Medications Not Allowed in Japan
Japan has strict rules regarding the importation of medicines, and some over-the-counter and prescription drugs that are legal in other countries are illegal in Japan. It is important to know which medications are prohibited to avoid any legal issues.
List of medications not allowed in Japan
The importation of medications into Japan is subject to strict regulations, and certain substances are prohibited under the Narcotics and Psychotropics Law, the Cannabis Control Law, and the Stimulants Control Law. The following table summarizes some of the prohibited and controlled substances in Japan:
| Substance | Category |
|---|---|
| Opium | Narcotics |
| Cannabis | Narcotics |
| Amphetamines | Stimulants |
| Methamphetamines | Stimulants |
| Heroin | Narcotics |
| Methamphetamine | Narcotics |
| Methaqualone | Narcotics |
| Cannabis | Narcotics |
| Pemoline | Psychotropics |
| Pentazocine | Psychotropics |
| Pentobarbital | Psychotropics |
| Tapentadol | Narcotics |
| Temazepam | Psychotropics |
| Tetrazepam | Psychotropics |
| Thiofentanyl | Narcotics |
| Tilidine | Narcotics |
| Dipipanone | Narcotics |
| DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine) | Narcotics |
According to, the following medications are prohibited in Japan:
- Opium
- Cannabis
- Stimulant drugs, including amphetamines and methamphetamines
- Medications that are hallucinogenic, narcotic, and/or psychotropic
We also recommend reading our pages on What can you not bring to Japan? and How much is a trip to Japan for 1 week
If you have a prescription for a medication that is illegal in Japan, you must seek advance permission from one of Japan’s eight Regional Bureaus of Health and Welfare. You will need to submit an import application form as well as supporting documentation at least 14 days before your arrival in Japan. The permitted dosage of psychotropic drugs depends on the drug, and for some drugs, a Yunyu Kakunin-sho is required if the quantity is above a certain amount.
It is also worth noting that some over-the-counter medications commonly used in the United States are prohibited in Japan, including inhalers and some allergy and sinus medications. The following over-the-counter medications are also prohibited in Japan since they contain narcotic or psychotropic substances:
- Tylenol Cold
- NyQuil
- Actifed
- Sudafed
- Advil Cold & Sinus
- Dristan Sinus
- Vicks Inhaler
- Lomotil
However, most prescription drugs are permitted in Japan, including medicines that may not be available in Japan, such as birth control pills. If you need to bring prescription medication into Japan, including medication that is not restricted in Japan, it is recommended to bring a copy of your doctor’s prescription as well as a letter stating the purpose of the medication. You should also consider obtaining a Yunyu Kakunin-sho if necessary.
Where can I get OTC medication in Japan?
Over-the-counter (OTC) medication can be purchased in many stores throughout Japan, such as at a pharmacy (drugstore) or some large supermarkets. Some of the major drugstore chains in Japan include Daikoku Drug, Kusuri no Fukutaro, Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sugi Yakkyoku, Sun Drug, Tsuruha Drug, and Welcia.
