Articles
Short, specific answers to the medication and pharmacy problems people actually run into in Tokyo — from “can I bring this through customs?” to “my prescription expired over the weekend.”
98 articles across 5 topicsVerify specifics with official sourcesWritten for international residents & visitors
Bringing Medication to Japan
28 articlesADHD Medication in Japan: What's Legal, Limited, or BannedADHD medication in Japan follows four rules: Adderall is banned, methylphenidate caps at 2.16 g, Vyvanse needs NCD permission, Concerta is registration-only.
Bringing Antidepressants to Japan: What's Actually AllowedBringing antidepressants to Japan is generally fine under the 1-month import rule, but Prozac and citalopram aren't sold here. Here's what to check first.
Bringing Birth Control to Japan: What You Need to KnowBringing birth control to Japan is legal: a 1-month supply needs no paperwork, more requires an import certificate. Here's the exact rule to follow.
Bringing Insulin to Japan: What's Actually AllowedBringing insulin to Japan is legal: a 1-month supply in a pre-filled pen or syringe needs no paperwork, more requires an import certificate first.
Bringing Opioid Painkillers to Japan: What the Rules RequireBringing opioid painkillers to Japan means advance NCD permission at any quantity. What morphine, fentanyl, and oxycodone travelers must do before they fly.
Bringing Prescription Medication to Japan: What's AllowedBringing prescription medication to Japan is legal within limits: a 1-month supply needs no paperwork, more requires an import certificate or NCD permission.
Bringing Thyroid Medication to Japan: What You Need to KnowBringing thyroid medication to Japan is legal: a 1-month supply needs no paperwork. Line up a Japanese doctor early to keep the daily dose uninterrupted.
Bringing Vitamins to Japan: What's Allowed and What Isn'tBringing vitamins to Japan is legal within a 2-month supply, no paperwork needed - but some ingredients, like melatonin, count as medicine here.
Can You Bring Adderall to Japan? The Short Answer Is NoCan you bring Adderall to Japan? No. Amphetamines are banned under the Stimulants Control Act with no prescription exception. Here's why, and what to do.
Can You Bring Ambien to Japan? The Zolpidem Limit ExplainedYes, you can bring Ambien to Japan without a certificate if your total zolpidem is 300 mg or less — far below what most travelers assume. Here's the math.
Can You Bring Ativan to Japan? The Lorazepam Limit ExplainedYes, you can bring Ativan to Japan without a certificate if your total lorazepam is 90 mg or less. Here's how to calculate your dose and what to do above it.
Can You Bring Codeine to Japan? What the Rules RequireCan you bring codeine to Japan? Yes, but only with advance NCD permission at any quantity - and it hides in cough syrups and Tylenol with codeine too.
Can You Bring Klonopin to Japan? The Clonazepam LimitYes, you can bring Klonopin to Japan without a certificate if your total clonazepam is 180 mg or less. Here's the math and what to do above it.
Can You Bring Modafinil to Japan? The Provigil Rules ExplainedYes, you can bring modafinil to Japan — the no-certificate threshold is a generous 6 g total. Here's the limit and what to do if your supply runs over it.
Can You Bring Ozempic to Japan? The Injectable RuleBringing Ozempic to Japan is legal: a 1-month supply in the pre-filled pen travels with no certificate, more requires MHLW's import certificate first.
Can You Bring Ritalin to Japan? The Methylphenidate LimitYes, you can bring Ritalin to Japan without a certificate if your total methylphenidate is 2.16 g or less. Here's the math, and what to do above it.
Can You Bring Tramadol to Japan? The Rules ExplainedYes, you can bring tramadol to Japan — it's not classified as a narcotic, so the standard 1-month personal-import allowance applies, no certificate needed.
Can You Bring Valium to Japan? The Diazepam Limit ExplainedYes, you can bring Valium to Japan without a certificate if your total diazepam is 1.2 g or less. Here's how to calculate your dose and what to do above it.
Can You Bring Viagra to Japan? What the Rules Actually SayYes - you can bring Viagra to Japan. Sildenafil is treated as an ordinary prescription drug: a 1-month supply needs no certificate, more does.
Can You Bring Xanax to Japan? The Alprazolam Limit ExplainedYes, you can bring Xanax to Japan without a certificate if your total alprazolam is 72 mg or less. Here's how to calculate your dose and what to do above it.
Can You Mail Medication to Japan? What the Rules Actually SayCan you mail medication to Japan? Sometimes - but the same import rules apply as carrying it, and narcotics by mail are banned outright. Here's what works.
Can You Take Sudafed to Japan? The Pseudoephedrine RulesCan you take Sudafed to Japan? Pseudoephedrine is restricted above a low concentration, so Sudafed and -D allergy pills are flagged. Here's what's fine instead.
Is CBD Legal in Japan? The Zero-THC Rule ExplainedIs CBD legal in Japan? THC-free CBD isn't banned, but any THC is treated as cannabis. CBN was banned 1 June 2026. Here's how to stay legal at customs.
Is Vyvanse Legal in Japan? Bringing Lisdexamfetamine InIs Vyvanse legal in Japan? Yes, but as a stimulant raw material it needs NCD advance permission, a recent medical certificate, and you must carry it yourself.
Japan Psychotropic Medication Limits: The Full Threshold TableJapan psychotropic medication limits by drug: the full NCD threshold table for zolpidem, diazepam, alprazolam, and more, plus how to calculate your total.
Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Japan? The Short Answer Is NoMedical marijuana in Japan isn't legal, even with a foreign medical card - cannabis and any THC product are banned outright. Here's what to do.
Medications Banned in Japan: The Complete ListMedications banned in Japan include Adderall and other amphetamines, cannabis or CBD with any THC, and psilocybin, with no prescription exception at all.
Yakkan Shoumei: How to Get a Japan Medication Import CertificateHow to get a yakkan shoumei: who needs Japan's medication import certificate, the online application, bureau desks by airport, and the 14-day lead time.
At the Pharmacy
22 articlesCan You Buy Antibiotics Over the Counter in Japan?No - you can't buy antibiotics over the counter in Japan. They're prescription-only, full stop. Here's the fastest legitimate path to a same-day prescription.
Can I Take My Prescription to Any Pharmacy in Japan?Yes - any licensed dispensing pharmacy in Japan can fill your Japanese prescription. The clinic next door is convenience, not a requirement.
How to Buy OTC Medicine in Japan: The Risk-Class SystemOTC medicine in Japan is sold by risk class: Class 2 and 3 need no pharmacist, Guidance-Requiring and Class 1 do. Melatonin and Sudafed aren't OTC here.
Can Pharmacists Prescribe Medicine in Japan?Can pharmacists prescribe in Japan? No - by law they dispense and counsel, not diagnose. Here's what they can do instead, and how fast a doctor visit really is.
Electronic Prescriptions in Japan: What to Expect NowElectronic prescriptions in Japan (denshi shohosen) are rolling out gradually, but paper remains the everyday standard - here's what to expect at the counter.
How to Find an English-Speaking Pharmacy in TokyoThere's no comprehensive directory of English-speaking pharmacies in Tokyo. Filter TokyoPharmacies by verified language support to find one.
First Time at a Japanese Pharmacy: What to ExpectWhat to expect at a Japanese pharmacy on your first visit: the shohosen and insurance card, a first-visit questionnaire, the wait, counseling, and payment.
Can You Use a Foreign Prescription in Japan?You can't use a foreign prescription in Japan - pharmacists only fill a Japanese shohosen. See a doctor here instead, often within days, not weeks.
Forgot Your Insurance Card at the Pharmacy in Japan?Forgot your insurance card at the pharmacy in Japan? You pay full price on the spot, but reimbursement may be possible - ask your insurer and keep receipts.
Generic Drugs in Japan: Brand or Kohatsuhin at the CounterGeneric drugs in Japan (kohatsuhin) are priced lower than the brand-name original, so choosing generic usually means paying less out of pocket at the counter.
How to Fill a Prescription in Japan, Step by StepFilling a prescription in Japan means taking your paper shohosen to a dispensing pharmacy within 4 days, showing your insurance card, and paying the co-pay.
Japanese Pharmacy Phrases You Actually Need at the CounterThe Japanese pharmacy phrases you actually need: shohosen, chozai yakkyoku, okusuri techo, asking for a generic, and stating a drug allergy.
Kampo Medicine in Japan: Herbal Treatment Inside the SystemKampo medicine in Japan isn't fringe: doctors prescribe some formulations under insurance, drugstores sell others OTC. Here's what that means for you.
Is There a Late-Night Pharmacy in Tokyo That's Open?A true late night pharmacy tokyo that fills prescriptions is rare - most late-open shops sell OTC only. Filter by hours and know who to call after dark.
What to Do About a Medicine Shortage in JapanA medicine shortage in Japan, like the ongoing Concerta shortage, means calling your pharmacy first, then your doctor about alternatives - not going without.
What Is an Okusuri Techo, and Why Keep One in Japan?An okusuri techo is a free medication notebook, paper or app, that logs every prescription so any Japanese pharmacist can catch dangerous drug interactions.
Pharmacy vs. Drugstore in Japan: What Each One Actually DoesPharmacy vs drugstore in Japan: drugstores sell OTC medicine but often can't fill prescriptions. Look for a chozai yakkyoku with a 調剤 sign instead.
Can I Pick Up a Prescription for Someone Else in Japan?Yes, you can pick up a prescription for someone else in Japan, often a family member - bring the paper prescription, insurance details, and medication notebook.
How Prescription Refills in Japan Actually WorkPrescription refills in Japan didn't exist before April 2022. Now stable chronic conditions can get a rifiru shohosen reusable up to 3 times.
Prescription Expired in Japan? The 4-Day Rule ExplainedA prescription expired in Japan means the 4-day rule, which counts the issue day plus weekends and holidays. Here's what it means and how to get a re-issue.
How to Read Japanese Medicine Labels and InstructionsHow to read Japanese medicine labels: the key terms for dosage, timing, and form, plus the drug-information sheet every pharmacy hands you.
What Is a Shohosen? Japan's Paper Prescription ExplainedA shohosen is the paper prescription a Japanese doctor writes instead of handing over medicine - here's what it is, what's printed on it, and where it goes.
Costs & Insurance
14 articlesHow Much Does the Birth Control Pill Cost in Japan?Birth control cost in Japan is self-pay - insurance doesn't cover contraception. Here's the cost structure, plus the new OTC emergency contraception rule.
How Much Does a Doctor Visit Cost in Tokyo?How much does a doctor visit cost in Tokyo? On insurance, a first clinic visit typically runs 2,000-5,000 yen out of pocket - here's how the numbers work.
Health Insurance for International Students in JapanHealth insurance for international students in Japan means NHI, enrolled within 14 days - premiums are usually low, and pharmacy coverage is 70 percent.
Does Japanese Health Insurance Cover Prescriptions?Yes - Japanese health insurance covers 70 percent of prescription costs under both employee insurance and NHI. Here's enrollment, co-pays, and exclusions.
Do Tourists Have to Pay for Healthcare in Japan?Do tourists pay for healthcare in Japan? Yes - the full regulated price for the doctor visit and any medication, since universal insurance excludes visitors.
What Is Japan's High-Cost Medical Expense Benefit?Japan's high-cost medical expense benefit (kogaku ryoyohi) caps your monthly out-of-pocket for insured care, including costly medication, by income bracket.
What Happens If You're Late Enrolling in National Health Insurance?Late enrollment in National Health Insurance Japan doesn't save money - coverage backdates to your move-in date and you're back-billed for every missed month.
My Number Card at the Pharmacy: What to Show NowThe my number card pharmacy rule: tap a registered My Number Card at the reader, or show your Eligibility Confirmation Certificate if you don't have one.
Is Childbirth Covered by Health Insurance in Japan?Is childbirth covered by insurance in Japan? Normal delivery isn't, but a lump-sum payment offsets it, and pregnancy complications are covered as usual.
How Much Do Prescriptions Cost in Japan? Co-Pays ExplainedHow much do prescriptions cost in Japan? The drug price is government-set; you pay a co-pay, usually 30 percent, less for children and seniors.
Is It Cheaper to Get a Prescription in Japan or Buy OTC?Is it cheaper to get a prescription in Japan? For one cold-medicine box, OTC wins; for ongoing or costly care, the insured route usually costs less overall.
What Does a Prescription Cost Without Insurance in Japan?A prescription without insurance in Japan means paying 100 percent of the regulated price plus the full consultation fee - here's what that costs.
Shakai Hoken vs National Health Insurance: What's the Difference?Shakai hoken vs national health insurance: identical at the pharmacy counter. Real differences are enrollment, premiums, and what to do when you switch jobs.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Prescriptions in Japan?Does travel insurance cover prescriptions in Japan? It's policy-dependent, but you pay upfront at regulated prices - keep receipts and copies for any claim.
Finding Your Medication
20 articlesAccutane in Japan: Why Isotretinoin Isn't Sold HereAccutane in Japan isn't approved or sold - isotretinoin has no local source. Here's what mid-course patients should do, and what acne care in Japan looks like.
How Does ADHD Treatment Work in Japan for Foreigners?ADHD treatment in Japan means Concerta through a registration system, non-stimulants like Strattera, and tightly restricted Vyvanse - here's how it works.
Allergy Medicine in Japan: What Actually Works for KafunshoAllergy medicine in Japan: plain fexofenadine, loratadine, and cetirizine are fine to bring, but -D combo versions containing pseudoephedrine are not.
Antidepressants in Japan: What's Available and How to Get ThemAntidepressants in Japan are legal but the lineup is smaller than back home. Here's which SSRIs are sold here and how to find English-speaking psychiatry.
Getting Anxiety Medication in Japan: What to ExpectAnxiety medication in Japan comes from a psychiatrist or psychosomatic doctor case by case, with regular visits since psychotropics don't auto-refill.
How to Get an Asthma Inhaler in JapanAn asthma inhaler in Japan requires a prescription - there's no OTC route. See a doctor before you run low, bring your inhaler and an INN-name letter.
COVID and Flu Medicine in Japan: What to Buy, When to See a DoctorCOVID and flu medicine in Japan: antigen self-test kits and combination cold remedies are OTC at drugstores; antivirals need a clinic visit. Here's the plan.
Diabetes Care in Japan for Foreigners: What to ExpectDiabetes care in Japan for foreigners runs through national insurance: clinic visits, insulin and supplies at your co-pay rate, plus a cap on costly months.
Morning After Pill in Japan: Where to Get It Without a PrescriptionSince February 2026, the morning after pill in Japan is sold without a prescription, taken on-site with a pharmacist. Here's how to find a stocked pharmacy.
EpiPen in Japan: How to Get a Prescription or Bring Your OwnEpiPen in Japan is available by prescription through allergy specialists, and a needle-free option, neffy, was approved in September 2025.
How to Get Birth Control in Japan as a Foreign ResidentGetting birth control in Japan takes a prescription and self-pay - here's how to find an English-speaking gynecologist and get the pill filled without delay.
HRT in Japan: How Menopause Treatment Actually Works HereHRT in Japan is accessed through a gynecologist, not a pharmacy shelf - here's how the prescription process works and the import rules for bringing patches.
Getting an IUD in Japan: What It Involves and CostsIUDs in Japan are placed by gynecologists and billed as self-pay contraception, not covered by insurance. Here's how to find a provider and what to ask.
Melatonin in Japan: Is It Legal, and Where to Buy It?Melatonin in Japan isn't sold over the counter. Here's the legal way to bring your own supply, the import limits that apply, and doctor-led alternatives.
Migraine Medication in Japan: Triptans and OTC OptionsMigraine medication in Japan: triptan-class drugs need a prescription, while ibuprofen and acetaminophen cover milder attacks over the counter at any drugstore.
Is There a NyQuil Equivalent in Japan? What to Buy InsteadThere's no NyQuil equivalent in Japan under a matching brand - NyQuil itself is customs-flagged. Every drugstore sells combination cold medicine instead.
Ibuprofen in Japan: Where to Buy Painkillers OTCIbuprofen in Japan is sold over the counter at any drugstore, along with acetaminophen (Tylenol) - just search by ingredient since brand names differ.
Sleeping Pills in Japan: OTC Limits, Clinics, and Import RulesSleeping pills in Japan aren't on drugstore shelves - real options come from a clinic prescription, and bringing your own has strict import thresholds.
How to Get Viagra in Japan: The Clinic-to-Pharmacy RouteHow to get Viagra in Japan: sildenafil-class ED medication is prescription-only, filled via a clinic visit then a dispensing pharmacy - generally self-pay.
Weight Loss Medication in Japan: Ozempic, Wegovy, GLP-1Weight loss medication in Japan is prescription-only - GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are used here, but approved uses and coverage differ from home.
Getting Care in Tokyo
14 articlesWhere to Find an After-Hours Doctor in Tokyo TonightNeed an after hours doctor tokyo tonight? Call #7119 for triage, Himawari 03-5285-8181 for an English-capable clinic, or 119 if it's serious.
Is an Ambulance Free in Japan? Calling 119 ExplainedIs an ambulance free in Japan? Yes - calling 119 costs nothing. The hospital treatment afterward is billed normally: a co-pay if insured, full price if not.
How Does the Annual Health Checkup in Japan Work?Employers must provide an annual health checkup in Japan (kenko shindan); NHI members can get one through their ward. Here's what it covers and doesn't.
Clinic vs Hospital in Japan: Which One Should You Choose?Clinic vs hospital in Japan: start at a clinic - large hospitals add a 7,000+ yen fee without a referral letter (shokaijo), which costs only a few hundred yen.
How to Find an English-Speaking Dentist in TokyoAn english speaking dentist tokyo search starts with Himawari, JMIP, or your embassy's list - and basic dental care runs on the normal insurance co-pay.
How to Find an English-Speaking Doctor in TokyoFinding an english speaking doctor in Tokyo doesn't require a referral - go straight to a specialist via Himawari, JNTO, or JMIP hospitals, usually within days.
Declaring Medication at Japan Customs: What to ExpectDeclaring medication at Japan customs means hand luggage, the red channel, and your certificate plus prescription. Here's what actually happens at the airport.
I Lost My Medication in Japan - What Do I Do Now?Lost my medication in Japan? No foreign prescription or pharmacy can replace it - see a Japanese doctor today with any documentation you still have.
Medical Interpreter in Japan: The Free Tools That Actually WorkNeed a medical interpreter in Japan? AMDA, Himawari, and 119's built-in interpretation cover phone calls, hospital visits, and emergencies at no cost.
How to Find an English-Speaking Therapist in TokyoAn english speaking therapist tokyo search often mixes up two tracks - insurance-covered psychiatrists who prescribe, and self-pay counseling. Here's both.
Moving to Japan With Medication: Your Pre-Move ChecklistMoving to Japan with medication means checking each drug's legality, carrying enough supply, an import certificate if needed, and a doctor's letter.
What to Do When You Run Out of Medication in JapanRunning out of medication in Japan? A foreign prescription can't be filled here - see a Japanese doctor with your drug list in generic names.
Sick in Tokyo? What to Do and Who to Call for HelpSick in Tokyo and unsure what to do? Call #7119 for triage, 119 for emergencies with English interpretation, or Himawari for English-capable clinics.
Can You Bring Medication to Japan as a Tourist?Bringing medication to Japan as a tourist is allowed within strict limits - here's what you can pack, when you need a certificate, and what's banned outright.
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