Don’t Miss These! 5 Practical Drugstore Must-Buys in Japan
Taking care of your body while traveling is more important than you might think. Between food hopping, late-night shopping, and a diet that’s different from your usual routine, your body will definitely feel it.
That’s why this time, we’ve picked five highly practical and popular drugstore items that are especially useful for travelers visiting Japan.
Whether it’s your first trip or you’ve been here many times before, these are items you’ll likely think,“I should have bought this sooner.”
All of the products introduced here are easy to find at pharmacies and drugstores across Japan.
They’re useful during your trip and practical enough to keep using even after you return home.
☑︎Ohta Isan S (150g)
Class 2 OTC Medicine
A classic, household stomach remedy in Japan
This is one of the most recommended medicines for travelers in Japan. Greasy meals, late-night dining, or simply eating a little too much can leave your stomach feeling heavy and uncomfortable. Ohta Isan S is a powdered stomach medicine that helps relieve these common digestive issues.
✔️ When your stomach feels heavy
✔️ When you feel bloated or uncomfortable
✔️ When you experience stomach discomfort after meals
It comes with a measuring spoon, and one level spoonful is the standard dose per use.
Please be sure to follow the recommended dosage and directions.
The 150g size is generous enough for family use and also works well as a home staple after your trip.
👉 No surprise that this product consistently ranks as a “must-buy souvenir from Japan.”
☑︎Ohta Isan S (Individual Packets, 50 sachets)
Class 2 OTC Medicine
The perfect size for travelers
This is the individually packaged version of Ohta Isan S introduced above. Each dose comes in a single sachet, making it extremely convenient to carry around.
✔️ When you experience heartburn
✔️ When you want to keep your luggage light
✔️ When you want to share with travel companions
It’s especially recommended for first-time visitors to Japan, as it helps keep your stomach in good condition so you can fully enjoy local food.
Even using it once or twice during your trip is often enough to make you glad you bought it.
☑︎Amino Collagen NMN
Inner beauty care you can maintain while traveling
Among travelers searching for inner beauty supplements in Japan, Amino Collagen NMN has been gaining a lot of attention recently.
✔️ Made with 100% fish collagen
✔️ Contains amino acids (arginine) plus NMN
✔️ Can be mixed into drinks or foods like yogurt
As a powder, it’s easy to mix into water, juice, coffee, or yogurt at your hotel. Perfect for those who don’t want their daily care routine to fall apart while traveling.
If you’re thinking, “I’m worried my self-care routine will get disrupted during my trip,”
this is an easy, stress-free item to add to your day.
☑︎Metabaria Kuzu Flower Isoflavone EX
(30-day supply / 240 tablets)
A support supplement for those who love to eat
It’s easy to end up eating more than usual while traveling. That’s when many people turn to the Metabaria series.
This product contains isoflavones derived from kudzu flowers and is labeled as a functional food in Japan. It has long been trusted by people who are mindful of their eating habits.
✔️ For those who want to stay mindful of body condition and weight during travel
✔️ For those who want to continue care after returning home
✔️ For those comfortable with tablet-type supplements
With a full 30-day supply, it’s ideal for both travel-time support and post-trip lifestyle care.
It’s often chosen as a reliable body-management supplement from a trusted Japanese manufacturer.
☑︎Metabaria Premium EX
The premium model in the Metabaria series
For those already familiar with Metabaria, this is the next-level option.
✔️ Premium line
✔️ Suitable for pre-meal routine management
✔️ Designed for continuous use
Many people purchase this not only for managing meals during their trip, but also with long-term lifestyle care in mind after returning home.
It’s especially popular among repeat buyers and travelers who are already comfortable shopping at Japanese drugstores. Recommended for those who want serious, consistent management.
※Please note that results may vary from person to person.
Summary｜How to Choose Wisely at Japanese Drugstores
Japanese drugstores are packed with options, but for travelers, these three points matter most:
1）Is it safe and reliable to choose in Japan?
2）Can you use it right away?
3）Will it still be useful after you return home?
The five items introduced here meet all three criteria, making them a practical and reliable selection.
If you ever find yourself standing in a Japanese drugstore wondering,“What should I buy?”
this list will help you make a choice you won’t regret.
A satisfying purchase is pretty much guaranteed.