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 — drugstores vs dispensing pharmacies, convenience stores, the difference between yakuzaishi and toroku-hanbaisha, and how to fill a prescription.
Types of Pharmacies in Japan: Drugstores, Dispensing Pharmacies, and Where to Buy What
"I have a headache — where do I buy painkillers?"
"The doctor gave me a prescription. Where do I take this piece of paper?"
These are two of the most common questions foreign residents and visitors ask at the pharmacy counter. Japan has four distinct types of places where you can buy medicine, and each stocks different products and staffs different professionals. This guide sorts them out.
Quick Reference: Who Sells What
| Location | What you can buy | Staff |
|---|---|---|
| Drugstore (e.g., Matsukiyo, Welcia) | OTC medicines (Class 1–3), quasi-drugs | Pharmacist or registered seller |
| Dispensing pharmacy (chōzai yakkyoku) | Prescription drugs + limited OTC | Pharmacist only |
| Convenience store | Quasi-drugs only | None |
| Supermarket / general retail | Quasi-drugs only | None |
Class 1 OTC medicines (such as Loxonin S, Gaster 10, and topical minoxidil) can only be sold when a licensed pharmacist is physically present at the store. Even at large drugstores, Class 1 medicines may be unavailable during hours when no pharmacist is on shift.
1. Drugstores: Your First Stop for Everyday Medicine
Drugstores are the chain stores you see all over Japan, and they are the center of most pharmacy experiences here. The largest national chains include:
- Matsumoto Kiyoshi (Matsukiyo)
- Welcia
- Tsuruha Drug
- Sundrug
- Cocokara Fine
- Sugi Pharmacy
What you'll find inside:
- OTC medicines across Classes 1, 2, and 3 (cold remedies, painkillers, stomach medicines, allergy medicines)
- Quasi-drugs (iyakubugaihin), such as Biofermin S, throat lozenges, and energy drinks
- Cosmetics, toiletries, snacks, and everyday goods
A note on staffing: Pharmacist availability varies by chain and by time of day. If you need a Class 1 medicine, check the sign near the medicine aisle or the entrance — larger stores usually post the name of the pharmacist currently on duty.
Large drugstores marked with a "処方せん受付" (shohōsen uketsuke, "prescriptions accepted") sign also function as dispensing pharmacies.
2. Dispensing Pharmacies: Where You Bring a Prescription Written by a Doctor
A dispensing pharmacy (chōzai yakkyoku) is a specialized pharmacy where you bring a prescription that was already issued by a doctor at a hospital or clinic and have it filled. Prescriptions in Japan can only be written by a licensed physician — pharmacies do not issue them.
Dispensing pharmacies are typically located next to or near hospitals and clinics, or on the ground floor of buildings near major train stations. Key features:
- A licensed pharmacist is always on staff
- OTC selection is usually limited
- Look for the "処方せん受付" flag or sign
How to fill a prescription
- Hand the prescription to the counter
- Present your Japanese public health insurance if you have one (see below)
- If you have an okusuri-techō (medication notebook), hand that over too
- Wait approximately 10 to 30 minutes
- Receive a brief counseling session from the pharmacist, then take your medicine
Prescriptions in Japan are valid for four days from the date of issue, including weekends and holidays. If you miss this window, you will generally need to return to the clinic for reissuance.
Payment differs for residents and short-term visitors
- Residents enrolled in Japanese public health insurance: Present your My Number Card configured for health insurance use (My Number hokenshō) or your traditional insurance card. Your out-of-pocket cost is generally 30% (10–30% depending on age and income).
- Short-term visitors: Japan's public insurance does not cover you, so you will typically pay the full cost at the counter. Keep the receipt and medication details — you can submit them to your travel insurance provider for reimbursement after returning home.
Japan is currently transitioning to a system where the My Number Card functions as the health insurance card (sometimes referred to as the "My Number hokenshō"). Traditional plastic/paper insurance cards remain valid for the time being, but long-term residents are encouraged to register their My Number Card for insurance use.
Private travel insurance cards are not accepted at Japanese pharmacy counters. You must pay the full amount first, then file a claim with your insurer after the fact.
3. Convenience Stores and Supermarkets: Quasi-Drugs Only
7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, and Japanese supermarkets carry only quasi-drugs — not pharmaceutical medicines.
Items you can find:
- Energy drinks (e.g., Lipovitan D)
- Throat lozenges (quasi-drug type)
- Adhesive bandages and surgical tape
- Antiseptic sprays (ethanol-based)
Items you cannot find:
- Cold medicines, painkillers, stomach medicines, allergy medicines, or any other true OTC medication
This catches many visitors off guard. If you develop a headache at 2 a.m., a nearby convenience store will not be able to help you. The usual fallback is to locate a 24-hour drugstore (some Welcia and Tsuruha branches operate around the clock).
However, if a headache is accompanied by severe vomiting, altered consciousness, the worst pain of your life, numbness in the limbs, or slurred speech, this may indicate a serious condition such as subarachnoid hemorrhage or meningitis. Do not wait it out with OTC medicine — call #7119 (the national emergency consultation line) for guidance, or seek emergency care.
4. Pharmacists vs. Registered Sellers
Japanese drugstores are staffed by two types of licensed personnel: pharmacists (yakuzaishi) and registered sellers (tōroku-hanbaisha).
| Credential | Licensing | Can sell |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist (yakuzaishi) | 6-year pharmacy degree + national exam | All OTC classes + prescription dispensing |
| Registered seller (tōroku-hanbaisha) | Prefectural exam | Class 2 and Class 3 only |
This means that Class 1 medicines — including Loxonin S, Gaster 10, and 5% minoxidil products — cannot be sold without a pharmacist on site. If you are specifically looking for a Class 1 product, it is worth confirming pharmacist availability before you get to the register.
5. Why the Medication Notebook Is Worth Carrying
The okusuri-techō is a small paper booklet that records the medications you have been prescribed over time. Reasons to carry one:
- Avoids dangerous drug interactions — pharmacists at other clinics can see what you're already taking
- Useful in emergencies and disasters — if you forget the name of your medicine, the notebook lets another pharmacist re-dispense it
- Small discount on dispensing fees at most pharmacies when you present it
You can request a new notebook at any dispensing pharmacy, usually free. Smartphone app versions (such as "e-Okusuri-Techō") are also widely used.
6. Choosing Generic Medications
Prescription drugs in Japan come in two versions: brand-name (先発医薬品) and generic (後発医薬品, kōhatsu iyakuhin).
- The active ingredient and effect are the same
- Generics generally cost 20% to 50% less
- Unless your prescription is marked "no substitution," the pharmacy can switch you to a generic
To request a generic, simply ask: Generic ni dekimasu ka? ("Can this be switched to a generic?"). The pharmacist will confirm stock and let you know.
7. Drugs That Are OTC in Japan But Prescription-Only Elsewhere
Some medicines available without a prescription in Japan require one in many other countries:
- Loxonin S (loxoprofen) — prescription-only in most countries outside Japan
- Gaster 10 (famotidine) — OTC in the US as Pepcid, prescription-only in parts of Europe
- 5% minoxidil topical (Riup X5 and others) — Class 1, pharmacist-mediated
All three are Class 1 products in Japan, so they can only be purchased when a pharmacist is present at the counter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I tell a drugstore from a dispensing pharmacy? A. Look for the "処方せん受付" sign. If it's there, the store accepts prescriptions. Many large drugstores are hybrids — they sell everyday OTC products and also fill prescriptions at a separate counter.
Q. What happens if my prescription expires? A. You will generally need to contact the issuing clinic and request reissuance. If your symptoms have changed, the clinic may require another consultation.
Q. Can I fill a foreign prescription at a Japanese pharmacy? A. No — Japanese pharmacies can only fill prescriptions written by a physician licensed to practice in Japan. For short trips, bring what you need from home. For longer stays, see a Japanese doctor to transition to an equivalent local prescription.
Q. Are there English-speaking pharmacies? A. Some drugstores in central Tokyo, Osaka, major airports, and popular tourist areas have English-speaking staff, though availability varies by shift. Calling ahead or using a translation app is a reliable fallback.
When to Skip Self-Treatment and See a Doctor
Consider seeking medical care rather than continuing with OTC treatment if:
- Symptoms do not improve after three days of OTC use
- You have a persistent fever above 38°C (100.4°F)
- You experience severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or altered mental state
For urgent symptoms at night or on holidays, you can call #7119 (the national emergency consultation line) to ask whether you should go to a clinic or emergency room.
Sources
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) — OTC drug risk classification
- MHLW — Pharmaceutical sales regulations
- Japan Pharmaceutical Association — on the medication notebook
- Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA)
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed pharmacist or physician before taking any medication.