Introduction
Japanese drugstores are one of the most popular places for foreign travellers visiting Japan — and once you step inside one, it’s easy to see why.
Unlike many drugstores in the UK, Japanese drugstores are not only for medicine. They also sell skincare, cosmetics, snacks, supplements, daily necessities, and travel essentials, often at affordable prices.
For first-time visitors, however, the huge variety of products and Japanese labels can feel a little overwhelming.
The good news is that with a little preparation, Japanese drugstores quickly become one of the most useful and enjoyable parts of travelling in Japan.
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1. What Makes Japanese Drugstores Different
Japanese drugstores are known for their convenience, variety, and surprisingly high-quality products.
You’ll often find:
- Large product variety
- Cosmetics and skincare
- Snacks and supplements
- Affordable prices
Major chains such as Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sundrug, and Welcia can be found across Japan, especially in cities and shopping areas.
Compared to many UK pharmacies or chemists, Japanese drugstores often feel brighter, more product-focused, and closer to a mix of pharmacy, beauty shop, and convenience store.
2. Common Things Travellers Buy
Many visitors come to Japanese drugstores specifically to shop for Japanese products.
Popular items include:
- Cold medicine
- Face masks
- Japanese skincare
- Vitamins and supplements
- Beauty products
Japanese skincare products, in particular, are popular with travellers because of their quality and wide variety.
Seasonal items are also common, especially during winter and allergy season.
3. Useful Japanese Words You’ll See
Even if you don’t read Japanese, recognising a few common words can make shopping easier.
You may often see:
- 薬（Medicine）
- 化粧品（Cosmetics）
- 割引（Discount）
- 人気商品（Popular item）
- 免税（Tax-free）
Many stores in tourist areas also include English signs, but not always.
4. Payment and Tax-Free Shopping
Most Japanese drugstores accept multiple payment methods.
Common options include:
- Credit cards
- Cashless payment
- IC cards such as Suica
Many larger stores also offer tax-free shopping for eligible visitors.
Note: from 1 November 2026, Japan is switching to a refund-based tax-free system. Instead of getting the tax deducted at checkout, you’ll pay the tax-inclusive price and then claim the refund when you complete your export procedures before leaving Japan.
However, tax-free rules and requirements may change depending on regulations and individual circumstances, so it’s always best to check the latest information in-store or through official sources.
You’ll usually need your passport for tax-free purchases.
5. Helpful Japanese Phrases
A few simple phrases can make shopping much smoother.
〜はどこですか？ ~ wa doko desu ka? Where is ~?
おすすめはどれですか？ Osusume wa dore desu ka? Which do you recommend?
カードで払えますか？ Kaado de haraemasu ka? Can I pay by card?
Even using a small amount of Japanese often leads to friendlier interactions.
Conclusion
Japanese drugstores are far more than places to buy medicine — they are one of the most practical and surprisingly fun parts of travelling in Japan.
From skincare and snacks to travel essentials and souvenirs, they offer a unique shopping experience that many visitors end up loving.
By learning a few simple Japanese phrases and understanding how the stores work, you can shop with much more confidence and enjoy the experience more naturally.
If you’d like practical Japanese support before your trip, our Japanese for Travel Session helps you prepare for real-life situations like shopping, ordering, and asking for help in Japan.
Related Guides
Planning your trip? Explore our Travel Planning service, or get ready to speak with confidence through Travel Japanese lessons. For steady, self-paced progress, check out Self-study Support.