Written by a licensed Japanese pharmacist
Feeling sick while in Japan? Don’t worry — Japanese drugstores are well-stocked with over-the-counter medicines. However, navigating a Japanese pharmacy can be a little confusing if you don’t speak the language. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to buy medicine safely and confidently.
First, Know the Difference: Pharmacy vs. Drugstore
In Japan, there are two types of stores where you can buy medicine. Knowing the difference is important.
A Pharmacy (薬局, yakkyoku) primarily handles prescription medications from doctors. They do carry some over-the-counter medicines, but the selection is often limited — especially at smaller pharmacies in rural areas.
A Drugstore (ドラッグストア) is a chain store such as Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Tsuruha Drug, Welcia, or Sun Drug. These stores carry a wide range of over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and everyday items. If you’re looking for cold or general OTC medicine, head to a drugstore.
However, a pharmacist is not always on duty at every drugstore. The hours when a pharmacist is available are usually posted near the entrance or at the counter. If you want professional advice, visit during those hours or find a pharmacy with a pharmacist always on site.
💡 Tip: In rural areas, local pharmacies often have a limited selection of OTC medicines, so look for a drugstore whenever possible.
Language: What to Expect
In Tokyo and other major cities, English is often understood at drugstores and pharmacies, and some stores even have English-speaking staff.
However, in rural areas, English may not be spoken at all. Even if the pharmacist doesn’t speak English, they will still do their best to help you. Here’s how to bridge the gap:
Use a Translation App
Download Google Translate or DeepL on your smartphone before you go. Simply show the screen to the pharmacist to communicate. The camera translation feature is especially useful for reading Japanese text on medicine packaging.
Step 1: Always Tell the Pharmacist About Drug Allergies
This is critically important.
Before purchasing any medicine in Japan, always inform the pharmacist if you have:
- Any drug allergies (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, antibiotics)
- Asthma (some cold medicines can trigger attacks)
- Any existing medical conditions or medications you are currently taking
You can show this phrase on your smartphone:
🗣️ 「薬にアレルギーがあります。」 (Kusuri ni arerugii ga arimasu.) Meaning: “I have a drug allergy.”
Even if communication is difficult, never skip this step. Japanese pharmacists are trained to check for drug interactions and allergies, and they genuinely want to help you stay safe.
Step 2: Describe Your Symptoms in Detail
The more clearly you describe your symptoms, the better the pharmacist can recommend the right medicine for you. Try to communicate the following:
- What symptoms you have (fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, etc.)
- When the symptoms started (yesterday, three days ago, etc.)
- Which symptom is bothering you the most
- Whether you have a fever
The easiest way is to type your symptoms into a translation app and show the Japanese text to the pharmacist. They will use this information to find the most suitable medicine for your condition.
💡 Tip: Even just pointing to the part of your body that hurts can go a long way. Don’t be shy — pharmacists are used to helping foreign customers.
Step 3: Paying at the Register
At most Japanese drugstores and pharmacies, credit cards are widely accepted. Major cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are supported at most chain stores.
That said, small independently-owned pharmacies may be cash only. It’s a good idea to carry a small amount of Japanese yen (cash) just in case.
💡 Tip: Look for card logos displayed near the register — this tells you which cards are accepted.
Quick Summary
| Point | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Where to go | Head to a drugstore for OTC medicines (especially important in rural areas) |
| Pharmacist | Not always on duty — check the posted hours |
| Language | English OK in cities · Use a translation app in rural areas |
| Step 1 | Always disclose drug allergies before purchasing |
| Step 2 | Describe your symptoms in as much detail as possible |
| Step 3 | Credit cards are usually accepted (carry some cash just in case) |
Final Note
Japanese pharmacists are licensed healthcare professionals. Don’t hesitate to approach them even if there’s a language barrier — they are used to assisting foreign customers and will do everything they can to help you.
Take care and enjoy your time in Japan! 🇯🇵
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional if your symptoms are severe or persistent.
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