Traveling to Japan with Diabetes: What You Need to Know About Medications and Supplies

Yes, you can absolutely travel to Japan with diabetes medications safely and legally - and it's easier than you might think. While Japan's medication import laws can seem intimidating at first glance, thousands of diabetic travelers visit Japan every year without incident.

The key is knowing which supplies need advance paperwork (spoiler: most don't) and having the right documentation ready. At Zen Gaijin, we've navigated Japanese customs dozens of times with insulin, oral medications, and medical devices - and Doug, our co-author with Type 2 diabetes, has been exploring Japan with his meds for over 20 years. Here's everything you need to know to travel confidently and focus on the adventure ahead.

Staying on top of blood sugar during a long travel day.

That's Doug in action - managing his diabetes seamlessly while traveling at 200 mph through the Japanese countryside. His success (and that of countless other diabetic travelers) comes down to following a few key preparation steps. Here are the essential things you need to know:

📝 1. Bring a Doctor’s Letter

You should always carry a doctor’s letter in English (and ideally Japanese, though it’s not required) that clearly states:

• Your full name and condition (Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes)

• The medications you take, including dosage

• Any medical devices you’re bringing (such as insulin pens, syringes, or a glucose monitor)

While you might never be asked for it, if customs has questions, a doctor’s letter can quickly clear things up.

💉 2. Can I Bring Insulin and Syringes to Japan?

You can bring up to a one-month supply of injectable medications—such as pre-filled insulin pens or syringes—into Japan without a special permit. As long as these are for personal use, properly labeled, and packed in your carry-on, no paperwork is required.

However, empty syringes or separate injection devices (like spare pen needles) are classified as medical devices under Japanese law—and these do require advance approval.

If you're carrying empty syringes for emergency use or pen needles that are not pre-attached to an insulin pen, you’ll need to apply for a Yakkan Shoumei (Import Certificate) before your trip. Think of it as a permission slip from Japanese authorities to bring medical devices. Allow a minimum of two to three weeks to obtain the Yakkan Shoumei.

🔗 See Japan's Ministry of Health Information for those who are bringing medicines for personal use into Japan (# 1)

🔗 See Japan's Ministry of Health Q & A (Question 3)

🔗 Apply for the Import Certificate here

🧊 3. Should I Pack Insulin in Checked or Carry-On Luggage?

If you use insulin, never pack it in your checked baggage—no matter how convenient it seems.

The cargo hold of an airplane can expose your medication to extreme cold (which can freeze and damage insulin irreversibly) or heat (especially if bags sit on the tarmac). Even if your insulin thaws and looks normal, it may no longer be effective—and that’s not a risk worth taking when you’re far from home.

While cabin pressure changes during flight don’t destroy insulin, they can create air bubbles in pens and cartridges. That can lead to inaccurate dosing if you don’t properly prime the device before use.

Doug’s FRIO pouch keeps insulin pens safe and cool—perfect for Japan’s hot weather and summer hikes.

Doug’s experience has taught us that the safest way to travel with insulin is to keep it:

• In a small separate diabetes med carry-on bag

• Inside an insulin cooling case like a Frio pouch. These are handy and work excellently

• Clearly labeled, alongside a doctor’s letter

🍱 4. Bring a Few Familiar Snacks

Japan is snack heaven—but if you’re diabetic, labeling can be difficult to decode. Sugar content isn’t always clearly listed, and “low calorie” doesn’t always mean low carb.

Doug, with his trusty med and snack bag over his shoulder, pauses at Amanohashidate—proof that diabetes doesn't have to slow you down in Japan.

Doug recommends packing:

• Glucose tablets or gel

• Familiar granola bars or protein snacks

• Dried fruit or nut mixes with predictable carbs

Japanese convenience stores often have solid options (like onigiri or boiled eggs), but it’s always best to carry your own low-blood-sugar rescue snacks, especially during long sightseeing days or train rides.

📱 5. Tech Tips for Managing Diabetes in Japan

Wi-Fi is widely available, and glucose apps or CGM readers work well—but make sure:

• You bring enough test strips and/or wearable continuous glucose monitors like the Dexcom G7 or FreeStyle Libre 3 for your entire trip. We found this out the hard way when we had to try to track down some AccuChek Guide test strips and encountered a lengthy and frustrating process.

• You pack backup batteries or chargers for any electronic devices

• Your devices don’t rely on cloud access, in case of poor signal in rural areas

📱 6. What Travel Insurance Do I Need as a Diabetic?

When shopping for travel insurance, make sure your policy includes:

• Pre-existing condition coverage - Diabetes must be explicitly covered, not excluded

• Emergency medical treatment abroad, including hospital stays and specialist care

• Prescription replacement coverage if medications are lost, stolen, or damaged during travel

• Medical equipment coverage for insulin pumps, CGMs, and other diabetes devices

• Trip delay/interruption benefits that cover medication refills and extended stays due to medical issues

• Emergency medical evacuation back to your home country if needed

• Temperature-sensitive medication protection - some policies cover spoiled insulin due to temperature exposure

  
  

Pro tip: Call the insurance company directly to confirm diabetes coverage. Don't rely solely on online policy summaries, as diabetes-related exclusions can be buried in fine print.

✅ Final Thoughts

Don’t let logistics keep you from adventure.

With a bit of preparation, traveling to Japan with diabetes poses no significant challenges. Doug has explored Japan’s most remote corners—mountain trails, hot spring towns, tiny islands—with his medication always on hand, rarely experiencing a problem at customs.

Doug rings the temple bell in Kyoto, having already mastered another kind of ritual—carrying insulin safely through Japanese customs.

🎒 Download the complete printable checklist here - perfect for packing and keeping with your travel documents

For more on medication rules, customs forms, and health tips for traveling in Japan, check out our full guide here:

💊 Related Posts

🔗 Mind Your Meds! Essential Guidelines for Traveling With Medications to Japan

Don’t risk airport delays or customs trouble! Our most-read guide explains Japan’s strict medication rules—including prescriptions, OTC drugs, and how to get the Yakkan Shoumei permit.