Guides
Practical guides for buying and using medicine in Japan — written for international residents and visitors.
Dramamine in Japan: OTC Equivalent for Motion Sickness
Dramamine isn't sold in Japan — Travelmin is the closest OTC equivalent. Here's what to pick up at the drugstore.
Can You Buy Antibiotics OTC in Japan? Prescription Only
You can't buy antibiotics over the counter in Japan — here's what that means and what to do.
Imodium in Japan: The Closest OTC Loperamide Alternatives
Imodium isn't sold in Japan, but loperamide is — here's what to buy instead.
Benadryl in Japan: Diphenhydramine Equivalent OTC
Benadryl isn't sold in Japan. But diphenhydramine — its active ingredient — is. Here's where to find it and how to use it safely.
No Melatonin in Japan? Here's the OTC Sleep Aid to Get
Japan doesn't sell melatonin over the counter. Here's what's actually available at the pharmacy — and how to use it safely.
NyQuil in Japan: Closest Equivalent and Where to Buy
NyQuil isn't sold in Japan — but Pabron Gold A is the closest equivalent, and you'll find it at almost every drugstore.
How to Order Medicine on Amazon Japan — English Guide
Some medicines on Amazon Japan require a health questionnaire and pharmacist review before your order ships. Abuse-prevention medicines also need ID verification. Two flows, all screens translated into English.
Cold and Flu Medicine in Japan: What to Buy at the Drugstore
No OTC flu medicine exists in Japan — but for a cold, the drugstore has plenty. Here's what to look for and what to grab off the shelf.
Japanese Drugstore Chains: A Guide for Visitors
What to expect at Matsukiyo, Welcia, Sugi, Sun Drug, Daikoku, Tomod's, Seims, and Create — the major chains you'll find across Japan.
Can You Get Claritin in Japan? Yes — It's Called Claritin EX
Claritin EX is Japan's version of Claritin — same loratadine 10 mg, once daily. Available at most drugstores and on Amazon Japan.
Acetaminophen in Japan: Tylenol Isn't Sold, But This Is
Can't find Panadol, Tylenol, or DayQuil? The active ingredient is already in many Japanese medicines — hiding under a name you might not recognize.
Ibuprofen in Japan: Advil Isn't Sold, But the Ingredient Is
Advil and Nurofen are not sold at Japanese drugstores — but ibuprofen is. Here's where to find it.
Codeine in Japanese Cold Medicine: What You Need to Know
Many common Japanese OTC cold medicines contain dihydrocodeine — most people don't realize it.
How to Read the Back of a Japanese Medicine Box
Drug classes, expiry dates, ingredients, and warnings — explained in plain English.
Japan's OTC Medicine Class System: What the Labels Mean
Once you know how it works, buying medicine in Japan gets a lot easier.
Yeast/Thrush Medication Check Sheet
膣カンジダ再発セルフチェックシート — Show this to the pharmacist or print it to bring to the store
Abuse-Prevention Medicines in Japan: What That Sign Means
What 指定濫用防止医薬品 Means for You as a Buyer