Bringing Medicine into Japan

Some of you may need to continue medication while in Japan. We recommend that you bring with you enough medication to last for your first two months, and arrange to have additional supplies shipped to you as needed. Medications might differ in Japan, and the system of obtaining them is not the same as in other countries.

In this connection, we found the useful information related to importing or bringing medication into Japan. Please refer to the following:

＜From Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare>
[General Information]
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html

[Q & A for those who are importing medicines into Japan]
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/dl/qa2.pdf

<From the homepage of Embassy of the United States Tokyo, Japan>
https://jp.usembassy.gov/services/importing-medication/

You can refer to the above information for the drug restrictions in Japan. Please take your time to review them. Also, be aware that items sometimes marketed as “diet pills” or “health supplements” or “herbal medicines” may contain chemical substances that are banned for importation or possession in Japan.

From the Japanese Consulate web site:

You can bring up to one month's supply of prescription medicines into Japan, and up to two month's supply of non-prescription medicines without completing any paperwork. This same rule applies to mailing prescription and/or non-prescription medicines.

It is always a good idea to have a copy of the prescription and/or letter from the prescribing physician explaining the nature of the medication, the purpose of taking it, recommended dosage, and frequency of ingestion.

Most prescription drugs are permitted, including medicines that may not be available in Japan, such as birth control pills. Medicines that are hallucinogenic, narcotic, and/or psychotropic in nature will be confiscated, except in extenuating circumstances where prior approval has been obtained (e.g., a cancer patient taking a type of medication that has a high percentage of pain killer; these cases are treated on a case by case basis).

The following over-the-counter medications are prohibited in Japan since they contain narcotic or stimulant ingredients in excess of the Japanese standard: