Decoding the Pharmacy: A Foreigner’s Guide to Understanding Medicine in Japan

Introduction

For newcomers and long-term residents alike, navigating medicine in Japan can feel like cracking a code. From unfamiliar drug names and minimal English labeling to strict pharmacy classifications and regional habits, getting the right over-the-counter remedy or prescription can be surprisingly confusing. But with the right knowledge, knowing what to buy—and how to buy it—becomes much easier.

Here’s a deep dive into how to understand and choose the right medicine in Japan without relying on generic advice or getting lost in the aisles of a drugstore.

Understanding the Japanese Pharmacy System

The first thing to understand is how pharmacies are categorized. There are two main types: yakkyoku, which are licensed to dispense prescription drugs, and drugstores, which primarily sell over-the-counter medicine, cosmetics, and daily goods. Some chain drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi or Welcia operate both under one roof.

Japanese drug classifications are also different. Medicine in Japan falls into three categories:

• Class 1: Requires consultation with a pharmacist
• Class 2 and 3: Sold openly on shelves, but still considered potent

Don’t expect to walk in and find familiar brands. Most over-the-counter medicine in Japan has domestic branding and uses different active ingredients than their Western counterparts. This is why knowing what you’re looking at—and what it’s meant for—is key.

Cold Medicine: Not All Are Created Equal

One of the most common reasons people seek medicine in Japan is the common cold. The go-to product is Pabron Gold A, a multi-symptom remedy widely trusted by locals. However, many foreign users are surprised at how mild it feels compared to Western cold medicine. That’s because medicine in Japan is often formulated with less aggressive doses to minimize side effects.

When buying cold medicine in Japan, it’s important to:

• Look for symptoms listed on the box. Common kanji to know: 鼻 (nose), 咳 (cough), 喉 (throat), 発熱 (fever)
• Check if it contains caffeine—many cold medicines here include stimulants
• Avoid taking multiple medicines with overlapping ingredients

If you need something stronger, you’ll likely have to see a doctor. But for everyday sniffles, Japanese brands offer effective if subtle relief.

Pain Relief: Subtle but Steady

Medicine in Japan for pain tends to come in mild forms. You’ll often find Loxonin S, which contains loxoprofen, a cousin of ibuprofen. It’s a popular non-prescription pain reliever for headaches, menstrual cramps, and back pain. You can buy it at most drugstores, but only after speaking briefly with a pharmacist.

Foreigners looking for stronger NSAIDs like naproxen or codeine-based painkillers may be disappointed. These are tightly controlled in Japan and often require a prescription or are not allowed at all.

For muscle pain, Japanese people tend to use topical patches like Salonpas. These are medicated sheets you place on sore areas—easy to use and surprisingly effective. It’s a very Japanese approach: treat the problem locally rather than systemically.

Digestive Issues: The Power of Kampo

Stomach trouble? You’re in luck. Medicine in Japan often turns to traditional Chinese herbal blends, or kampo, for digestive issues. These natural formulas are deeply integrated into Japanese pharmacy culture.

A commonly recommended product is Seirogan, which contains wood tar—yes, it smells like a bonfire—but it’s trusted for food poisoning and diarrhea. Another option is Ohta Isan, a stomach powder used after overeating or acid reflux. Its packaging looks vintage, but its effectiveness is modern.

If you’re constipated, you might be offered Byurakku A, a gentle herbal laxative. Always remember to ask the pharmacist for help using Google Translate or pictures, because the labels can be entirely in Japanese.

Allergies and Hay Fever

Seasonal allergies are intense in Japan, especially in spring due to cedar pollen. Locals swear by brands like Allegra FX and Claritin EX for non-drowsy relief. These are newer generation antihistamines and easy to find at any pharmacy.

Another trusted option is Alesion, a prescription-strength allergy medication that’s now available over-the-counter in Japan. Again, the doses are lower than in some Western countries, but they’re often sufficient.

For nasal sprays, Eve Nasal Spray or Stonarhini can help you survive allergy season without a full-blown trip to the clinic.

Reading Japanese Medicine Labels

This might be the most challenging part of buying medicine in Japan. Understanding a few key kanji can be a game-changer:

• 頭痛 (zutsuu) = headache
• 熱 (netsu) = fever
• 咳 (seki) = cough
• 鼻水 (hanamizu) = runny nose
• 便秘 (benpi) = constipation
• 下痢 (geri) = diarrhea

Use translation apps like Google Translate’s camera mode or DeepL for better accuracy. Some pharmacies in urban areas now have English-speaking staff or multilingual tablets to help you navigate medicine in Japan, but don’t count on it outside big cities.

Prescription Drugs and the Doctor’s Role

Getting a prescription for stronger medicine in Japan means visiting a doctor and then going to a separate yakkyoku. Doctors will almost never give you more than a few days’ worth of medication at once. It’s part of Japan’s cautious approach to pharmaceuticals.

When you get a prescription, bring your insurance card and expect to pay a portion of the cost. Pharmacists will usually include a detailed pamphlet explaining dosage and timing—even if it’s all in Japanese.

One advantage of the Japanese system is that clinics are usually quick and affordable, especially with national health insurance. So if you’re not finding what you need at the drugstore, getting checked out is a smart move.

What Tourists and New Residents Should Know

If you’re visiting or just moved, it’s a good idea to bring familiar medicine from home, especially if you rely on specific brands. Customs laws in Japan can be strict, though. Pseudoephedrine (found in some cold meds like Sudafed) and codeine are banned or restricted. Always check the Ministry of Health website before bringing anything in.

Also, be aware that some medicine in Japan may not be vegan or allergy-safe. Always double-check ingredients or ask a pharmacist if you have dietary restrictions or sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to choose medicine in Japan takes a bit of study and confidence. From learning key medical kanji to asking for help in pharmacies and adapting to local remedies, there’s a rhythm to it that locals have mastered over time.

Whether you’re treating a mild fever, seasonal allergies, or stomach trouble, your best approach is to become familiar with the Japanese system rather than fight it. Take advantage of the country’s cautious yet efficient pharmacy culture, and you’ll find that medicine in Japan, while subtle, often works in quiet and reliable ways.

Being informed makes all the difference—especially when you’re trying to feel better in a country where everything from the packaging to the symptoms is written in a different language.