Japanese Over-the-Counter Medicine Guide for Tourists: Symptom-by-Symptom Picks for 2026
Updated June 2026 · 14 min read
I caught a cold on day two of a ten-day Kansai trip, walked into a Matsumoto Kiyoshi in Shinsaibashi, and stood in front of 40+ cold-medicine boxes I couldn’t read. That experience — feverish, jet-lagged, clutching my phone translator — is the reason this page exists. Below you’ll find the exact Japanese drugstore medicines tourists can actually use, organized by symptom, with kanji you can show the pharmacist, ingredient flags for things restricted outside Japan, and real prices from mid-2026 drugstore visits.
Japan’s pharmacy system splits OTC medicines into three tiers: Class 1 (behind the counter, pharmacist must hand it to you), Class 2 (on shelves but pharmacist should advise), and Class 3 (fully self-serve). Most of the medicines in this guide are Class 2 or 3 — meaning you can grab them yourself — but a few headache and allergy treatments are Class 1. Knowing the tier saves you time: if the product isn’t on the shelf, ask at the pharmacy window.
How Japanese Drugstores Work for Non-Japanese Speakers
The big three chains you’ll encounter are Matsumoto Kiyoshi (マツモトキヨシ), Sundrug (サンドラッグ), and Welcia (ウエルシア). Don Quijote also stocks OTC medicines in its pharmacy corners, and many locations stay open until late at night or 24 hours. At all of these, tax-free shopping applies to consumables over ¥5,000 in a single receipt — but medicines purchased tax-free must leave Japan with you. If you plan to use the medicine during your trip, buy it as a normal taxed purchase.
Most pharmacists in central Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto tourist zones can handle basic English. Outside those areas, prepare a note with the product name in Japanese characters. Every product in this guide includes the kanji name for exactly this purpose.
Pro Tip
Drugstore pharmacist hours typically run 10:00–19:00. If you arrive after 7 PM and need a Class 1 medicine like Loxonin S, the pharmacy counter may already be closed even if the store itself is still open. Plan accordingly.
Ingredients That Surprise Tourists — and Why They Matter
Japanese OTC medicines are famously potent. Part of that reputation comes from active ingredients that are restricted or unavailable over the counter in the US, UK, Australia, or the EU. Here are the key ones to be aware of:
| Ingredient | Found In | Status Outside Japan | Key Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codeine (low-dose) | Some cold medicines (e.g., older Pabron formulas) | Prescription-only in many countries; restricted in US OTC | Drowsiness, dependency risk; banned for under-12s in Japan since 2019 |
| Loxoprofen sodium | Loxonin S | Prescription-only in most countries | Strong NSAID; stomach irritation possible |
| Pseudoephedrine (high-dose) | Some decongestant formulas | Behind counter in US; restricted in some Asian countries | Raises blood pressure; quantity limits for import |
| Chlorpheniramine maleate | Many cold and allergy medicines | Available OTC elsewhere but lower-dose | Strong sedation; don’t drive or drink alcohol |
Heads Up
If you take any prescription medication, photograph the generic names before your trip. Show that list to the pharmacist before buying Japanese OTC medicine. Drug interactions are real, and the pharmacist is trained to flag them — but only if they know what you’re already taking.
Japanese Cold Medicine for Tourists: What to Grab When Symptoms Hit
The most commonly recommended cold medicine in Japan is Pabron Gold A (パブロンゴールドA), made by Taisho Pharmaceutical. It’s a multi-symptom formula covering cough, runny nose, sore throat, and mild fever. A 44-tablet box runs about ¥1,280 at most drugstores. The formula contains acetaminophen (paracetamol), so if you’re already taking Tylenol or any acetaminophen product, don’t stack them.
For sore throat specifically, locals reach for Pelac T (ペラックT錠) by Daiichi Sankyo. It contains tranexamic acid, an anti-inflammatory that targets throat swelling more directly than a general cold formula. A 36-tablet box is about ¥1,650. It’s genuinely useful if your main symptom is a raw, painful throat — common after long flights with dry cabin air.
If you only have nasal congestion and don’t want a full multi-symptom formula, consider Nazal Spray (ナザール「スプレー」) by Sato Pharmaceutical. It’s a nasal decongestant spray at about ¥700 for 30 mL. Limit use to 3–5 days to avoid rebound congestion.
Pro Tip
Cough drops matter more than you’d think. Ryukakusan Direct (龍角散ダイレクト) dissolves on the tongue without water — perfect for shinkansen rides when you don’t want to dig through your bag. About ¥700 for a 16-stick pack. Available in peach and mint flavors.
Japan Stomach Medicine Guide: From Overeating to Food Poisoning Fears
The stomach aisle is where tourists spend the most confused minutes. Japan has at least a dozen major stomach-medicine brands, and they target very different problems. The critical distinction: are you dealing with indigestion from overeating (bloating, heaviness, acid reflux), or are you dealing with diarrhea and cramps?
For Indigestion and Acid Reflux
Ohta’s Isan (太田胃散) is the classic. It’s been around since 1879, and you’ll find it in virtually every Japanese medicine cabinet. The formula mixes antacids with digestive enzymes and herbal extracts. A 75g can costs about ¥980. The taste is distinctly medicinal and herbal — not pleasant, but effective. Mix the powder in a small amount of water and drink before or after meals.
For something milder, Cabejin Kowa α (キャベジンコーワα) targets heartburn and stomach inflammation. About ¥1,200 for 100 tablets. It contains MMSC (methylmethionine sulfonium chloride), an amino acid derivative that helps repair stomach lining. Popular among office workers who eat irregularly.
For Diarrhea and Stomach Cramps
Seirogan (正露丸) is Japan’s most iconic anti-diarrheal. The small brown pills have a strong creosote smell that’s impossible to forget. The active ingredient, wood creosote, has antibacterial properties and slows intestinal activity. A 100-pill bottle costs about ¥780. Standard adult dose is 3 pills, 3 times daily.
If you can’t handle Seirogan’s taste and smell, the same manufacturer (Taiko Pharmaceutical) makes Seirogan Toi-A (正露丸糖衣A), a sugar-coated version. Same active ingredient, less olfactory trauma. About ¥850 for 36 tablets. Locals sometimes tease each other about preferring the coated version — the original is considered a toughness marker.
For the mildest option, Biofermin S (ビオフェルミンS) is a probiotic rather than an anti-diarrheal. It contains three types of lactic acid bacteria and is meant for ongoing digestive irregularity rather than acute diarrhea. About ¥1,050 for 130 tablets. It’s fine for children over 5.
Heads Up
Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours with fever above 38.5°C warrants a clinic visit, not more OTC medicine. Japan has walk-in clinics (内科, naika) in most neighborhoods. The JNTO visitor hotline at 050-3816-2787 offers 24-hour assistance and can help locate an English-speaking doctor.
Japanese Painkillers at the Drugstore: From Ibuprofen to Loxoprofen
If you normally take ibuprofen, the easiest Japanese equivalent is Eve A (イブA錠) by SSP. It’s 150 mg ibuprofen per tablet, standard adult dose is 2 tablets. A 36-tablet box costs about ¥700. There’s also Eve Quick (イブクイック頭痛薬), which adds 60 mg of allylisopropylacetylurea as a sedative-analgesic booster. The Quick version hits faster but causes more drowsiness. About ¥980 for 20 tablets.
For acetaminophen users, Tylenol A (タイレノールA) is available in Japanese drugstores. Same active ingredient as the Tylenol you know. About ¥950 for 20 tablets. It’s the safest option if you’re unsure about interactions, since acetaminophen has fewer contraindications with common prescriptions.
Then there’s Loxonin S (ロキソニンS), the painkiller Japanese adults talk about the way Americans talk about Advil. Loxoprofen sodium is a strong NSAID — prescription-only in most Western countries. In Japan, it’s Class 1 OTC, meaning a pharmacist must hand it to you and explain dosing. About ¥700 for 12 tablets. It’s genuinely effective for headaches, menstrual cramps, and dental pain. Take it after eating — loxoprofen on an empty stomach can cause notable GI distress.
One honest caveat on Eve Quick: the sedative component (allylisopropylacetylurea) is habit-forming if used repeatedly over weeks. For a short trip, that’s not a concern — but don’t stock up on boxes to bring home and use as a daily headache remedy.
Japanese Eye Drops: The Tourist Favorite That Deserves a Closer Look
Rohto and Santen dominate Japan’s eye drop market, and the sheer variety — cooling levels from 0 to 8, formulas for contacts, formulas for aging eyes, formulas for screen fatigue — fills entire shelves. The most popular with tourists is Sante FX Neo (サンテFXネオ), mostly for the intense cooling sensation. It contains neostigmine methylsulfate, which constricts the pupil slightly and temporarily improves focus clarity. About ¥450 for 12 mL.
For dry eyes without the dramatic cooling, Sante Medical Guard EX (サンテメディカルガードEX) is better — it’s formulated to protect the corneal surface. About ¥1,450 for 12 mL. If you wear contacts, look for products labeled コンタクト用 (kontakuto-yō). Rohto C Cube (ロートCキューブ) is a safe pick at about ¥550.
Pro Tip
The cooling intensity number on Japanese eye drops (清涼感レベル) actually matters. Level 0 is zero menthol, level 8 feels like peppermint in your eyes. Start at level 3–4 if you’ve never used Japanese eye drops before. Sante FX Neo is a level 5, which catches many first-timers off guard.
Insect Bites, Rashes, and Heat-Related Skin Problems
Summer trips (June–September) mean mosquitoes, and Japanese mosquitoes are persistent. The universal post-bite treatment is Muhi S (ムヒS) by Ikeda Mohando. It’s a cream containing diphenhydramine (antihistamine) and a mild steroid, and it genuinely stops itch within minutes. About ¥600 for a 18g tube. There’s also liquid Muhi (液体ムヒ) in a roll-on applicator — less mess, slightly less coverage. About ¥550.
For prevention, Skin Vape (スキンベープ) is the most popular insect repellent spray in Japan. The mist version covers large areas quickly and has a light citrus scent. About ¥650 for 200 mL. If you’re visiting temples and forests in Nara or rural Kyushu, carry it in your day bag.
Heat rash (あせも, asemo) is another common issue for visitors not used to Japan’s July-August humidity. Baby powder works, but the more targeted fix is Tokuhon Cool (トクホンCool) patches. Originally designed for muscle pain, the menthol patches applied to heat-rash areas reduce inflammation and itching. About ¥500 for a 12-patch pack.
Managing Fever: Cooling Sheets, Antipyretics, and When to See a Doctor
Japanese culture treats fever management with a combination of antipyretics and physical cooling that might feel unfamiliar if you’re from a country where you just take Advil and go to bed. The fever-cooling sheet — Hiepita (冷えピタ) by Lion — is a gel patch you stick on your forehead. It provides about 8 hours of mild cooling and costs ¥500 for a 12-sheet box. It doesn’t lower core body temperature, but the comfort effect is real, especially when you’re trying to sleep in a hotel.
For actual fever reduction, Bufferin Premium (バファリンプレミアム) combines ibuprofen and acetaminophen. It’s a dual-action formula that addresses pain and fever simultaneously. About ¥1,180 for 20 tablets. Alternatively, the Tylenol A mentioned earlier works for fever too if you want to avoid NSAIDs.
A practical temperature reference: Japanese clinics consider 37.5°C (99.5°F) a mild fever and 38.0°C (100.4°F) a reason to reduce activities. At 38.5°C+ (101.3°F), they’ll typically recommend a visit. If you check into a hotel feeling feverish, the front desk can call a doctor or direct you to the nearest 内科 (naika — internal medicine) clinic. Many hotels in tourist areas keep thermometers at reception.
Allergy Medicine in Japan: Cedar Pollen Season and Year-Round Options
If your trip falls between late February and mid-April, you may encounter Japanese cedar pollen (スギ花粉, sugi kafun). It’s intense enough that local pharmacies set up dedicated displays. Even travelers who don’t have allergies at home sometimes develop symptoms during pollen peak.
Allegra FX (アレグラFX) is available OTC in Japan — same fexofenadine as Allegra in the US, but the Japanese packaging has 28 tablets for about ¥1,980. It’s non-drowsy, which matters if you’re sightseeing all day. If you want something stronger and don’t mind mild drowsiness, Contac nasal attack (コンタック鼻炎Z) uses cetirizine (the same ingredient as Zyrtec) and costs about ¥1,380 for 14 tablets.
For eye-specific allergy symptoms, Rohto Alguard (ロートアルガード) eye drops are formulated with antihistamines specifically for itchy, watery eyes. About ¥680 for 13 mL. These stack fine with oral antihistamines.
Pro Tip
Japanese face masks (マスク) aren’t just for illness — during pollen season, locals wear them specifically to filter cedar pollen. A box of 50 disposable masks costs about ¥400 at any drugstore or convenience store. Combine with allergy medicine for the most comfortable outcome.
Where to Buy: Drugstore Chains, Don Quijote, and Airport Pharmacies
Price differences between stores are smaller than you’d expect — most OTC medicines are within ¥50–100 of each other across chains. The real variable is availability and hours. Here’s how the main options compare:
| Store | Typical Hours | English Support | Tax-Free | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matsumoto Kiyoshi | 10:00–21:00 | Good in tourist areas | Yes (¥5,000+) | Widest medicine selection; dedicated pharmacy counter |
| Sundrug | 10:00–22:00 | Moderate | Yes (¥5,000+) | Slightly lower prices; strong in Kanto region |
| Don Quijote | Many 24-hour locations | Basic; multilingual signage | Yes (¥5,000+) | Late-night emergencies; pharmacy corner has basics |
| Airport Pharmacies | Varies; often 7:00–21:00 | Strong | Landside: yes. Airside: no | Last-minute buys; 20–30% markup on some items |
The price gap between a drugstore and an airport pharmacy is real. Pabron Gold A costs about ¥1,280 at Matsumoto Kiyoshi versus ¥1,600–1,700 at Narita or Haneda airport pharmacies. If you know you want to bring OTC medicines home as gifts or personal stock, buy them in the city. For a deeper look at planning a drugstore beauty haul, check our dedicated guide — the logistics of tax-free shopping apply identically to medicines.
Bringing Japanese Medicine Home: Customs Rules You Need to Know
Customs regulations vary by country, but the general pattern is: personal-use quantities of standard OTC medicines (one or two boxes) rarely cause issues. The trouble starts with ingredients on controlled lists or when quantities look commercial.
The safest approach: keep medicines in original packaging with the receipt, and carry no more than 2 boxes of any single product. If a product contains codeine or pseudoephedrine, check your home country’s import rules before buying. Our duty-free shopping guide covers the broader tax-free process and declaration requirements.
Heads Up
Some Japanese cold medicines (particularly older Pabron formulations and Bron liquid) contain dihydrocodeine. This is a codeine derivative. If your home country restricts codeine imports, these products can cause serious problems at customs. Read the ingredient list or ask the pharmacist to confirm: コデイン or ジヒドロコデイン on the box means it contains codeine.
Kanji Cheat Sheet: Show Your Phone to the Pharmacist
Save or screenshot this section. When you walk up to the pharmacy counter, showing the Japanese name eliminates miscommunication instantly.
| Symptom | Product | Japanese Name (show this) | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (multi-symptom) | Pabron Gold A | パブロンゴールドA | ¥1,280 |
| Sore throat | Pelac T | ペラックT錠 | ¥1,650 |
| Headache (NSAID) | Loxonin S | ロキソニンS | ¥700 |
| Headache (ibuprofen) | Eve A | イブA錠 | ¥700 |
| Indigestion | Ohta’s Isan | 太田胃散 | ¥980 |
| Diarrhea | Seirogan | 正露丸 | ¥780 |
| Mosquito bites | Muhi S | ムヒS | ¥600 |
| Eye fatigue | Sante FX Neo | サンテFXネオ | ¥450 |
| Allergies | Allegra FX | アレグラFX | ¥1,980 |
| Fever (cooling sheets) | Hiepita | 冷えピタ | ¥500 |
If you’re also shopping for beauty products during your drugstore run, our guide to Matsumoto Kiyoshi must-buy items covers skincare picks that share shelf space with these medicines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy antibiotics over the counter in Japan?
No. Antibiotics are prescription-only in Japan, just as they are in most developed countries. If you suspect you need antibiotics (bacterial infection, strep throat, etc.), you’ll need to visit a clinic. The visit itself is affordable — a basic consultation at a walk-in 内科 (naika) clinic runs ¥3,000–5,000 for uninsured foreigners, and most will prescribe and dispense on the same visit.
Do Japanese pharmacists speak English?
In major tourist zones (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori, Kyoto Station area), many pharmacists at chain drugstores speak functional English. Outside these zones, expect minimal English. Showing the Japanese product name on your phone is the fastest workaround. Some Matsumoto Kiyoshi locations have tablet-based translation systems at the pharmacy counter.
Are Japanese OTC medicines safe for children?
Many products have children’s formulations or child-specific dosing on the package (子供, kodomo, means “children”). However, some medicines explicitly state 15歳以上 (15 years and older) or 成人専用 (adults only). For children under 12, stick to products specifically labeled for children, or ask the pharmacist by showing: 子供用の薬はありますか？(“Do you have a version for children?”).
Can I use my travel insurance for a clinic visit in Japan?
Most travel insurance policies cover outpatient clinic visits in Japan, but you typically pay upfront and claim reimbursement later. Keep all receipts (領収書, ryōshūsho) and the medical certificate (診断書, shindansho) if issued. Some larger hospitals in Tokyo and Osaka accept direct billing with major international insurers — call your insurer’s helpline before visiting to check.
What’s the difference between 薬局 (yakkyoku) and ドラッグストア (drugstore)?
A 薬局 (yakkyoku) is a dispensing pharmacy, usually attached to or near a clinic, that fills prescriptions. A ドラッグストア is a retail drugstore — think Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sundrug, or Welcia — that sells OTC medicines, cosmetics, and daily goods, and also has a pharmacy counter for prescriptions during pharmacist hours. For tourists, the ドラッグストア is almost always the right destination.
How much Japanese OTC medicine can I bring home?
This depends entirely on your home country’s customs rules (see the customs section above). As a general guideline, personal-use quantities — one or two boxes of each product — rarely trigger issues at customs in most countries. Avoid buying in bulk, especially products containing pseudoephedrine or codeine derivatives. When in doubt, declare medicines at customs rather than risk confiscation.
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