Buying medicine in a foreign country can be intimidating — especially when the labels are all in Japanese. Browse our OTC categories below, or visit our dedicated sister site for even more detail.
OTC Guide Japan — our dedicated OTC medicine site
We've launched a dedicated sister site for Japanese OTC medicines. Ingredients, dosage, warnings, and side effects — all sourced from official package inserts and manufacturer sites. Buying guides and comparisons included.
We're gradually moving our OTC content to OTC Guide Japan. Some categories below may have limited information during the transition.
Visit OTC Guide JapanPain Relief
Need headache, cramp, or muscle-ache relief? See the NSAID medications available over-the-counter in Japan.
See allAllergy
Pills, eye drops, and nasal sprays to help you control seasonal allergies or daily antihistamine needs.
See allCold & Flu
Cold and flu medicines to help you get through your day, sleep better, and recover faster.
See allDigestive / GI
Stomach medicine, laxatives, and digestive aids available at Japanese drugstores.
See allSleep Aids
OTC sleep aids and supplements to help you get a good night's rest in Japan.
See allTopical
Creams, ointments, and patches for pain relief, skin conditions, and more.
See allYeast / Thrush
OTC yeast infection and thrush treatments available at Japanese pharmacies.
See allFeminine Itch Relief
Feminine itch relief products available OTC at Japanese drugstores.
See all