Articles
Practical guides written and fact-checked by a licensed Japanese pharmacist.
How to See a Doctor in Japan: First-Visit Checklist, Reception Flow, and What Foreigners Need to Know
A pharmacist's guide for foreign residents and visitors to seeing a doctor in Japan β picking the right department, what to bring, the reception-to-checkout flow, finding English-speaking clinics, and what to do at night or on holidays.
Types of Pharmacies in Japan: Drugstores, Dispensing Pharmacies, and Where to Buy What
A pharmacist's guide to where foreigners can buy medicine in Japan β drugstores vs dispensing pharmacies, convenience stores, the difference between yakuzaishi and toroku-hanbaisha, and how to fill a prescription.
Stomach Medicine in Japan: OTC Guide for Upset Stomach, Diarrhea, and Heartburn
A pharmacist's guide to Japanese OTC stomach medicines (Gaster 10, Stoppa, Biofermin S, Seirogan, Ohta's Isan), organized by symptom for travelers and residents.
Hay Fever Medicine in Japan: Allegra, Claritin, and Alesion Guide
A pharmacist's guide to OTC hay fever medicines available in Japan (Allegra FX, Claritin EX, Alesion 20), including ingredients, drowsiness, and how to buy them.
Cold Medicine in Japan: What Foreigners Need to Know
Confused by Japanese cold medicine? Learn which OTC drugs work for your symptoms, how to read labels, and what to tell the pharmacist. Pharmacist-reviewed guide.
Today's OTC Spotlight: Loxonin S
A pharmacist's quick guide to Loxonin S β one of the most popular pain relievers in Japan β including how it works, who it's for, and precautions.
Tylenol or Paracetamol in Japan? Look for Acetaminophen
Tylenol and paracetamol are not common names in Japan β but the same medicine is widely available as acetaminophen. A pharmacist explains what to ask for.
Sick at Night in Japan? Dial #7119
Japan's free 24-hour medical consultation hotline β what happens when you call, what they'll ask, and how to prepare with an AI translator before dialing.
How to Buy Painkillers at a Japanese Pharmacy
A pharmacist's guide to over-the-counter painkillers available in Japan, including common ingredients and how to ask for them.