Finding pharmacy in Tokyo is easier than you'd think. Here's how.
What to Know
Japan's pharmacy regulations are stricter than most of Southeast Asia. You can't just walk in and buy antibiotics over the counter like in Thailand or Vietnam. Drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sundrug, and Daikoku Drug are everywhere and carry a wide range of OTC medications, but anything beyond basic pain relief, cold medicine, and stomach remedies requires a prescription from a Japanese doctor.
OTC medications are reasonably priced. A box of pain relievers costs 300 to 800 JPY (2 to 6 USD). Cold medicine and stomach remedies are similar. Prescription medications require a doctor visit first (5,000 to 10,000 JPY for the consultation) and then the medication itself is usually affordable. Children's formulations like liquid fever reducers are available at most drugstores.
Matsumoto Kiyoshi is the drugstore you'll see most often. The ones in Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa have staff who speak some English and signage in English for common medications. If you need something specific, write down the generic name of the medication and show it to the pharmacist. Some medications that are common elsewhere are restricted or banned in Japan, including certain pseudoephedrine-based cold medicines and some ADHD medications. Check the rules before you try to bring anything in. For kids' medicine, the children's section is usually clearly marked with cartoon characters on the packaging.
The big chain drugstores in tourist areas have some English-speaking staff and English product labels on popular items. Outside tourist zones, expect Japanese only. Google Translate's camera mode is surprisingly useful for reading medication boxes.
Japanese pharmacies carry children's medications but labels are in Japanese. Bufferin Kids for pain and fever is widely available. Show the pharmacist your child's weight and symptoms. For familiar brands, try the American Pharmacy in Marunouchi. Diapers and baby formula are at every drug store.
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Sources: CDC Travel Health: Japan · Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan)