Health and Pharmacy
Japan has excellent healthcare. Getting sick here is manageable. Knowing the rules before you pack saves a real problem at the border.
Medications You CANNOT Bring to Japan
Japan has strict rules about controlled substances. Some common US over-the-counter medications are illegal to bring.
Do not pack:
| Medication | Why | What to use instead |
|---|---|---|
| Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) | Controlled substance in Japan | Cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin) for congestion/allergies - these are fine |
| Claritin-D, Zyrtec-D, Allegra-D | Contains pseudoephedrine | Use the plain versions (Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra - no “-D”) |
| Vicks NyQuil / DayQuil | Some formulations contain pseudoephedrine or codeine | Check the label; if it lists pseudoephedrine or codeine, leave it |
| Codeine-containing cough syrup | Controlled | Japanese pharmacies have good alternatives |
Note on ADHD medications: Adderall (amphetamine) is illegal in Japan. Ritalin (methylphenidate) requires advance notification to Japan’s Ministry of Health. If anyone on the trip takes ADHD medication, check requirements at japanvisitor.com well before departure.
When in doubt: Read the active ingredients. If pseudoephedrine, codeine, or amphetamine are listed, leave it home.
What You CAN and Should Bring
These are fine to bring and may not be available in Japan:
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) - bring enough for the trip
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) - fine; note Japanese brands work differently (Bufferin, Eve - acetaminophen-based but different dosing)
- Loratadine (Claritin) - standard antihistamine, allowed
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec) - allowed
- Antacids (Tums, Pepto-Bismol tablets) - fine
- Prescription medications (with original pharmacy label) - no restrictions for most
Bring from home:
- Any prescription medications with the original labeled bottle
- Blister plasters / Compeed - heavy walking days will require these. Japanese pharmacies carry equivalents but bring extras.
- Any specialized medications you rely on - don’t count on finding your exact brand
Japanese Pharmacies - What’s Good There
Where to find them:
- Matsumoto Kiyoshi (マツモトキヨシ) - large chain, often has English-speaking staff or multilingual packaging
- Welcia (ウエルシア) - widespread
- Tsuruha Drug (ツルハドラッグ) - especially common in Osaka
What to buy there:
| Item | Japanese | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pain relief (acetaminophen) | Eve / Bufferin | Good quality; dosing differs slightly from US products |
| Motion sickness | Toramine | Works well |
| Eye drops | Rohto / Sante | Japanese eye drops are excellent and a famous travel buy |
| Blister plasters | 靴ずれ防止 | Available; Compeed equivalent sold as band-aid style patches |
| Cold medicine | Pabron / Contac | Effective; read dosing (some contain ingredients not in US equivalents) |
| Antacid | Seirogan / Ohta’s Isan | Japanese antacids for upset stomach; good |
| Bandages / first aid | バンドエイド | Standard availability |
| Hand sanitizer | 手指消毒 | Available everywhere |
If You Get Sick
Minor symptoms (cold, headache, stomachache, minor injury): Pharmacy first. Staff at Matsumoto Kiyoshi will often help with basic symptom questions - point at what hurts, they understand. Google Translate works for written signs.
Fever or possible infection: Visit a clinic or hospital. Don’t push through a fever in Japan - seek care.
Say: “Byoin ni ikitai desu” (病院に行きたいです) - “I want to go to a hospital.” Show this to hotel staff or a konbini employee.
Emergency: 119 (fire/ambulance). See Emergency Contacts and Contingency.
Medical Costs and Insurance
Japan’s healthcare quality is high. Emergency treatment is available to foreigners but not free.
Travel insurance: Chase Sapphire Preferred and Delta Amex Reserve both include trip medical coverage. Know your policy before you go:
- Policy number: ___________________
- International claims line: ___________________
- Card emergency line: the number on the back of each card
Japan hospitals typically require payment upfront (or a credit card hold) and you claim reimbursement from insurance afterward. Keep all receipts.
Tips
- Prescriptions from the US are not filled in Japan - bring adequate supply plus 5 days buffer
- Japanese food is generally gentle on digestion but heavy ramen and beer days may require antacids - have some available
- Blister treatment: start using blister plasters proactively (before blisters form) on high-walk days; don’t wait until painful
- Dehydration risk: Japan in April is mild but you’ll walk 15,000–25,000 steps on active days. Drink water actively.