Mind Your Meds! Essential Guidelines for Bringing Medication to Japan
- By Zen Gaijin
- Oct 21, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 11
✅ UPDATED FOR 2025:
Japan’s medication import rules have changed—again. This guide breaks down the latest Prohibited and Controlled Substances lists, explains how they apply to travelers, and walks you through the approval process if needed.
💊 You probably don’t think twice about tossing cold medicine, painkillers, or vitamins into your bag—but in Japan, even everyday meds can land you in trouble if they contain restricted ingredients. Don’t risk it: check the rules before you fly.
Japan Has Some of the World's Strictest Medication Import Laws
The Japanese government—especially the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)—takes the import (and even re-export) of pharmaceuticals extremely seriously. While no official stats are published on tourist violations, the steady stream of embassy warnings, media reports of detained travelers, and the robust enforcement system all suggest that this is a real and ongoing issue for foreign visitors.
Sure, you can play Russian roulette and hope your meds slip through undetected—as some travelers undoubtedly do—but the consequences of noncompliance are steep. Fines, confiscation, and denied entry are just the start.
In one widely reported case, an American woman with no criminal history was detained at Narita Airport for carrying Vicodin—a common painkiller that requires special permission in Japan. After 23 days in isolation and $60,000 cash bail, the ordeal cost her over $600,000 in legal fees and fines, wiping out her entire retirement savings.
If you travel to Japan, ensure any medications are approved for import by confirming with Japanese authorities in advance. Controlled substances without prior approval can lead to life-altering consequences.
When It Comes to Meds, Guesswork Isn’t an Option
MHLW (Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) outlines what substances are permitted or prohibited and how to apply when approval is required. The process is complex—and subject to change.
Getting approval for your supplies is a multi-step process. All travelers should consult the MHLW website before departing for Japan. Do not try to get approval upon arrival. At best, you’ll be denied entry and sent home. At worst... think 23 days in detention.
The most reliable, up-to-date information is always on the MHLW site. Don’t rely on social media or hearsay—those shortcuts often lead to serious consequences.
🧳 Quick-Start Checklist:
Bringing Medication to Japan in 2025
Want a fast way to prep? Use this visual checklist to make sure you’re covering all the essentials. Scroll down for the detailed, step-by-step guide that follows.
Here We Go: Your Step-by-Step Guide (Updated for 2025)
⚠️ Note: This guide is not legal advice. Always confirm medication rules with Japan’s MHLW before travel.
1. Check for Prohibited Substances
Japan only focuses on the active ingredients in your medications. It doesn’t matter whether they are over-the-counter or prescribed—if an active ingredient is banned, the medication is not allowed in the country under any circumstances.
Screen Your Medications Against the Banned List
🔍 Check the active ingredients in your medications against the MHLW comprehensive list of Prohibited Substances (updated in 2025).
🧳 Leave any prohibited medications at home—consult your doctor for alternatives.
🚫 No exceptions. Japan does not grant permits for banned substances.
Common Issue: ADHD and Allergy Medications
Some medications for allergies or ADHD may contain banned ingredients.
➡️ Example: Adderall contains amphetamines and cannot be imported into Japan—even with a prescription.
Zero-Tolerance Substances: No Exceptions
Substances like heroin, opium, methamphetamine, and cannabis are entirely forbidden—even if legally prescribed in your home country. That means you can’t bring them in or take any leftovers home when you leave.
2. Identify Controlled Substances
If your medication isn’t banned but contains a controlled substance, you may need to apply for an import certificate (called a Yunyu Kakunin-sho) before entering Japan.
Controlled Substances are divided into these categories:
Narcotics (N)
Psychotropics (P)
Stimulants and Stimulants’ Raw Materials (SR, SRM)
Cannabis, Opium, and others
Know Your Active Ingredients
Japan’s Controlled Substances list doesn’t include brand or generic names—only active ingredients.💡 Check the medication box or ask your pharmacist to confirm what's in your meds.
Example: Allegra-D
Allegra-D contains Pseudoephedrine—a Stimulants’ Raw Material (SRM). Even though it's sold over-the-counter in the U.S., it qualifies as a controlled substance in Japan and requires prior approval to bring in.
3. Applying for Permission
If your medication includes a controlled ingredient—such as a narcotic (N), psychotropic (P), or stimulant (SRM)—apply for official permission via a Yunyu Kakunin-sho.
Start Early
The approval process is detailed and time-sensitive. Applications must be submitted at least 14 days before arrival. Leave plenty of time to gather the required documents.
Failure to obtain prior approval may result in denied entry at the border, even if the drug is legal in your home country.
Where to Apply
Visit the MHLW application page for instructions and downloadable forms. Requirements differ depending on the substance category, and the site explains what forms apply to narcotics, psychotropics, or stimulants.
What About Insulin and Injectables?
You can bring up to a one-month supply of injectable medications (such as pre-filled insulin syringes) without a special permit.
However, empty syringes are classified as medical devices and do require an import certificate.
🔗 See Japan's Ministry of Health Information for those who are bringing medicines for personal use into Japan (# 1)
Still Have Questions?
📧 Email MHLW directly at yakkan@mhlw.go.jp. They respond to travelers and will help clarify requirements if you're unsure which category your medication falls under.
4. Bringing Psychotropic Medications into Japan
If your medication contains a substance marked with a “P” (Psychotropic) on the Controlled Substances list, you’ll need to check Table 3 to determine whether approval is required and how much you’re allowed to bring.
Understand the Table
Table 3 (List of Psychotropics)--sometimes just labeled “Table”—classifies psychotropics into Schedule I, II, or III, each with specific quantity limits.
No Permission Needed If...
You may bring psychotropic medication without permission if:
The active ingredient is on Table 3
You carry equal to or less than the listed quantity
The medication is not injectable
Permission Required If...
You’ll need to apply for permission if:
You are bringing more than the allowed amount
The form is injectable
You need to bring medication for an extended stay
Be prepared to submit a certificate from your prescribing doctor and follow the process on the MHLW site.
💡 What This Means
Whether your medication is prescription or over-the-counter doesn’t matter—it’s the active ingredient, quantity, and form (like injectable vs. tablet) that determine if you need permission. If it’s not injectable and falls within the allowed amount, you’re typically good to go.
Unregulated meds like loratadine? That’s covered next.
5. What If My Medication’s Active Ingredients Are Not Prohibited or Controlled?
Example: Loratadine (Claritin)
Loratadine is a common second-generation antihistamine used to treat hay fever and hives. It is not regulated as a prohibited or controlled substance in Japan and is available over the counter under names like Claritin EX or in generic form.
Basic Guidelines
No import certificate needed for medications that are neither banned nor controlled
You must carry the medication in its original packaging
A copy of your prescription or a doctor’s letter in English or Japanese is strongly advised but not required.
A Note on Quantities
Even for unregulated medications, Japan enforces quantity limits:
Up to one month’s supply for oral medications
Up to two months’ supply for topical agents (creams, patches, etc.)
Reasonable amounts of OTC supplements like vitamins or probiotics
What this means:
Even if your medication isn’t on a restricted list, you’re still expected to follow Japan’s import rules—especially regarding how much you bring. For quantities exceeding the limits, you may need to apply for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (import certificate) and receive it before you leave home.
6. Contact Information for Assistance
Japan’s medication import system is organized by port of entry—not nationality or residence. You’ll need to contact the regional bureau in charge of the airport or seaport where you will arrive.
✅ Key Points Always contact the the regional bureau responsible for your point of entry.
Contacting or submitting information to the wrong office may delay or void approval.
Do not wait until arrival—reach out before you travel.
📍 Find Your Regional Contact (By Arrival Airport)
Narita & Tokyo International (Haneda)
Kanto–Shin’etsu Regional Bureau
📞 +81-48-740-0800
Kansai, Chubu, Naha, and others
Kinki Regional Bureau
📞 +81-6-6942-4096
For narcotics or psychotropics, use the official list of Narcotics and Psychotropics Contacts (2025) to locate your region’s Narcotics Control Department.
What this means:
You’re responsible for sending your application to the correct region before entering Japan. Submitting to the wrong office can delay approval—or result in entry denial.
Don’t Let Medication Mishaps Derail Your Trip
Japan offers unforgettable experiences—but only if you arrive prepared. Double-check your medications, apply for permission when needed, and reach out to the proper authorities if you’re unsure.
A little effort now can save you from major headaches (or worse) at the airport.
Travel smart. Travel safe. Enjoy Japan.
If you’re looking for Japan destinations that are still under the radar, consider visiting Iki Island — a remote getaway full of beaches, shrines, and local seafood traditions.
© 2025 Zen Gaijin. This content is original research and may not be reproduced without permission.