Some medicines that are sold without a prescription in your country are restricted in Japan. Some need a special form before you bring them in. Check each medicine before you pack it. If you take a prescription medicine, carry the papers with it. This small check can save you time at customs, and it can save you from losing your medicine at the airport.
Step 1: Check each medicine
Make a list of every medicine you plan to bring. Include:
- Prescription medicines
- Cold, allergy and pain medicines from a pharmacy
- Sleep and mood medicines
- Eye drops, creams and inhalers
- Children's medicines
Check each name on the official Japanese government sites. Look for the list of medicines that need a form, and the list of medicines that are not allowed. Do this before you pack. Do not rely on a friend's advice or a travel forum.
Check first: Read the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) guidance on bringing medicines into Japan, and the Japan Customs site. Ask the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country if you are not sure.
Step 2: Ask for the form if you need it
Some medicines need an import certificate or a form before you travel. Ask your doctor for a letter in English that explains your condition and lists your medicine. Get the form from the official source listed on the MHLW site. Fill it in before you fly, and keep a copy with you.
Step 3: Pack it correctly
- Keep medicine in its original box, with the label on it.
- Carry it in your hand luggage, not in your checked bag. Your medicine may be needed during the flight.
- Bring a copy of your prescription, and keep the doctor's letter with the medicine.
- Carry only what you need for your trip, plus a small extra amount for delays.
Step 4: Know what you can buy in Japan
Drugstores in Japan sell many common medicines for colds, pain and allergies. The staff can help you pick one. Some strong medicines are sold only with a prescription, and some medicines that you buy at home are not sold in Japan. Ask the pharmacist before you buy anything new.
For a serious illness or injury, go to a clinic or hospital. Ask your hotel for the nearest clinic that speaks English, and save the address in your phone.
Families
Children's medicines need extra care. Check the name and dose for each child's medicine, and keep the doctor's letter with it. If a child needs a daily medicine, pack more than you think you need, and keep it in a safe, cool place.
At customs
When you arrive, customs staff may ask about medicine. Show your papers and the medicine if asked. Answer clearly. If you have a form, hand it to the officer. Do not hide medicine in your bag, because this can cause a serious problem.
Common mistakes
- You pack a medicine that is restricted, without checking.
- You put medicine only in the checked bag.
- You take medicine out of its box, so the label is lost.
- You forget the doctor's letter.
If you take a regular medicine
If you take a medicine every day, plan your supply before you leave. Ask your doctor for a letter that explains the medicine and the dose. Keep the letter with the medicine, and bring a copy in your phone. If your medicine can be lost or delayed, carry a small extra supply in your hand luggage.
Plan for a change of plan too. If your trip is longer, or you need a refill, check the rules for that medicine before you travel. Do not ask a shop to sell you a medicine that needs a prescription in Japan.
Keep notes on each medicine
Write a short note for each medicine:
- The name on the box, and the active ingredient
- What it is for
- The dose you take
- Who it is for
Show this note to a pharmacist or doctor if you need help in Japan. It also helps staff at customs.
What to do next
Finish your medicine check before you buy your flights. Then read the Tokyo guide to plan where you can get help near your hotel.