Here are my tips and links to additional information on travelling into Japan with different medicine.
Which medication can I take to Japan?
I’m always a complete worry wart with new medicine so I find it easier to pack the brands I know my family don’t have a reaction to. Same goes for nappy creams etc. Don’t forget the grown up headache tablets.
I talk about it in my What to Pack blog post, but I do recommend bringing medication from home wherever possible.
For every item you want to pack though, you will need to check that medication is actually allowed.
I don’t want anyone getting into some serious legal trouble (deported or arrested!)
Some of the medications not allowed can surprise you – for example, at the time of typing right now. Claritin-D, Codral Cold & Flu (or anything with pseudoephedrine) is not allowed without prior permission and some Vicks Inhalers are also not allowed. Also, items containing codeine are often not allowed (including Tylenol #3, for Americans, which is not allowed into Japan and Panadeine Forte, for the Aussies, is also banned in Japan.
Dexamphetamine is most definitely not allowed in Japan.
Best to check – better safe than sorry.
Please see here for medication that is allowed into Japan.
I have some tips regarding purchasing over the counter medicine once you are in Japan here too.
MAKE SURE ALL MEDICATION IS ALLOWED IN JAPAN BEFOREHAND.
If not, you will need to apply for special permission.
Also, to avoid any confusion or hold-ups, ALWAYS keep medication (and vitamins) in their original packaging – also anything that might be seen as suspicious such as baby formula (you don’t want to be carrying random packets of white powder when travelling overseas.)
See here if you require information on taking ADHD medication into Japan.
See here for my full list of EVERYTHING I recommending packing when visiting Japan with children.
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.
Melatonin (including tablets, lotion and gummies)
Melatonin is prescription only in Japan. However, it can be brought into Japan for personal use but it must be declared and be in its original packaging.
Eczema Medication
I’m lucky to not suffer from eczema but friends who do have told me that the Japanese water makes theirs worse. Please pack ointment or whatever works for you – just in case. Of course, Japan also sells eczema medication but it may not be a brand that you are used to – so easier to bring from home.
Bring Teething gel or numbing cream for babies
This is an excerpt from my article here on buying over the counter medication in Japan.
*Just touching on a little cultural difference here (regardless of whether you agree of disagree with this approach, I believe this tip will help you with the desired result).. in Japan, “teething” isn’t really seen as something to be medicated. So if you announce that you baby is teething to a Japanese doctor or chemist they will probably recommend a teething toy or a cold towel for a baby to chew on and that is about it. So… if you would like medication – I recommend asking for pain relief instead.)
So, for this reason, I recommend packing teething gels and bringing them from home.
Bring Fibre supplements or powder (although it IS easy to get Japanese brands while in Japan)
You might think I’m being over the top but almost every friend and family member who has visited me in Japan has experienced constipation while their stomachs adjust. Japanese food is healthy but when food is unfamiliar, many people forget to not just lean on rice and bread. Also, different types of vegetables are found in restaurants and it takes a while to adjust. Having a fiber powder to add to a fruit juice to help kids out can really change the quality of your holiday.
If you are constipated in Japan and need to know how to ask for assistance in Japanese I have a blog post here that will help.
I also have an article with tips on how to make sure you are getting enough veggies while in Japan.
PLEASE read what to do in a medical emergency in Japan
The system is different to just running to an ER or any hospital if baby gets sick. Please read here before you travel so you know what to do if your child gets sick.
See here for my full detailed list of what to pack when visiting Japan with kids (I AM CRAZY DETAILED ON THIS ONE)
and HERE for my list on “What to book before going to Japan and by when.”
