Please please remember that I’m not a doctor AND I also don’t work in Japanese immigration or customs. So, this is just general advice and a PSA reminder to do your reserach and check ahead before travelling to Japan.
As I say in my Preparing for Japan and What to Pack for Japan with kids blog posts, it is very very important to check with medications are and aren’t allowed in Japan (some will surprise you – for example some types of panadol in Australia isn’t allowed and some of the vick’s inhalers are also not permitted in Japan.)
See here for my tips on travelling to Japan with neurodivergent kids!
So where to start my research on what medication is and isn’t allowed in Japan?
–The Ministry of Health, Wealth and Labour of Japan website
–The Narcotics Department website Japan page
–The Japan Travel: Bringing Medicines into Japan page
–The Smart Traveller website
*I thought most people would know this already but I did have to explain to someone recently that you CANNOT bring cannabis oil into Japan. So if it says THC on it – it’s automatically a hard no. Cannabis/Marijuana/Hemp are all illegal in Japan – in any form (including gummies, oil, cookies.) Opioids, adderall and epinephrine are illegal in Japan as well. This means that, if any of the medications you need to bring contain any of these – you will need to apply in advance for approval using the MHWL website.
Here is an excerpt from my article on travelling to Japan with neurodivergent kids – one of the many slices of advice from different readers.
“The most complicated part for us was determining whether we needed import and export approval for my medication and my sons. My son’s meds (Concerta) were considered psychotropics* and we did not need import or export approval but still had to declare them on the customs form in Japan.
“Dexamphetamine is most definitely not allowed in Japan. I had to ask my doctor to put me on ritalin for during my trip.”
For anyone travelling with medication to Japan my advice is to :
-print out the webpage advice on the Japan Narcotic Control information re: the drugs you have
-highlight the drug in the drug classification list on the narcotics control department webpage.
-keep the medication in the original packaging including the box.
-have a hard copy of the prescription.
-have a doctor’s certificate for the medication and confirming your child’s diagnosis.
*please make sure you check the rules regarding different medication as the regulations change often.
With regards to my medication, it’s classified as a narcotic and I required import and export approval. I applied well in advance and the response took a long time so it’s best to be organized.”
Is there somewhere I can find a list of medications allowed into Japan?
Not a specific list but all of the guidelines for which medication is and isn’t allowed in Japan can be found here. This link also has a direct click button to apply for permission to bring certain substances into Japan.
Can’t I just bring a letter from my doctor saying that I’m allowed to have this medication in Japan?
No. A letter from your doctor doesn’t make a medication suddenly “allowed” in Japan (it’s kind of as affective as bringing a letter to school from your Mum.) You need to apply to bring in the medication before entering Japan.
“But my friend said she didn’t declare anything and there were no issues bringing medicine into Japan”
That means your friend broke the law and is lucky they weren’t deported or spent time in a jail in Japan. I don’t ever recommend doing this.
While doing your research, it is important to note that some medicines are allowed but only in smaller quantities.
So, if you are going to Japan for a long time or you or your child need a higher dosage, you will still need to apply for permission.
To apply to bring more than the allowed amount (it can change so please see the websites above to check each time you travel) you can apply via these links on the Narcotics Department Website. You will need a medical certificate in order to apply.
For example, at the time of writing this (Aug 2024), Ritalin is allowed in Japan but in small amounts. See the Narcotics Department website to check the amounts and then you will know if you need to apply for additional permission. The rules may change so it is important to check each time. If you feel nervous, print out the information and bring it with you and carry it with your passport.
Many ADHD meds are allowed in Japan as long as it is a 1 month supply or less (YOU MUST CHECK THOUGH!) . You will need all medication to be in its original packaging and it is best to also have prescriptions on hand in case any questions are asked.
Who do I need to contact if I need to ask for permission to take certain drugs into Japan?
You can fill a permission form on the Ministry of Health ,Wealth and Labour of Japan website here or send a direct email to yakkan@mhlw.go.jp
You will need a medical certificate in order to apply.
How long does it take for the Ministry of Health, Wealth and Labour of Japan to respond?
It can take 2-4 weeks so please make sure you leave lots of time (and send follow up emails! Make them get back to you!)
It is so important to travel to Japan with all medication in it’s original packaging
Because of the language barrier but it is also just common sense. It makes it easier for customs to tell what the medication is and see all of the ingredients. I would also like to remind you that it is also best to travel with vitamins in their original packaging AND baby formula (we don’t want to be travelling with random white powder in little baggies, am I right?)
What ingredient in certain medications deems them illegal in Japan?
It is usually the stimulant dexamphetamine and pseudophedrine (often found in cold and flu meds.)
“But my friend told me that no-one even checks what medicine you have so why bother?”
Well, your friend is willing to take a risk of being detained, arrested or not allowed into Japan – a risk that I’m not willing to take.
This is a piece of text from this Guardian news article :
“It is not unheard of for foreigners to be detained in Japan for posting or bringing in medicine they used at home. Such drugs may be banned in Japan or require special approval. In Japan, suspects can be held in custody for up to 23 days without formal charges.”
It is true that you can be held in Japan for up to 23 days without so much as a phone call or being formally charged. Not worth just “hoping for the best” right?
When I declare medicine for Japan do I put it in my child’s name or my own name?
It MUST be declared in the child’s name – even if the child is very young. This sounds super weird but another mum said this held them up for a bit at customs recently.
As mentioned many times in this blog post, rules and allowances change. I will do my best to keep this information as current as possible.
See here for what to do in a medical emergency in Japan.
See here for information on over the counter medication that you can purchase in Japan.
See my advice on “Noisy kids in Japan: How does that work?”
