Japanese drugstores are much more than places to buy medicine. They are one of the best places to shop for affordable cosmetics, skincare products, snacks, toiletries, and everyday essentials.
Whether you’ve forgotten something at home or are looking for popular Japanese souvenirs, a drugstore is definitely worth visiting.
What Can You Buy?
Japanese drugstores sell a wide range of products, including:
- Over-the-counter medicine
- Vitamins and supplements
- Japanese skincare
- Cosmetics
- Sunscreen
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Contact lens solution
- Face masks
- Hair products
- Baby supplies
- Snacks and drinks
- Household items
Many products are significantly cheaper than in department stores.
Popular Drugstore Chains
You’ll find drugstores almost everywhere in Japan. Some of the most popular chains include:
- Matsumoto Kiyoshi (Matsukiyo)
- Welcia
- Sugi Pharmacy
- Cocokarafine
- Sundrug
- Tsuruha Drug
Most major tourist areas have at least one of these stores.
Best Japanese Skincare Products
Japan is famous for high-quality skincare at reasonable prices.
Popular brands include:
- Hada Labo
- Curel
- Anessa
- Biore UV
- Melano CC
- Senka
- IHADA
- Naturie
- Minon
Many visitors buy sunscreen and moisturizers because Japanese formulas are lightweight and suitable for daily use.
Popular Cosmetics
Some of the most popular makeup brands include:
- Canmake
- Kate
- Cezanne
- Excel
- Heroine Make
- Kiss Me
These brands offer excellent quality at affordable prices.
Everyday Essentials
Forgot to pack something?
Drugstores are a great place to buy:
- Umbrellas
- Razors
- Toothbrushes
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Soap
- Deodorant
- Wet wipes
- Face masks
- Hand cream
Travel-sized products are also widely available.
Baby Products
If you’re traveling with children, you’ll find:
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Baby shampoo
- Baby lotion
- Baby snacks
- Formula
Many stores also sell children’s medicine and thermometers.
Snacks Worth Trying
Drugstores often sell snacks at lower prices than convenience stores.
Popular choices include:
- KitKat (seasonal flavors)
- Pocky
- Hi-Chew
- Jagariko
- Black Thunder
- Rice crackers
- Gummies
- Matcha sweets
It’s a great place to stock up before heading back to your hotel.
Tax-Free Shopping
Many larger drugstores offer tax-free shopping for international visitors.
Bring your passport when making eligible purchases.
Tax-free counters are common in popular tourist areas such as Ginza, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, and Asakusa.
Can You Speak English?
Staff members at large stores in tourist areas often know basic English, and many stores provide translation devices or multilingual product information.
If you’re looking for medicine, don’t hesitate to ask the pharmacist for assistance.
Payment Methods
Most drugstores accept:
- Cash
- Credit cards
- Suica and PASMO
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- QR code payments
Best Things to Buy Before Leaving Japan
If you still have room in your suitcase, consider picking up:
- Sunscreen
- Face masks
- Eye drops
- Lip balm
- Nail clippers
- Pain relief patches
- Vitamins
- Green tea
- Japanese snacks
Many of these items are lightweight, affordable, and make excellent souvenirs.
If you’re staying near a major train station, visit a large drugstore instead of buying everything from a convenience store. Drugstores often have lower prices on drinks, snacks, toiletries, and skincare products, so you can save quite a bit during your trip.
Don’t overlook the second floor, either. Many larger branches keep cosmetics and skincare upstairs, while the ground floor focuses on medicine and daily essentials.
