Buying Prescriptions in Tokyo

A Complete Guide for Foreign Residents and Visitors

Whether you’re living in Tokyo long-term or just visiting, managing your medication needs can feel overwhelming. Different systems, language barriers, and unfamiliar procedures often cause stress for foreigners who need regular prescriptions or urgent access to medicine.

This guide walks you through the entire process of buying prescriptions in Tokyo, including how to get one, where to fill it, how much it costs, what to expect with insurance, and what alternatives exist.

1. How Prescriptions Work in Japan

Japan has a strict, regulated healthcare system, and prescription medication is not available over the counter in most cases. Unlike in some countries, you cannot go directly to a pharmacy and request prescription drugs without seeing a doctor first—even for common medications like antibiotics or asthma inhalers.

Prescriptions are issued:

• After consultation with a doctor at a clinic or hospital

• Using a standardized prescription form

• Valid for a limited time, usually 4 days

2. Do I Need a Prescription for My Medication?

Yes—if your medication is classified as a prescription drug (処方薬, shohōyaku) in Japan, a doctor’s approval is required. This applies to:

• Antibiotics

• Anti-depressants

• Birth control pills

• Sleeping pills

• Blood pressure medication

• ADHD and psychiatric medications

• Most chronic condition medications

Some mild medications like cold medicine, allergy relief, or basic painkillers are available without a prescription as OTC (over-the-counter) options.

3. How to Get a Prescription in Tokyo

Step 1: Visit a Doctor

Start by visiting a clinic, hospital, or internal medicine (内科, naika) practice. Foreigners are usually seen the same day, but larger hospitals may require appointments.

English-speaking clinics in Tokyo include:

• Tokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic

• Roppongi Hills Clinic

• Hiroo Medical Clinic

• Tokyo Midtown Medical Center

Use websites like Japan Healthcare Info or IMHPJ to find bilingual providers.

Step 2: Receive a Prescription Form

After diagnosis, the doctor will issue a prescription slip (処方箋, shohōsen), which includes:

• Patient name and info

• Drug name, dosage, and quantity

• Duration of use

• Validity (typically 4 days)

Bring this to a pharmacy within the validity period.

4. Where to Fill a Prescription in Tokyo

Prescription drugs are dispensed at licensed pharmacies (調剤薬局, chōzai yakkyoku), not the clinic or hospital.

Look for pharmacies with:

• Green cross signs or 調剤薬局 signs

• “Prescription” or “Dispensing” in English

• Locations near hospitals or train stations

Some well-known chains include:

• Matsumoto Kiyoshi (with prescription counter)

• Sugi Pharmacy

• Tomod’s

• Welcia

Not all branches can handle prescriptions, so confirm before visiting.

5. What to Bring to the Pharmacy

When you go to fill your prescription, bring:

• The prescription slip from your doctor

• Your health insurance card (if you have one)

• Residence card or ID (if requested)

• Cash or credit card (some don’t accept foreign cards)

6. How Much Do Prescription Medications Cost?

Prices vary depending on your insurance status.

Some chronic medications are relatively affordable, while imported or psychiatric medications may be costly.

7. Can I Use Foreign Prescriptions in Japan?

Generally, foreign prescriptions are not accepted in Japan. Japanese doctors must reissue them based on local regulations.

If you need continuity of care:

• Bring a list of your current medications (with generic names)

• Include dosage, frequency, and purpose

• Translate if possible or bring your original prescription for reference

8. Can I Get Refills in Japan?

Most prescriptions in Japan do not allow automatic refills. You must revisit the doctor each time you need more medication, though exceptions exist for chronic illness with long-term plans.

However, some private clinics (especially those familiar with expat care) may provide:

• Multi-month prescriptions (e.g., 90 days)

• Letter of referral for long-term users

9. Prescription for Mental Health or ADHD

Medications for mental health, anxiety, or ADHD (like Ritalin or Adderall) are tightly controlled or even banned in Japan.

• Adderall is banned entirely

• Ritalin is only available with psychiatric supervision

• Antidepressants (SSRIs, etc.) are available but monitored

See a licensed psychiatrist to obtain or manage these prescriptions. Clinics like Tokyo Mental Health or Roppongi Mental Clinic are recommended.

10. English at the Pharmacy – What to Expect

Most pharmacy staff speak limited English, but many are used to working with foreigners. You might encounter:

• Translated medication labels

• Dosage explanations using simple English or visual charts

• Pointing or Google Translate assistance

If possible, use a clinic that works with a partner pharmacy for smoother experience.

11. Can I Bring Medicine from My Home Country?

Yes, but with restrictions.

• Up to one-month supply of prescription medication is usually allowed

• Narcotics, stimulants, and some psychiatric medications require Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate)

For safe travel, check the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website or consult a customs lawyer.

12. Alternative and OTC Options

If you can’t get a prescription, some alternatives include:

• OTC painkillers: Bufferin, Eve, Tylenol (limited dosage)

• Allergy meds: Claritin, Allegra (available OTC)

• Cold/flu: Lulu, Pabron (combination drugs)

• Stomach meds: Gascon, Seirogan

Note: Japanese OTC meds often have lower active ingredient doses than Western versions.

13. Insurance Tips for Prescription Coverage

To avoid surprises:

• Confirm that your clinic/hospital is covered by your insurance

• Ask if your prescribed medication is covered

• Get a detailed receipt (明細書, meisai-sho) for reimbursement claims (e.g., overseas insurance)

• Some insurers require you to pay first and file a claim later

For expats, global insurance like Cigna or GeoBlue may offer smoother coverage.

14. Questions to Ask at the Pharmacy (and How)

15. What If I Lose My Medication?

If your medication is lost or stolen:

1. Visit a local doctor and explain the situation.

2. Bring previous prescriptions, if possible.

3. Police reports may be required for certain medications.

4. Some consulates can assist with medical verification.

Always carry a medication list or digital photo of your prescriptions.

16. Special Considerations for Long-Term Residents

If you’re staying in Tokyo long-term:

• Build a relationship with a regular family doctor (かかりつけ医, kakaritsukei)

• Consider clinics that offer bilingual staff and support

• Keep digital and physical copies of your medication records

• Ask about options for longer prescriptions to reduce frequent visits

17. Can I Use Mail-Order Prescriptions in Japan?

Generally, domestic mail-order prescriptions are not widely available, and you cannot import most drugs without prior permission. However:

• Some hospitals offer delivery of refilled prescriptions for chronic patients

• Online platforms like LINE Doctor (in Japanese) are emerging

Still, in-person visits are the standard.

18. Final Tips for a Smooth Prescription Experience

✅ Bring your health insurance card and ID
✅ Double-check the pharmacy handles prescriptions
✅ Keep prescription copies for future use
✅ Use translation apps for medicine instructions
✅ Consult a clinic that specializes in expat care

Final Thoughts

Tokyo is one of the safest, cleanest, and most efficient cities in the world—but navigating its healthcare system requires preparation. Buying prescriptions may seem confusing at first, but once you understand the process, it’s relatively straightforward.

The key is to start with the right doctor, bring all necessary documents, and ask questions at every step. With proper planning, you can get the medications you need—with or without fluent Japanese.