Medication is a tricky subject for those coming to Japan. As someone who is knowledgeable about importing and buying medication in Japan, I can share some of my personal experiences on the subject.
But first…
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, immigration, or legal expert on the subject of medications/drugs. I take no responsibility for the accuracy of this information, and cannot be held liable for claims or losses. Please seek expert and legal advice regarding the importation of medications to Japan.
Importing Medication
“Many common medications and over-the-counter drugs in the United States are illegal in Japan. It does not matter if you have a valid U.S. prescription for a medicine/drug which is illegal in Japan: if you bring it with you, you risk arrest and detention by the Japanese authorities.“- US Embassy & Consulates in Japan
More information on Bringing Medications into Japan
You can bring some prescription medications with/without a Yakkan Shoumei. At most, you can bring one month’s supply without the certificate; however, you must have the certificate if you intend to bring more (one month) or important medication.
The turnaround time for the paperwork is relatively fast, but you will need to follow all the instructions carefully. (I recommend not going overboard with importing medication as it is very easy to find in Japan and very cheap. More information on the Yakkan Shoumei.
Whatever prescription or over-the-counter medication you decide to bring, always check whether it is legal to import to Japan!
It is very important to know what is and is not allowed in Japan.
Can I bring Tylenol into Japan?
Yes, you can! They even sell it over the counter. Like aspirin, these are not prohibited unless they have some extra powerful drug mixed with them like Pseudoephedrine (which is illegal!).
Most over-the-counter medicines are legal to bring into Japan such as Tylenol, Asprin, Claritin, Tums, Ibuprofen, Advil, and generic version.
However, medications such as Claritin D, which contains Pseudoephedrine, are strictly forbidden. I doubt you would be arrested for it if you were at the airport as long as it is its commercial packaging.
Illegal Drugs
Opioids, marijuana, certain narcotics, cannabis oils are especially forbidden! These types of drugs could land you in prison, deported, and/or never allowed reentry into Japan, ever again. Japan has some harsh laws on drugs.
Let’s be clear. You may think marijuana is ok because it is legal in your country or state, but not in Japan. Getting busted can lead to prison and career failure.
Hypothetical Situation: Say your best friend decides to mail you some THC-infused goods to your place abroad. Well, the police will find out through the postal service, and they will track you down to your place of residence for arrest, even if none of it was your fault.
There is no potential legalization of MJ insight in Japan. It is best to realize the strictness of Japanese laws before coming.
Buying Medication in Japan
Japan is great for buying medication(s)! You can get a similar, generic, or exact brand of the drug you want in Japan for a very affordable price.
“Drugstores”/ CVS type stores are everywhere in Japan; however, they do not offer prescription medications. These stores only offer over-the-counter medicines. They also offer skincare products, drinks, snacks, and household products.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication
A variety of OTC is available in Japan; some of these drugs are the exact same brands from your own country. Let’s look at Tylenol.
It’s the same drug, but the packaging is a bit different, and the amount is less. It also might cost slightly more than in your home country, but be happy it’s available and provides some English on and around the packaging.
Bufferin is a popular drug in Japan. It’s basically “Aspirin” (NSAID). This medicine also provides some English information. It’s very affordable.
Always be aware of what ingredients are in OTC. For example, I have asthma, so I would not want to accidentally take medicine with Asprin in it, as it would pose a health threat to me.
Many medicines in Japan now have some English information available, but it’s always best to ask your phone translator, consult the store pharmacist, or go to a doctor before buying anything. Japan is very strict on the medications sold, so don’t expect any OTC to contain strong ingredients.
Prescription Drugs
To get any prescription medication, you must consult with a physician. When you have prescribed a medication, you must pick it up at a Yakkyoku （薬局）/処方せん受付 (Shohousen uketsuke “prescribed medication”), which is always near the hospital or clinic that you went to for your doctor.
These buildings are abundant in Japan. They only prescribe medications to patients who visit the local clinic or hospital that they are associated with. Not many clinics or hospitals give out medication at their facilities.
To get medication from a physician, ensure you have a National Health Insurance (NHI) card. If you don’t have this card, you will have to pay full price for anything medical in Japan. The copay for all visits is 30%
Almost all medication comes prepacked in Japan. It’s unusual to get a pill bottle. Your local pharmacist at the location you received the medicine will explain how and when to take the prescribed medicine. Your doctor will also explain as well. You will also receive information on the ingredients used in the drugs. Some places offer English information.
Medications in Japan are super cheap! They are not expensive! For example, three months of my asthma medication with doctor’s appointments were always around $25 USD; however, in America, it’s 100 times that. For the most part, Japan has all the same modern medications from your home country.
Final Thoughts
Don’t be afraid to ask about medication to a pharmacist or doctor if you are in trouble. Japanese people are very willing and eager to assist you with your needs. Most doctors in Japan can speak some or are fluent in English because they studied abroad. You might be very surprised by the services offered and their affordability.
