Japan Drugstore Guide: Essential OTC Medicines and Remedies for Travelers

Essential Medicines and Remedies in Japan: A Practical Guide for Travelers

🚑 If you need emergency assistance in Japan

• 119 — ambulance / fire / sudden illness (language assistance available)
• 110 — police / crimes / traffic accidents

⚠️ Disclaimer

I am not a doctor or pharmacist. This article is based on personal experience and research. If you have serious symptoms or are unsure which medicine is right for you, consult a medical professional in Japan.

⚠️ Important Safety Note

Some medicines may contain ingredients that cause allergies or side effects. Always check the ingredient list carefully. If you are unsure, ask a pharmacist before taking any product.

Introduction: Overwhelmed in the Aisle

I imagine right now that you’re standing in the middle of a Japanese drugstore, staring at a wall of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and thinking, “What is all of this?” Between the unfamiliar packaging, the Japanese-only labels, and the fact that some products seem weaker than what you’re used to, it can feel completely overwhelming. Maybe you’re a little shy or intimidated to ask for help, so you do a quick Google search for answers. Or maybe you’re planning ahead for your trip—or you’ve just moved to Japan and want to understand what you’re looking at. Either way, I’ve got you covered.

I still remember my first time standing in front of those same shelves, feeling completely lost. Over time, though, I picked up a few tips, learned how to spot familiar ingredients, and figured out how to read those tiny bits of English on the labels. In this guide, I’ll show you how to recognize common categories, understand what each section usually contains, and shop with more confidence the next time you walk into a Japanese pharmacy or drugstore.

Table of Contents

• What You Should Know When you Shop
• How to Find a Drug Store in Japan
• Language Toolkit
• The Medicine List
• Pain Relief, Headaches and Fever
• Cold Cough and Sore Throat
• Allergies and Hay Fever
• Stomach and Digestive Issues
• Muscle Pains and Sprains
• Eye and Contact Lens Care
• Skin, Bug Bites, and Minor Injuries
• Feminine Care and Hygiene
• Hangover and Remedies
• Other Essentials
• Etiquette Behind the Counter
• Final Thoughts

What You Should Know When You Shop

Generally speaking, medicines in Japan tend to be a step milder than those in the U.S. Back home, everything comes in extra strength—because we’ve collectively built up a tolerance after years of heavy dosing. Japan takes a lighter, more cautious approach.

You’ll also notice the packaging is different. Forget bottles of loose capsules—here, each pill is individually sealed in a flat “punch-out” pack. It’s tidier, more hygienic, and harder to accidentally overdose.

When buying cold or allergy medicine, the staff may ask if you’ve purchased similar medicines recently, or if you’re taking any prescription drugs of the same type. It’s part of Japan’s strict OTC safety rules. They may also explain potential side effects or warnings depending on what you’re buying.

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How to Find a Drug Store in Japan

薬 (くすり / kusuri)—This kanji means “medicine,” and you’ll see it everywhere. Many of Japan’s biggest drug stores display it in giant yellow signs visible from blocks away.

If you see it on a smaller storefront, it often means a pharmacy where prescriptions are filled. You can still walk in and ask questions—many sell a limited selection of OTC items—but for most everyday needs, head to the larger chain stores instead.

The Main Chains

You’ll find familiar names across Japan: Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, Cosmos, Seki, and Aoki. These stores are Japan’s version of CVS or Walgreens—stocked with everything from medicine, toiletries, and makeup to pet food, baby supplies, women’s and elderly hygiene products, supplements, and cleaning goods. Some even carry a small grocery section.

Not all branches have a licensed pharmacist on site, but staff can usually help with common questions. In some areas you might get lucky and find someone who speaks English—but don’t count on it, especially outside big cities.

Convenience Stores

Japan’s konbini (convenience stores) are the true “jack of all trades.” They stock a little bit of everything—masks, tissues, sunscreen, hand sanitizers, hangover drinks, chapstick, and even small first-aid items. Read here for information on all the hidden services at the konbini and how it can best serve you!

What they don’t have (for now) are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines like Bufferin, EVE, or allergy pills. As of 2025–2026, these are still considered higher-risk products that legally require the presence of a pharmacist or a registered seller.

📜 Kyodo News article – Upcoming OTC sales law
📄 MHLW official bill summary (Japanese)

That said, the rules are changing. By spring 2027, new regulations will allow certain OTC drugs to be sold in places like convenience stores under remote pharmacist supervision—possibly through vending machines or special kiosks. Stores will need to meet new registration and safety standards before doing so.

If you’re planning to visit Japan after 2027, you might be able to grab painkillers or cold medicine at the konbini along with your coffee. Until then, the drugstore remains your best friend.

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Language Toolkit

When you enter any kind of CVS-like drugstore in Japan almost everything will be in Japanese—big signs by the shelves, the labels themselves, and the staff’s English will be limited. If you need guidance you are going to need some language in your arsenal. Let’s go over some vocab first, and then we will go over some phrases and how to ask or things.

Most signage and labels are in Japanese. A little vocab goes a long way. The menus drop down. 

Essential Vocabulary (Body Parts)

Kanji	Furigana	Romaji	English
頭	あたま	atama	Head
目	め	me	Eye
耳	みみ	mimi	Ear
鼻	はな	hana	Nose
口	くち	kuchi	Mouth
喉	のど	nodo	Throat
歯	は	ha	Tooth
肩	かた	kata	Shoulder
背中	せなか	senaka	Back
腕	うで	ude	Arm
手	て	te	Hand
指	ゆび	yubi	Finger
胃	い	i	Stomach
お腹	おなか	onaka	Belly / Abdomen
腰	こし	koshi	Lower back / waist
脚	あし	ashi	Leg
足	あし	ashi	Foot
皮膚	ひふ	hifu	Skin

Symptoms & Common Conditions

Kanji	Furigana	Romaji	English
頭痛	ずつう	zutsū	Headache
熱	ねつ	netsu	Fever
咳	せき	seki	Cough
鼻水	はなみず	hanamizu	Runny nose
喉の痛み	のどのいたみ	nodo no itami	Sore throat
吐き気	はきけ	hakike	Nausea
下痢	げり	geri	Diarrhea
便秘	べんぴ	benpi	Constipation
腹痛	ふくつう	fukutsū	Stomachache
筋肉痛	きんにくつう	kinnikutsū	Muscle pain
めまい	めまい	memai	Dizziness
疲れ	つかれ	tsukare	Fatigue
かゆみ	かゆみ	kayumi	Itchiness
発疹	はっしん	hasshin	Rash
乾燥	かんそう	kansō	Dryness
風邪	かぜ	kaze	Cold
咳止め	せきどめ	sekidome	Cough suppressant
のど飴	のどあめ	nodoame	Throat lozenge
頭痛薬	ずつうやく	zutsūyaku	Headache medicine
解熱剤	げねつざい	genetsuzai	Fever reducer
胃薬	いぐすり	igusuri	Stomach medicine
整腸薬	せいちょうやく	seichōyaku	Digestive medicine
下痢止め	げりどめ	geridome	Anti‑diarrhea
便秘薬	べんぴやく	benpiyaku	Laxative
目薬	めぐすり	megusuri	Eye drops
湿布	しっぷ	shippu	Pain patch
鎮痛剤	ちんつうざい	chintsūzai	Painkiller
鼻炎薬	びえんやく	bienyaku	Allergy/sinus
乗り物酔い止め	のりものよいどめ	norimono yoi dome	Motion sickness
二日酔い	ふつかよい	futsukayoi	Hangover
栄養ドリンク	えいようドリンク	eiyō dorinku	Energy drink
目の疲れ	めのつかれ	me no tsukare	Eye strain

Useful Phrases (fill‑in ready)

English	Japanese	Romaji
Do you have medicine for headaches?	頭痛の薬はありますか？	Zutsū no kusuri wa arimasu ka?
Do you have medicine for a cold?	風邪の薬はありますか？	Kaze no kusuri wa arimasu ka?
Do you have stomach medicine?	胃の薬はありますか？	I no kusuri wa arimasu ka?
Anything for sore throat?	のどの痛みに効く薬はありますか？	Nodo no itami ni kiku kusuri wa arimasu ka?
Anything for nausea?	吐き気に効く薬はありますか？	Hakike ni kiku kusuri wa arimasu ka?
Anything for diarrhea?	下痢に効く薬はありますか？	Geri ni kiku kusuri wa arimasu ka?
Something stronger / milder?	もう少し強い / 弱い薬はありますか？	Mō sukoshi tsuyoi / yowai kusuri wa arimasu ka?
Where is the medicine section?	薬のコーナーはどこですか？	Kusuri no kōnā wa doko desu ka?
Where are the bandages?	絆創膏はどこですか？	Bansōkō wa doko desu ka?

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Understanding the Sections: Japanese Medicine List

Below is a list of over the counter medications that are most common in Japanese big chain drug stores. I recommend some of them because they have worked for me personally, but I am not endorsing any of these medications, and none of these names are added due to a sponsorship. These are purely what is out there. With that being said, one more note to each and every one of these medications there are the store brand generic alternative usually in the same section of the brand names. They are often cheaper. Please keep that in mind when searching for what you need. 

1. Pain Relief, Headaches, and Fever

For general pain relief, fever reduction, and headaches, these four options are the most common in Japan. The strongest among them is Loxonin, while Calonal is considered the gentlest. Each has distinct ingredients and uses. If you’re unsure which one is right for your situation, consult a doctor or pharmacist. This list reflects personal experience and general public perception, not medical advice. Each medicine name below links to an English information page.

Loxonin (ロキソニン) — The active ingredient is loxoprofen sodium hydrate. It’s one of the stronger options and is often used for post-surgery or injury pain. It works as both an anti-inflammatory and a fever reducer.
🔗 Official site (Daiichi Sankyo)

Bufferin (バファリン) — A long-standing brand with multiple versions for different needs. Most use a mix of ibuprofen and acetaminophen, though Bufferin A relies on aspirin, making it easier on sensitive stomachs.
🔗 Official site (Bufferin)

EVE (イブ) — A pain relief brand using ibuprofen as its main active ingredient. The line includes variations for headaches, menstrual pain, and other strong pains. EVE is often marketed for powerful headache relief.
🔗 Official site (SSP)

Calonal (カロナール) — Contains acetaminophen as its active ingredient. Commonly prescribed for colds, mild fever, and general pain relief. In clinics, doctors often recommend Calonal when a fever gets high.
🔗 Official site (RAD-AR English)

💡 Before taking any of these medicines, check the ingredients carefully. If you have allergies or underlying health conditions, consult a doctor before use.

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2. Cold, Cough & Sore Throat

When you feel a cold coming on in Japan, there are a few household-name remedies you’ll see everywhere.

Lulu (ルル)
A popular all-in-one cold medicine. It targets multiple symptoms: runny nose, congestion, cough, sneezing, sore throat, mild fever, and general cold discomfort. Good if you’re not sure which symptom will hit hardest.

🔗 Official site (Lulu)

Kakkontō (葛根湯 / かっこんとう)
A traditional herbal medicine (Kampo). People here take it at the first sign of a cold—stiff shoulders, light chills, early sore throat. It’s meant to stop a cold before it becomes full-blown. If you already feel terrible, it’s usually too late for this one to shine.
🔗 Official site (Kakkonto)

Pabron (パブロン)
Another big general cold medicine brand with different formulas for specific symptoms (runny nose, cough focus, throat focus, etc.). Very common, reliable, and easy to find.
🔗 Official site (Pabron)

Benza Block (ベンザブロック)
Comes in color-coded versions depending on symptoms (yellow, blue, purple, etc.). Strong reputation for tackling stuffed/runny nose and sore throat early. This one has helped me personally when nothing else seemed to move the needle.
🔗 Official site (Benza Block)

        Sore Throat Relief

Torokichi / Torochi (トローチ)
Lozenges for sore throat relief. Looks like a lifesaver candy — tastes a bit like medicine. Good to soothe scratchiness or pain.
🔗 Official site (Torokichi)

You’ll also see sore-throat sprays (のどスプレー). They’re simple and effective—any store brand works.

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3. Allergies and Hay Fever (花粉症 / Kafunshō)

Around February, Japan’s cedar trees start releasing pollen—and you’ll know it when you see that faint yellow haze across the horizon. That’s the start of pollen season. I used to have zero allergies before coming to Japan, but now, every spring, I’m sneezing like I’ve been cursed by the trees themselves. If you’re sensitive to pollen, you’re in good company—almost everyone here is. The upside? Japan’s allergy remedies are excellent.

        Popular Allergy Medicines

Allegra (アレグラ)
A twice-a-day antihistamine that helps relieve sneezing, itchy eyes, and runny nose. It’s non-drowsy for most people and easy to find in both branded and store-brand versions.

🔗 Official site (Allegra)

Claritin (クラリチン)
Similar to Allegra but taken once a day. It’s mild on the body and a favorite for people who want all-day coverage without feeling sleepy.

🔗 Official site (Claritin)

Rohto (ロート)
A well-known brand for eye drops. Their allergy relief line soothes itchy, red eyes fast. Store brands work fine too if you’re on a budget—look for boxes with “アレルギー用” (for allergies) written on them.

🔗 Official site (Rohto)

Nazal (ナザール)
A nasal spray designed for pollen allergies. Helps relieve congestion and nasal itchiness. A quick spray in each nostril does wonders when you’re outside during peak pollen hours.

🔗 Official site (Nazal)

💡 During allergy season, drugstores usually display these products right near the entrance—it’s impossible to miss the wall of purple and green boxes marked “花粉症.”

Pro tip: Store-brand versions of Allegra, Claritin, and eye drops are just as effective and usually 10–20% cheaper.

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4. Stomach and Digestive Issues

Maybe you ate something that didn’t sit right. Even with Japan’s incredible food quality, everyone eventually runs into a meal that doesn’t agree with them. Whether it’s street food, festival snacks, or just a night out that went too far—your gut will let you know.

Luckily, Japan’s OTC digestive medicines are effective and easy to find.

Seirogan (正露丸)
A long-standing traditional medicine famous for its distinctive scent. It helps with diarrhea, stomach upset, vomiting, mild food poisoning, and even toothaches. Its main active ingredient, wood creosote, helps calm the digestive tract.
🔗 Official site (Seirogan)

Ohta’s Isan (太田胃散 / Ohta’s Isan)
A digestive aid that relieves indigestion, heartburn, bloating, and the heavy feeling after overeating or drinking. It’s a blend of herbal extracts and antacids—milder than Seirogan and easier on the stomach.
🔗 Official site (Ohta’s Isan)

Korak (コラック)
A laxative used for constipation and sluggish digestion. It’s effective but should be taken carefully—don’t use it for more than a few days in a row unless directed by a doctor.
🔗Official site (Korak)

💡 Note: Always check the ingredients before taking any medicine. If symptoms persist for more than a couple of days—or if you notice blood, severe pain, or fever—see a doctor or pharmacist.

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5. Muscle Pain and Sprains

If you came to Japan, you came to walk. Your Fitbit’s going to love it, but your body might not. Between temple steps in Kyoto, castle climbs, and endless train transfers, even the most active traveler ends up feeling it somewhere.

The good news? Japan’s drugstores are stocked with options that don’t require popping pills. You’ll find braces, support wraps, and muscle tape in every size and strength, perfect for easing tension or minor sprains after a long day.

Salonpas (サロンパス)
These are medicated adhesive pads that relieve minor aches and muscle soreness. You peel, stick, and let the cooling sensation do its work. They come in several varieties for different levels of pain or sensitivity.
🔗 Official site (Hisamitsu)

Side Story: I once had a stubborn shoulder issue—not quite pain, just a deep, uncomfortable tightness that wouldn’t ease up. I tried one of these pads, and within an hour the tension started to melt away. It’s not magic, but it works.

Voltaren (ボルタレン)
A topical anti-inflammatory gel that targets muscle and joint pain. It’s often used for arthritis, but it also helps with sore knees, backs, or shoulders after heavy activity. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a strong smell.
🔗 Official site (Voltaren EX)

💡 Tip: Most of these topical remedies contain menthol or anti-inflammatory agents, so wash your hands well after applying. And never use them under tight clothing or before bathing—they’ll sting.

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6. Eye and Contact Lens Care

If you wear contacts or deal with dry eyes, Japan’s drugstores make life easy. Contact solutions and eye drops are everywhere, often near the beauty section or first-aid shelves. The brands might look unfamiliar, but the packaging is usually clear and often includes a bit of English.

Cleadew (クリアデュー)
A trusted brand for disinfecting and storing soft contact lenses. They’re known for gentle formulas that still kill bacteria effectively.
🔗Official Site (Cleadew)

Soft One (ソフトワン)
A mild all-in-one contact lens solution. It’s often labeled “moist keep” or “multi-purpose,” so you can use it for cleaning, rinsing, and storing your lenses.

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7. Skin, Bug Bites, and Minor Injuries

Between the walking, the humidity, and Japan’s dramatic seasonal shifts, your skin might stage a protest. Rashes, bug bites, small cuts—take your pick. Thankfully, the basics are easy to find.

If you opened the medicine cabinet in almost any Japanese household, you’d see a small white jar labeled Oroninee (オロナイン). It’s a multipurpose ointment used for minor burns, acne, rashes, and dry or irritated skin. Think of it as Japan’s equivalent of Neosporin, but with a slightly herbal scent.

Isodine (イソジン)
An iodine-based antiseptic used to disinfect small wounds, cuts, and scrapes. You’ll often find it in liquid or spray form. Some versions are even for gargling, so make sure to check the label before applying it to your skin.

🔗Official Site (Isodine)

Muhi (ムヒ)
This is the go-to brand for itch relief—from insect bites to heat rash. It comes in roll-ons, creams, and gels. For summer mosquito season, you’ll see Muhi everywhere, usually stacked near the entrance.

🔗Official Site (Muhi)

Bandages (絆創膏 / ばんそうこう – bansōkō)
Japan’s bandages are surprisingly good quality. You’ll find waterproof, breathable, and even “invisible” types that stick better than most Western ones. The word you’ll want to look for is 絆創膏 (bansōkō).

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8. Feminine Care and Hygiene

Japan’s drugstores are well stocked when it comes to women’s health and hygiene products. You’ll find an entire aisle dedicated to this section in most larger chains, usually near baby and personal care items.

Sanitary Products (生理用品 / せいりようひん – seiriyōhin)
All the major international and local brands are available: Laurier, Sofy, Unicharm, Whisper, and Elis among others. Pads, liners, and tampons come in discreet, color-coded packaging with clear absorbency levels marked in milliliters or hours (e.g., 25 cm, 30 cm, 夜用 = night use).

Menstrual Pain Relief (生理痛 / せいりつう – seiritsū)
Common OTC choices include EVE, Loxonin, and Bufferin Luna—the same pain relievers used for headaches or muscle pain, just marketed for menstrual use. They’re easy to find near the general pain relief shelf.

Other Essentials
You’ll also see feminine washes (デリケートゾーン用), heat pads (カイロ) for cramps, and supplements targeting iron or hormonal balance. Some stores even carry compact hot-water bottles (湯たんぽ / yutanpo) in winter.

💡 Tip: If you’re unsure, you can ask, “生理用品はどこですか？” (Seiriyōhin wa doko desu ka? – Where are the feminine care products?). Staff are used to the question and will simply point you in the right direction.

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9. Hangover & Energy Remedies 🍶

Japan takes hangovers seriously. You’ll find an entire mini-industry built around preventing, surviving, and pretending last night never happened. Salarymen, students, even office moms—everyone’s got their favorite fix.

Ukon no Chikara (ウコンの力)
The go-to golden shot sold near every convenience store register and in vending machines. It’s turmeric-based (ukon = turmeric), and people down it before or after drinking to help the liver process alcohol faster. Think of it as Japan’s “drink responsibly” in liquid form.

Oronamin C (オロナミンC)
A fizzy vitamin C drink that tastes like the lovechild of Red Bull and orange soda. It’s been around since the 1960s, and you’ll still see people pop the cap for a mid-morning boost. Tiny bottle, big nostalgia.

Pocari Sweat (ポカリスエット)
Don’t let the name fool you—it’s basically Japan’s version of Gatorade. It’s an electrolyte drink designed for rehydration after exercise, heat, or, yes, one too many. Gentle on the stomach and available absolutely everywhere.

💡 Tip: If you overdo it at an izakaya, grab an Ukon no Chikara before bed and a Pocari Sweat the next morning. Works better than regret, and don't ask me how I know. 

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10. Other Essentials

Not everything in the drugstore is medicine—some of the best finds are the small, everyday items that make travel easier. Here are a few worth knowing:

Biore UV (ビオレUV)
Japan’s gold standard for sunscreen. Lightweight, non-greasy, and perfect under makeup or in humid weather. The “Aqua Rich” line is a traveler favorite — SPF 50, barely feels like lotion.

Unicharm Masks (ユニ・チャーム)
Comfortable, breathable masks that actually fit well. You’ll see these everywhere — in boxes or single packs near the entrance. The 3D “Super Fit” type is ideal for long flights or crowded trains.

Pitta Masks (ピッタマスク)
Reusable foam masks that come in stylish colors. Not medical-grade, but great for dust, pollen, or when you just want something that looks less “hospital.”

Mini Travel Kits (トラベルセット)
Almost every chain sells small toiletry packs with shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, and toothpaste. Look for the word トラベル (travel) or ミニセット (mini set) on the packaging.

💡 Tip: Drugstores in Japan rotate seasonal stock—in summer, you’ll see cooling sprays and sweat wipes; in winter, hand warmers and moisturizing creams. Grab what fits the season.

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Etiquette Behind the Counter

When you buy certain medicines in Japan, the staff aren’t just being cautious—they’re following the law. For many over-the-counter drugs, clerks are required to ask a few quick questions before ringing you up. It’s not personal, and it’s not suspicion—it’s regulation.

They’ll usually ask whether you’ve taken similar medicine recently, if you’re on any prescriptions, or if you’ve had allergic reactions before. Don’t worry if your Japanese isn’t perfect—many stores keep laminated cards with questions written out, so you can point or nod to answer. Some even have English or pictogram versions.

It’s a small interaction, but it says a lot about Japan’s approach to safety: careful, consistent, and polite even when it feels procedural. And once you’ve made it through the checkout, you’ve already learned the hardest part—how Japan does care in the small details.

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Final Thoughts

At first glance, the wall of medicine written in unfamiliar kanji can feel overwhelming. Yes—you’re in a different world, but that doesn’t mean you are in a place any more different than your home. And it’s not as foreign as it seems. Wherever you go, people live the same rhythms. They get sick, they heal, they look out for each other.

Just because you don’t know the language doesn’t mean you have to suffer through a headache, a hangover, or a bad case of cramps. The remedies are here—you just needed to know where to look.

And beneath the packaging, the politeness, and the procedures, you’ll find something simple and universal: people in Japan genuinely care.

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