, it’s a good idea to ask for assistance. Drugstore staff can often help you find the right medicine based on your symptoms, though language barriers can sometimes be a challenge. Using a translation app or preparing a description of your symptoms in Japanese can make the process smoother.
2. Prescription Medicines
If you need prescription medications in Japan, the process starts with visiting a clinic or hospital, as foreign prescriptions are not accepted in Japanese pharmacies. After receiving your prescription, you take it to a pharmacy (yakkyoku 薬局) to have it filled. Doctors typically write prescriptions for short periods, often one to three months, which means you’ll need regular checkups to renew your prescription.
Pharmacy stores sign
It’s also important to note that prescriptions in Japan come with an expiration date, typically valid for only 4 days to a week. You must bring the prescription to the pharmacy before it expires; otherwise, you'll need to visit the doctor again to get a new one. This system ensures that medications are dispensed in a timely manner, but it also means you'll need to act quickly once you receive the prescription.
In Japan, pharmacies are often standalone establishments separate from hospitals or clinics, although they are typically located nearby. It's also common to find pharmacies and drugstores located in the same building or shopping area. Many large drugstore chains combine both functions, offering a range of over-the-counter medicines, health products, and pharmacy services all in one place. For example, Matsumoto Kiyoshi (マツモトキヨシ) and Welcia (ウエルシア). When you visit a pharmacy, they will often provide you with a notebook or booklet called Okusuri Techou (お薬手帳) to help you record your medications. Be sure to bring it with you each time you buy medicine.
3. Online and Delivery Services
Japan is also adapting to modern needs with online pharmacies and medicine delivery services. While still less common than in some countries, these services are available in major cities. You can order basic OTC items online and have them delivered to your door. However, prescription medications usually require an in-person visit to the doctor and pharmacist.
Cost of Medicines
Class 1 medicines are the most expensive due to their strict regulations and potential side effects, costing between ¥1,000 and ¥3,000 (about $7 to $20) per package. Class 2 medicines are more reasonably priced, while Class 3 medicines are the most affordable. Generic medicines are generally less expensive than branded ones because they are produced after the original patent expires and don't involve the same level of marketing and development costs. When you receive a prescription, the pharmacist may offer you the choice between a generic and a branded version of the medication, depending on availability and your preferences.
National Health Insurance Card
For residents enrolled in Japan's National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken), prescription costs are significantly reduced. The insurance typically covers 70% of the cost, so you only need to pay 30% of the total amount at the pharmacy. To benefit from this, make sure to present your health insurance card when purchasing your medications. Without it, you may have to pay the full price.
Bringing Medications from Overseas to Japan
If you're bringing medications from your home country, especially for long-term use, be aware that Japan has strict rules on certain drugs. Medications containing pseudoephedrine (often found in cold medicines) or strong painkillers like codeine are restricted. If you need to bring in more than one month's supply of medicine or controlled substances, you may need to apply for an Import Confirmation Certificate (輸入確認書, Yunyu Kakunin-sho) in advance. Here’s the full explanation from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
Buying medicines in Japan as a resident becomes straightforward once you know the system. With access to high-quality healthcare, affordable prescriptions, and a range of OTC medicines, Japan provides a safe and efficient way to manage your health.
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