Japan’s drugstores (ドラッグストア) are among the most useful shops in daily life — selling OTC medicines, cosmetics, daily supplies, food, and sometimes groceries. Understanding the difference between a pharmacy and a drugstore, and knowing what medicines are available without a prescription, helps new residents manage everyday health needs confidently.
Pharmacy (薬局) vs. Drugstore (ドラッグストア)
- Pharmacy (薬局 yakkyoku): A licensed facility with a registered pharmacist (薬剤師) who dispenses prescription medications and can advise on OTC drug selection. All pharmacies must have a pharmacist on duty during open hours. Prescription pickup happens here — bring your doctor’s prescription (処方箋).
- Drugstore (ドラッグストア): A larger retail format combining a pharmacy section (often with a pharmacist) with general retail — cosmetics, household items, food, and health products. Most major drugstore chains have pharmacists on duty and can fill prescriptions.
- Drug section without pharmacist (第2類・第3類医薬品コーナー): Some supermarkets and konbini have OTC medicine sections. These can sell lower-risk (class 2 and 3) OTC medicines but cannot fill prescriptions.
Major Drugstore Chains
- Matsumoto Kiyoshi (マツモトキヨシ / MatsuKiyo): Japan’s largest drugstore chain. Extensive range, strong cosmetics section, found nationwide in shopping areas and station buildings. App-based point card.
- Welcia (ウエルシア): Large format suburban stores, strong prescription pharmacy. Accepts T-Point.
- Tsuruha Drug (ツルハドラッグ): Major chain in eastern Japan and Hokkaido.
- Sundrug (サンドラッグ): Competitive pricing, strong in greater Tokyo.
- Cosmos Drug (コスモス薬品): Western Japan chain known for very competitive prices on daily goods.
- Kokumin Drug (コクミンドラッグ): Urban-focused, strong in central Osaka and Kyoto.
- AINZ&TULPE: Beauty and health-focused chain, popular in younger demographics.
Common OTC Medicines Available Without Prescription
Japan’s OTC medicine classification: Class 1 (第1類) requires pharmacist consultation; Class 2 (第2類) has a pharmacist available but no mandatory consultation; Class 3 (第3類) can be sold anywhere.
Commonly available OTC medicines:
- Pain relief / fever: Loxonin S (ロキソニンS) — loxoprofen, Japan’s most popular OTC NSAID. Bufferin (バファリン) — aspirin + antacid. Eve A (イブA) — ibuprofen. Note: Acetaminophen/paracetamol-only products are less common as standalone OTC; ask for アセトアミノフェン.
- Cold symptoms: PL granules (PLグラニュール), Contac Cold, Benza Block — combination cold/flu symptom relief.
- Antihistamines / hay fever: Allegra FX (フェキソフェナジン), Claritin, Zyrtec — all available OTC. Hay fever season demand makes these widely stocked February–April.
- Stomach / digestive: Seirogan (正露丸) — traditional Japanese stomach medicine (contains creosote). Ebios (エビオス) — probiotic tablets. Gaviscon and antacids available.
- Constipation / laxatives: Colac (コーラック), various fiber supplements.
- Eye drops: Japan has an exceptional range of OTC eye drops — Rohto and Sante brands are most visible. Ask the pharmacist for the right type for your need (dry eyes, allergies, fatigue).
- Skincare / dermatology OTC: Hydrocortisone creams (ステロイド外用薬, Class 2), antifungal creams, wound care.
What’s Different from Your Home Country
A few points that catch foreign residents off-guard:
- Ibuprofen dosing: Japanese OTC ibuprofen (Eve, etc.) is typically 150mg per tablet — lower than the 200mg standard in many countries. Follow Japanese package instructions.
- Codeine-containing medicines banned: Japan strictly controls codeine. Many cold medicines containing codeine that are OTC elsewhere are not available or are prescription-only here.
- Some medications are prohibited to bring into Japan: Stimulant medications including Adderall and some ADHD medications are illegal in Japan regardless of a foreign prescription. Certain allergy medicines, pseudoephedrine products, and some painkillers have restrictions. Check Japan Customs (customs.go.jp) before bringing any regular medications from abroad.
- Pharmacist consultation is genuinely helpful: Japanese pharmacists are highly trained and licensed. When selecting OTC medicine, asking the pharmacist directly (can show a translation of your symptoms) will get you the right product quickly.
Prescription Pickup Process
After a clinic visit, you receive a prescription (処方箋) valid for 4 days. Take it to any pharmacy (most pharmacies accept prescriptions from any clinic). Wait 15–30 minutes while the pharmacist prepares your medication. The pharmacist will explain how to take it — most now have multilingual explanation sheets or use translation tablets for foreign patients.
Drug availability, classification, and regulations are subject to change. Verify current availability with a pharmacist. Do not bring prescription medications from abroad without first checking Japan Customs regulations.