Japan's Drug Store System
Japan has an excellent OTC (over-the-counter) pharmacy system. Most medications are available without a prescription, but the system has a few rules you should know.
OTC Drug Classes in Japan
Japanese OTC drugs are classified into three classes:
| Class | Japanese Name | Notes | |-------|--------------|-------| | Class 1 | 第1類医薬品 | Must be sold by a pharmacist. Ask at the counter. | | Class 2 | 第2類医薬品 | Can be self-selected but pharmacist consultation is recommended. | | Class 3 | 第3類医薬品 | Freely available. Most basic medicines. |
Where to Buy Medicine
Drugstore Chains (best selection):
- Matsumoto Kiyoshi (マツキヨ) — largest chain, English-friendly
- Sundrug (サンドラッグ) — wide selection, competitive prices
- Welcia (ウエルシア) — common in suburban areas
Convenience Stores (24/7 availability):
- 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart carry basic medicines
- Good for: painkillers, digestive aids, eye drops, cold medicine
How to Find the Medicine You Need
- Use this app to identify the medicine by name and look at the package photo
- Show the pharmacist the Pharmacist Card feature (tap "Show to Pharmacist")
- The card shows the Japanese name and symptom in Japanese, so staff can help immediately
What to Expect at the Counter
- Class 1 medicines require a brief consultation with the pharmacist
- Staff may ask about allergies, other medications, pregnancy status
- Many major chains have English-speaking staff or a translation service
Payment
Most drugstores accept:
- Cash (always safe)
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
- IC Cards (Suica, Pasmo)
- PayPay and other QR code payments
Useful Phrases
| English | Japanese | Phonetic | |---------|----------|----------| | I have a headache | 頭が痛いです | Atama ga itai desu | | Do you have this medicine? | この薬はありますか？ | Kono kusuri wa arimasu ka? | | Where is the pain relief section? | 鎮痛剤はどこですか？ | Chintsūzai wa doko desu ka? |
Important Notes
- Prescription medicines: Cannot be bought OTC. Go to a hospital or clinic.
- Narcotics/psychotropics: Strictly controlled — do not bring from abroad without proper documentation
- Bringing medicine into Japan: Some medicines legal in your home country may be controlled in Japan. Check Japan's MHLW website before traveling.
Always read the package instructions or ask the pharmacist if you are unsure.