Buying medicine at a Japanese drugstore

Step by step

1. 01

   Find a drugstore

   Chains like Matsumoto Kiyoshi carry OTC cold medicine, painkillers, stomach medicine, bandages, and more.

2. 02

   Say your symptom

   Show your symptom with a translation app or by pointing. That's enough.

   Ask for medicine

   風邪薬はありますか？

   Kazegusuri wa arimasu ka?

   Do you have cold medicine?

3. 03

   Ask the pharmacist

   Some medicines need a pharmacist's check. Tell them about allergies or conditions.

4. 04

   Pay

   Card/IC usually works; some stores are tax-free (check the current rules). This is general info, not medical advice — if symptoms are serious or you're unsure, see a clinic, and check official rules before bringing your own medicine into Japan.

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