Japan – Prescriptions and Medications

What are pharmacies called in Japan, and how do I recognise one?

Knowing the difference between Japan’s two main types of medicine outlet will save you confusion from the outset. The Japanese word for pharmacy is yakkyoku (薬局). What many people abroad picture when they think of a pharmacy — a large shop stocking a broad assortment of health and beauty products — is more likely to be a druggu sutoa (ドラッグストア), the Japanese term for a drugstore.

Dispensing pharmacies (yakkyoku/調剤薬局) may operate independently or be situated close to clinics and hospitals. They fill prescriptions and typically stock some OTC products as well. Drugstores (druggu sutoa/ドラッグストア) are large retail chains carrying cosmetics, toiletries, household goods, and a wide selection of over-the-counter medicines arranged in clearly labelled sections.

An important feature of the Japanese system is that hospitals and clinics do not dispense medication directly. Once you have been seen by a doctor, you will be handed a written prescription — known as a shohousen (処方箋) — which you take to any yakkyoku of your choice.

When searching for a dispensing pharmacy on the street, look out for the kanji 調剤 (chōzai) or 薬局 (yakkyoku) on the signage; these establishments are typically found in the vicinity of hospitals and clinics. Pharmacists at these outlets are qualified healthcare professionals who can advise on dosages and flag potential drug interactions.

Because the core function of a dispensing pharmacy is fulfilling prescriptions, the layout differs noticeably from a drugstore. Expect a reception desk for presenting prescriptions and insurance cards, followed by a separate counter where you collect your medication and settle your payment.

Among the most recognisable drugstore chains across Japan is Matsumoto Kiyoshi, instantly identified by its vivid yellow fascia — it is the country’s largest drugstore brand and has branches throughout every major city. Other prominent chains include Welcia, Tsuruha, and Sundrug.

What are pharmacy opening hours in Japan?

Opening hours differ considerably depending on the type of outlet and the city or region. As a general principle, dispensing pharmacies tend to keep shorter hours than the large drugstore chains.

Dispensing pharmacies (yakkyoku) commonly operate on weekdays from around 9:00 to 18:00, with weekend hours that vary according to the clinic they serve. In greater Tokyo, many pharmacies are open from early morning through to late evening, and a number of hospital pharmacies operate around the clock for prescription fulfilment.

A handful of 24-hour pharmacies exist in the largest metropolitan areas, though even some 24-hour drugstores may restrict access to their pharmacy shelves or dispensing windows during certain overnight hours. Certain Welcia branches provide round-the-clock service, including prescription dispensing throughout the day.

Away from major cities, hours become less reliable. In regional and rural areas, late-night options are sparse, and some smaller standalone pharmacies close on Sundays and public holidays. If you need medication outside normal hours in such areas, your best course of action is to contact the emergency department of a local hospital.

To track down an after-hours or on-call pharmacy, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) emergency information page offers guidance in several languages. Local municipal offices and prefectural health authority websites also frequently publish lists of duty pharmacies for their areas.

Which medications can I buy over the counter in Japan, and which require a prescription?

Japan operates a risk-based classification framework for medicines that may differ considerably from what you are accustomed to in other countries. Getting to know this framework will prevent unwelcome surprises at the pharmacy counter.

Both dispensing pharmacies and drugstores follow legally defined sales rules under the risk-based OTC classification managed by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). Certain products may only be sold by a licensed pharmacist, while lower-risk items can be handled by a registered salesperson following basic guidance. The MHLW maintains the official categorisation and governs the corresponding sales requirements.

A broad range of over-the-counter medicines is readily available, covering pain relief, cold and flu treatment, allergy relief, and digestive complaints. Recognisable Japanese OTC brands include Loxonin (an ibuprofen-class painkiller), Bufferin, Paburon for colds and flu, and Claritin for allergies. Allegra FX, a non-drowsy antihistamine, is also sold without prescription in Japan.

However, a number of medicines that can be bought without a prescription in many other countries require a doctor’s authorisation in Japan. Antibiotics are strictly prescription-only — it is not permitted to purchase them over the counter, and you will need to consult a doctor. Hormonal contraceptives and certain sleep aids also fall into the prescription-required category.

Some products occupy an intermediate status as “Drugs Requiring Guidance” — typically medicines recently transitioned from prescription to OTC status — and must still be dispensed in person by a pharmacist. The Supreme Court upheld this requirement in 2021.

The government has been progressively expanding the range of products available for purchase online while maintaining safety standards. Once you know the Japanese product name, reordering familiar OTC items through licensed Japanese websites is often straightforward. Always use regulated Japanese platforms rather than unverified overseas pharmacies. Prescription medicines cannot be purchased online without a valid Japanese prescription.

One notable recent development: following a limited pharmacy pilot launched in November 2023, Japan approved over-the-counter sales of levonorgestrel emergency contraception (NorLevo) in October 2025. Purchases require on-the-spot counselling from a pharmacist but no doctor’s prescription.

How does the prescription system work in Japan?

Japan’s prescription model has certain distinctive characteristics that set it apart from other universal healthcare systems. Among the most significant for newcomers is understanding where and how medication is actually dispensed.

Hospitals and clinics in Japan do not hand out medication on the premises. After receiving a diagnosis, you are given a written prescription — the shohousen (処方箋) — which you may take to any pharmacy you choose. This deliberate separation of prescribing from dispensing is built into the system as a safeguard to improve both safety and transparency.

Prescriptions can be issued by general practitioners at local clinics (known as naika) as well as by specialists at hospitals. For routine medications, your clinic doctor will usually prescribe directly; more complex conditions may involve referral to a hospital specialist.

One feature that surprises many arrivals is the short validity window of Japanese prescriptions. A shohousen is valid for only 4 calendar days from the date it is issued, including the day of issue itself. This is far shorter than, for instance, the 28-day validity common in the UK or the multi-month prescriptions available in some other countries. Repeat prescriptions in the conventional sense are not a standard feature of the system — patients are generally expected to revisit their doctor at regular intervals to maintain their medication supply.

A particularly useful tool is the okusuri techo (お薬手帳) — a small booklet in which pharmacists record your complete medication history. Pharmacies will provide one free of charge if you do not already have one. Keeping this document current is strongly advisable, particularly if you see multiple doctors, as it allows healthcare providers to identify and avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions.

As part of a wider healthcare digitalisation initiative, Japan is working toward electronic prescriptions, but paper prescriptions remain the norm in most clinical settings as of 2025. Check with your clinic or hospital for the latest arrangements in your area.

How much do prescriptions and medications cost in Japan?

Rather than charging a flat dispensing fee as some systems do — such as the fixed NHS prescription charge in England — Japan’s model requires patients to pay a set proportion of the total medication cost, with public health insurance covering the rest.

As of 2025, the standard co-payment is 30% for adults aged 6–69, 20% for seniors aged 70–74, and 10% for those aged 75 and over. To illustrate: a pharmacy bill of ¥10,000 would result in a ¥3,000 out-of-pocket payment for a working-age adult, with the insurer covering the remaining ¥7,000.

Prescription drugs supplied as medical-use pharmaceuticals are listed in the National Health Insurance (NHI) Drug Price Standard, making them eligible for reimbursement under public insurance. Fees for medical services and medicines at virtually all providers are governed by a national fee schedule, which the MHLW revises every two years. Drug prices specifically are reviewed on an annual basis.

Japan also has a high-cost medical expense benefit scheme (kōgaku ryōyō-hi) that places an income-linked ceiling on monthly out-of-pocket expenditure. This mechanism protects patients facing expensive or prolonged treatments from catastrophic personal costs. The relevant thresholds are reviewed periodically — consult the MHLW website for current figures, as income brackets and caps are subject to revision.

Residents in Japan may also claim a special income-tax deduction on eligible OTC purchases, provided they have completed certain preventive health activities during the year — such as attending a medical check-up — and have purchased items bearing the official designation or containing listed active ingredients. This programme was extended and broadened under recent reforms, and the MHLW publishes monthly updated product lists.

Without public health insurance coverage, all medication must be paid for at full market price. OTC products at drugstores are commercially priced and range from a few hundred yen for basic items to several thousand yen for more specialised products. Always verify the latest co-payment rates and expenditure caps through the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Will my home-country prescription be accepted in Japan?

This is perhaps the single most important point for any expat to absorb before relocating: Japan does not recognise or accept foreign prescriptions.

Japanese pharmacies will only dispense medication against a prescription written by a licensed doctor practising in Japan. A prescription from your home country cannot be used directly at a pharmacy, though it can serve as a valuable reference document when consulting a Japanese doctor about your existing treatment.

If your prescription needs exceed what you are able to bring with you, you will need to register with a local healthcare provider promptly. It is advisable to discuss this with your home-country doctor in advance if it affects an ongoing course of treatment.

There is no requirement to have a foreign prescription officially translated or countersigned before showing it to a Japanese doctor — it is intended purely as background information, not as a legal document. That said, bringing a translated summary of your medical history and current medications, ideally listing generic ingredient names alongside any brand names, will make your first consultation considerably more straightforward.

It is also worth being aware that while many prescription drugs are obtainable in Japan, they may not be identical in formulation to products you have previously taken elsewhere. A Japanese doctor may prescribe a medication to address the same condition, but it may behave differently from what you were used to. Discussing this openly and honestly with your new doctor is important.

If you are moving with a chronic condition requiring ongoing medication, aim to schedule your first appointment with a local doctor or clinic as early as possible after arrival, and bring enough of your current medication to cover the intervening period. International clinics in major cities often have staff experienced in coordinating with overseas healthcare providers.

Can I bring my medications into Japan?

Japan’s rules governing the personal importation of medicines rank among the strictest anywhere in the world, and non-compliance can carry serious legal consequences. Thoroughly researching your specific medication well before you travel is essential.

1. Check what category your medication falls into. Importing medication into Japan is subject to control by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law and the Customs Law, and is regulated by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Categories range from freely permitted OTC medicines to fully banned substances.
2. Know the standard personal import limits. For prescription drugs, poisons, and deadly poisons, you may bring up to a one-month supply. Injectable drugs and syringes (pre-filled or self-injection kits only) are also limited to a one-month supply. For OTC (non-prescription) medicines and quasi-drugs, you may bring up to two months’ supply for personal use without a certificate.
3. Apply for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho if needed. If the type or quantity of medication you intend to bring exceeds the standard limits, you must obtain a Yunyu Kakunin-sho — an official import certificate — before departing for Japan. This certificate must be presented to customs officers upon arrival. Applications can be submitted through the MHLW’s online system, which has been available since February 2023.
4. Apply in advance for narcotics. If your prescription medication involves narcotics — such as morphine, codeine, oxycodone, pethidine, or hydrocodone — you must seek advance permission from one of Japan’s eight Regional Bureaus of Health and Welfare, submitting an import application and supporting documentation at least 14 days before travelling.
5. Be aware of completely prohibited substances. Opium, cannabis, and stimulant drugs (including amphetamines and methamphetamines), including certain medicines for the treatment of ADHD such as Adderall and Dexedrine, are strictly prohibited and illegal to bring into Japan. Travellers face prosecution if found in possession of these, even if they hold a foreign prescription or a customs declaration form — there are no exceptions.
6. Prepare your documentation. Carry a copy of your prescription and a written explanatory note from your doctor alongside your medication. Keep all medicines in their original packaging — do not transfer them to unmarked containers or bottles labelled for a different product.
7. Double-check common ingredients. Even an everyday cold and flu tablet containing pseudoephedrine — available over the counter in many countries — may be subject to restriction in Japan. It is irrelevant whether you have a prescription or purchased the product legally in your home country; if the Japanese regulatory authorities classify an ingredient as a stimulant or precursor substance, it may be banned.

Always verify the current rules before travelling via the MHLW’s official guidance page for personal medicine import and the Narcotics Control Department, as regulations are subject to change.

How do expats access prescription medications through health insurance in Japan?

Japan maintains a universal public health insurance system, and most long-term residents — including the majority of foreign nationals — are obliged to enrol. Understanding how this system affects prescription costs is central to managing your healthcare expenses.

National Health Insurance (NHI) is compulsory for all residents in Japan, including foreign nationals. Private health insurance also exists but is not required, given that the NHI covers all recognised medical treatments. Benefits under public insurance encompass hospital care, primary and specialist consultations, mental health services, and prescription medicines. Beyond premiums, insured patients pay 30% coinsurance on most services along with certain co-payments — a structure that applies directly at the pharmacy when collecting a prescription, with the insurer settling the remaining 70% with the pharmacy.

Both NHI and employer-based health plans generally cover prescription drugs listed in the NHI Drug Price Standard. Employed workers are typically enrolled in their employer’s occupational scheme (Shakai Hoken), while the self-employed, freelancers, and anyone not covered through an employer join the National Health Insurance.

Japan’s high-cost medical expense system prevents monthly out-of-pocket spending on medical and pharmaceutical care from exceeding income-linked thresholds. The categories determining individual patient burdens are periodically refined to ensure that higher earners bear a proportionally greater share. Check the MHLW website for the current threshold figures, as these are reviewed from time to time.

Most overseas private insurance policies are not accepted directly by Japanese pharmacies or hospitals. If you are not enrolled in Japan’s public system, you will be expected to pay for all medication at the full unsubsidised price. If you hold an international private health insurance policy, review whether it covers reimbursement for medical expenses paid upfront abroad — some policies do allow retrospective claims.

For expats who are between jobs or at an early stage of settling in Japan, enrolling in NHI as quickly as possible at your local municipal office is strongly recommended. Any gap in coverage leaves you fully exposed to the unsubsidised cost of medications.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I run out of medication in Japan?

If you exhaust your supply of a prescription medicine, you will need to consult a licensed doctor in Japan to obtain a valid Japanese prescription. Pharmacies will not accept prescriptions from overseas. In urgent situations, a hospital emergency department can assess your needs and prescribe accordingly. International and English-speaking clinics in major cities are well placed to help you resolve the situation quickly. To avoid this scenario, register with a local GP as soon as you arrive and keep a sufficient stock of your medication at all times.

Are brand-name medications from my home country available in Japan?

Japan has a well-documented issue referred to as “drug loss,” whereby medicines that have received approval in other countries have not yet cleared Japan’s own approval processes and are therefore unavailable. Even where a medicine does exist in Japan, it may carry a different brand name or come in a different formulation. Always bring a list of the active generic ingredient names of your medicines — not merely the brand names — so that your Japanese doctor can identify the most suitable equivalent.

How do I find a pharmacist or doctor who speaks my language?

Tokyo, Osaka, and other major cities are home to clinics and some pharmacies with multilingual staff. International hospitals such as St. Luke’s International Hospital in Tokyo routinely employ English-speaking personnel. The JNTO’s guidance for visitors who fall ill aggregates useful hotline numbers and English-friendly medical search tools. In tourist-heavy areas, staff at large chains such as Matsumoto Kiyoshi often have a working knowledge of several languages. Translation apps can also be invaluable for deciphering Japanese product packaging and ingredient information.

What happens in a medical emergency — will I receive medication without a local prescription?

In a genuine emergency, hospital emergency departments across Japan will administer whatever treatment and medication your condition requires, irrespective of whether you possess a Japanese prescription. However, if you are not enrolled in public health insurance, you will be billed at the full unsubsidised rate. It is wise to keep your insurance card, passport, and any relevant allergy or medical history information readily accessible at all times.

Can I order medications online from an overseas pharmacy and have them shipped to Japan?

Importing medicines from abroad is governed by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law and the Customs Law, which aim to prevent health hazards arising from substandard or counterfeit products. Ordering prescription medicines from unregulated overseas pharmacies is not advisable and may be unlawful. Restrict your online purchases to licensed Japanese platforms. The same personal import quantity limits that apply to medicines carried in person also apply to items ordered online from overseas for OTC products.

Are generic medications available in Japan?

Yes. Japan has actively encouraged the uptake of generic medicines as part of healthcare cost-containment efforts, and generics are widely stocked at pharmacies throughout the country. Pharmacists are often able to suggest a generic substitute for a branded drug appearing on your prescription, which may lower your co-payment. It is worth asking your pharmacist or doctor about generic alternatives for any medications you take on a long-term basis.

Do I need to tell customs about medications I am carrying when I arrive in Japan?

When entering Japan, specific procedures apply depending on the nature and quantity of medicines in your possession, even where those medicines are for personal use only. If you are required to hold a Yunyu Kakunin-sho import certificate, this must be declared to customs officers on arrival. Even when the quantities you are carrying fall within the standard permitted limits, keeping your prescription and a letter from your doctor with your medication is strongly recommended.

Are there any special medication considerations for children or elderly expats in Japan?

Young children and older patients aged 70 and over benefit from reduced co-payment rates under Japan’s public health insurance system. As of 2025, the co-payment rate is 20% for those aged 70–74, and 10% for those aged 75 and over. Paediatric formulations of commonly used medicines may differ from those available in other countries, so it is worth discussing this with your child’s doctor. For older expats taking multiple medications simultaneously, keeping an up-to-date okusuri techo (medication booklet) is especially important, as it provides pharmacists and doctors with a complete overview of your medication history and helps prevent dangerous interactions.