Strong painkillers and opioids fall under the category of narcotics, and their importation is heavily regulated in Japan. Drugs like codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone are subject to strict control measures. Travelers should be aware that carrying these medications into Japan without proper permission is illegal.
Which Prescription Medicines are Banned? Heroin, cocaine, MDMA, opium, cannabis (including CBD oils), and some prescription medications like Adderall, Vyvanse, and Dexedrine are banned in Japan. There are no exceptions for prohibited medications, even if the medication is legally obtained outside of Japan.
Generally, up to one month's supply of allowable prescription medicine can be brought into Japan. Travelers must bring a copy of their doctor's prescription as well as a letter stating the purpose of the drug.
Ibuprofen in Japan: The “Eve” Option
The medication is available in most drug stores across Japan and can be bought without a prescription. Eve is typically used for relieving symptoms like headache, menstrual cramps, toothache, and fever, among others.
Popular antidepressants not available in Japan
We know that Prozac did not enter Japan because the manufacturer decided to pull it after disappointing trials in Japan. Wellbutrin was not accepted because it is chemically similar to amphetamines, which are basically illegal in Japan.
Despite some misconceptions, Xanax is not illegal in Japan. In fact, it is a prescription medication, regulated yet accessible, much like in many other developed nations. Japan exercises stringent control over benzodiazepines, including Xanax, given their potential for misuse.
Is Melatonin allowed in Japan? In many countries, melatonin is sold as a dietary supplement and can be purchased over the counter. However, in Japan, melatonin is not classified as a dietary supplement, but rather as a prescription medication.
Birth control pills are known as keikou-hinin-yaku (経口避妊薬) but more commonly referred to as “piru” (ピル). They were only legalized in 1999, four decades after they became available in the West. In fact, Japan was the only U.N.
So can you bring medicines like paracetamol to Japan? You can bring paracetamol and general over-the-counter medicines to Japan if the amount is for 2 months supply. Prescription medicines are allowed for 1 month supply.
The most frequently banned drug is paracetamol, whose export has been specifically banned or restricted by five countries: UK, Norway, India, Argentina, and Kirghizstan.
However, when it comes to vitamins, the process is relatively straightforward. Travelers can bring up to a two-month supply of vitamins or supplements into Japan for personal use without needing any specific permissions. This applies to most common vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin D, multivitamins, and others.
Travelling with your medicines
Always carry medicines and medical equipment (needles, syringes and so on) in their original, correctly labelled packages. Carry your medicine in your hand luggage (although check your airline's regulations before travelling) with a copy of your prescription.
Keep your medicines and equipment in the original packaging with labels and information leaflet. If your medicine needs to be kept cool you can use a thermos flask, cool pack or insulated pouch. Carry your medicine in your hand luggage: suitcases in the hold can become delayed or lost in transit.
Items designated as prohibited by the Civil Aeronautics Act cannot be placed inside checked baggage. (Examples include toxic gases, flammable gases, flammable liquids, compressed gases.) Although dry ice, alcoholic liquids, and cigarette lighters fall under the “Prohibition for Carriage of Explosives etc.
All passenger items must undergo security screening. It is recommended that medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process. You may bring medically necessary liquids, medications and creams in excess of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on bag.
Include your prescription and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Pack medications in a carry on in case your luggage is lost or delayed. Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers.
Daily temperature check is required for 14-days prior to the departure. If any of common symptoms of COVID-19 including fever of 37.5°C or higher, respiratory symptoms, strong feeling of weariness (fatigue) are recognized, it is necessary that the trip to Japan be cancelled.
In the fiscal year 2021, Opdivo was the leading medicament in Japan, reaching a sales value of approximately 125.4 billion Japanese yen. Opdivo is an immunotherapy agent and is mainly used to treat malignant melanoma in Japan.
I understand that Japan has very strict rules on bringing medications into the country. Are there any restrictions on taking over the counter ((from UK) paracetamol and/ibuprofen tablets in to the country? None. You can bring in up to 2 months' supply.
About 80 percent of married women in Japan prefer condoms as their choice of birth control. Other forms of birth control such as the morning after pill are available only through visitation of a clinic and oral contraceptives, which were legalized in 1999, are not covered by Japanese health insurance.
Nuts can be brought into Japan, but there are certain conditions and restrictions to consider. According to Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), nuts are not classified as prohibited items and are allowed entry into Japan, subject to certain conditions.
The procedure is not covered by Japanese Health Insurance, and the costs vary by clinic/hospital. The average cost is around 100,000 yen to 200,000 yen up to 10 to 12 weeks, and you will often be required to pay cash. Generally, first trimester abortions are extremely safe and have a very low risk of complications.
Some popular medications legal in the U.S., such as Prozac and Viagra, are sold illegally in Japan on the black market. You are subject to arrest and imprisonment if you purchase such drugs illegally while in Japan.
The Japanese word for it is “inemuri“ (居眠り), which contains the character for being present and sleep. People may nap in department stores, cafe, restaurants or even at a free spot on a busy city sidewalk. Sleeping in public can be seen especially on commuter trains, no matter how crowded.
If you wish to bring them into Japan, the amount that can be cleared by the customs is up to 120 ml (liquid) for the one-month dosage. If you wish to import cartridge or liquid beyond this amount, it is necessary to obtain a medicine supervision certificate before travel.