16 Must-Buy Items at Japanese Drugstores: Essential and Emerging Favorites for Your Japan Trip!
Japan is renowned as a pharmaceutical powerhouse, celebrated for its high safety standards and quality control. Products from this nation are globally recognized for their reliability and effectiveness, making them perfect souvenirs for tourists in Japan. In this article, we’ll share 8 all-time favorite products that are staples in Japanese drugstores and 8 exciting new items launched post-2020.
The latter half focuses on new essentials introduced in the COVID-19 pandemic, which may still be undiscovered gems for many. Be sure to check them out for a unique and beneficial shopping experience during your Japan journey!
【Top 8 Essential Products to Buy】
1.V Rohto Active Premium Eyedrops
When it comes to Japanese eye drops, V Rohto Active Premium Eyedrops is a must-have! Tailored to alleviate eye fatigue caused by aging or prolonged screen use, it’s highly recommended for everyone from busy professionals to seniors. Its unique ingredients ease eye strain and support vision maintenance. Thanks to Japan’s advanced pharmaceutical technology, these eye drops are designed to protect eye health against issues caused by aging and other factors.
Many who have shopped at Japanese drugstores will recognize Lycee Contact Eyedrops for its charming design, particularly popular among women. Its standout feature is that it can be used while wearing contact lenses, making it an essential item for contact lens users. The convenience and thoughtful design of this product embody the meticulous care of Japanese pharmaceuticals.
3. SKIN AQUA Tone Up UV Essence
SKIN AQUA Tone Up UV Essence is celebrated for its light texture and natural skin tone-enhancing capabilities. It blends seamlessly with the skin, making it perfect for daily use. Boasting a high protection factor of SPF50+ and PA++++, it’s also enriched with moisturizing ingredients like sodium hyaluronate, vitamin C derivatives, and botanical extracts. Priced in the affordable 700 yen range, this product offers exceptional value for its quality.
Obagi C25 Serum Neo packs the power of 150 lemons worth of Vitamin C, making it highly effective for improving skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines due to dryness. It’s a one-stop solution for concerns like enlarged pores, dullness, and rough texture. A staple in Japan for adult skin, this product is ideal for anti-aging care.
Designed for sudden headaches, Eve Quick DX is known for its rapid pain-relieving effects. It contains ingredients that protect the stomach, ensuring safe usage. It’s also effective for headaches caused by travel fatigue or jet lag. The convenient packaging makes it easy to carry, making it an ideal travel companion.
6. Pansiron Cure Digestive Medicine
Pansiron Active Digestive Medicine
Pansiron is a long-trusted brand of gastrointestinal medication in Japan. The green Pansiron Cure targets stomach pain, acid reflux, and heartburn. Available in granule form for quick absorption, it can be taken on an empty stomach or after meals. It’s ideal for busy office workers with irregular eating schedules and for those who overindulge while traveling. The red Pansiron Active 55 is tailored for middle-aged and older adults whose stomach movements may be slower, leading to indigestion. These small, easy-to-swallow granules are designed not to leave a taste, making them perfect for seniors who experience heaviness in the stomach even after light meals.
This cold medicine, widely loved in Japan, is tailored for the initial symptoms of a cold. It’s also a useful item for managing health while traveling. Especially effective at the onset of a cold, it features a unique blend of ingredients specific to Japan. It’s designed for quick response to sudden health downturns, making it a reliable ally for travelers and locals alike.
In Japan, gentle-acting laxatives are preferred, and Milmag Liquid Laxative is a prime example of this. It’s safe for first-time users, including children as young as three years old. This gentle formula makes it an excellent choice for those new to laxatives, offering an effective yet non-irritating solution to constipation.
【New Staples! Top 8 Products Released After 2020】
Now, let’s dive into the new staples introduced since 2020. These products are hugely popular in Japan but may still be undiscovered gems for the rest of the world. Be sure to check them out soon!
9. Melano CC Deep Clear Facewash (Released August 2022)
This is the latest enzyme facial wash from the long-loved “Melano CC Essence” line, launched in August 2022. It effectively dissolves blackheads and clears pore impurities, leading to smooth, translucent skin. The rich lather, enriched with Vitamin C and other skin-conditioning moisturizing ingredients, leaves the skin hydrated after washing. Suitable for daily use and affordably priced around 700 yen, it’s perfect for personal use or as a thoughtful gift.
10. THE LYPO Vitamin C Deep Capsule (Released October 20, 2023)
This product features the popular “Liposomal Vitamin C” in Japan, offering both sustained and immediate effects. With a higher absorption rate than traditional Vitamin C, its hard capsule form reduces bitterness, making it easy to swallow. Just two capsules a day can boost immunity and support skin clarity.
11. Unacowa Cool Gel (Released April 5, 2022)
Insect bites can be incredibly uncomfortable. Unacowa Cool Gel contains 4.5% l-menthol, providing a cooling sensation while alleviating itchiness. Additionally, ingredients like lidocaine and diphenhydramine hydrochloride quickly address the cause of the itch. Its roll-on container, featuring a metal ice ball, offers a pleasant application experience and allows for mess-free use.
12. Air-Touch Hand Cream (Released August 23, 2023)
Developed under the concept of “Moisturizing yet Instantly Light,” Air-Touch Hand Cream incorporates various iconic Japanese scents, including Oshima Sakura from Izu Oshima, “Misato Yuki Hana Lavender” from Akita Prefecture, and “Setouchi Lemon.” It stands out for its non-greasy, high moisturizing power and refreshing feel. Compared to regular hand creams, it’s also less likely to leave fingerprints, adding to its appeal.
13. V5 Eyecare Supplement (Released July 1, 2020)
Launched by Rohto Pharmaceutical, V5 Eyecare Supplement is designed to protect eye health in the digital age. The inclusion of lutein and zeaxanthin helps reduce retinal damage from blue light and UV rays. These ingredients are essential for eye health, especially addressing the eye fatigue caused by modern screen use. Taking one capsule a day supports clear vision maintenance, making it highly recommended for people who spend long hours in front of screens or are concerned about vision decline due to aging.
14. Nobinobi Salonsip Fit with New Packaging
The beloved “Stretchy Salonpas” patch, a long-time favorite in Japan for relieving shoulder stiffness and muscle pain, now features a new package design aimed at balancing environmental concerns with convenience. Despite reduced packaging materials, it maintains the ease of use that customers have come to expect. This reflects the commitment to sustainability and user experience in Japanese product design.
15. Medi Quick Pro Eczema (Released March 21, 2022)
Medi Quick Pro Eczema blends nine active ingredients to quickly soothe itching and inflammation. Mediquick PRO not only alleviates the discomfort caused by eczema but also offers antibacterial properties to promote healing of affected areas. Particularly effective for recurrent eczema, its cooling sensation provides comfortable relief from itching.
16. WAKANSEN Boufu Fat Burn Tablets (Released April 16, 2023)
WAKANSEN Boufu Fat Burn Tablets is a fusion of traditional Kampo (Japanese herbal medicine) wisdom and modern pharmaceutical technology. It contains concentrated essences of 18 kinds of herbal ingredients, effective in breaking down and burning abdominal fat and expelling excess sugars. It’s also beneficial for constipation, swelling, and flushing. Suitable for those looking to improve conditions like obesity and high blood pressure, these tablets are film-coated to reduce bitterness when taken.
Important Notice When Purchasing Medicines in Japan:
We’ve introduced the staple and new standard products to buy from Japanese drugstores. When purchasing medicines in Japan, keep in mind several important points to avoid post-purchase issues and enjoy a hassle-free trip.
・Quantity Restrictions for Taking Medicines Out of Japan
There are limits on the number of medicines you can bring back from Japan. Ensure to purchase within the permissible range for travel.
・Check Import Regulations of Your Country
Verify whether the purchased medicines are not restricted or contain prohibited ingredients in your country. This is crucial to avoid troubles upon return.
・No Commercial Purchases
Medicines should be purchased for personal use, not for commercial purposes. Avoid bulk buying or purchasing with commercial intent.
・Buy from Trusted Stores
To ensure safety and reliability, buy medicines from licensed pharmacies or reputable large electronic retail stores.
By following these guidelines, your experience of purchasing medicines in Japan can be safe and enjoyable. Don’t forget these points during your Japan trip for a wonderful shopping experience!