Pharmacies, Prescriptions & OTC Medicine in Japan [2026]

In Japan, you usually take the prescription from a hospital to an outside dispensing pharmacy to get your medicine ("separation of dispensing"). This guide covers prescription validity, the cost, the medicine notebook, generics, OTC drugs and bringing medicine from home.

① How you get medicine

You receive a prescription at a hospital/clinic and a pharmacist dispenses it at an insurance pharmacy (outside dispensing). Some places dispense in-house instead.

② Prescription validity

Take the prescription to a pharmacy within 4 days including the issue date — weekends and holidays count. After that it is void and you must see the doctor again (a doctor may write a longer period for travel, etc.).

③ Cost & the medicine notebook

Medicine is covered by insurance; you pay 30% in principle (10–30% by age/income). Showing your medicine notebook (okusuri techo) lets the pharmacy check for duplicate drugs and interactions (there are app versions too).

④ Generics and the "selective treatment" rule

Generics have the same active ingredient and are cheaper; you can request them. Since October 2024, a "selective treatment" rule means that if you choose a brand-name drug without a medical need, part of the price gap is out of pocket. The rate is half of the gap (+ tax) from June 2026 (not applied if the doctor deems it necessary or there's no stock).

⑤ OTC medicine

Drugstores/pharmacies sell OTC medicine without a prescription. Class 1 is sold by a pharmacist; classes 2–3 by a registered seller. Eligible purchases may qualify for the self-medication tax break (a medical-expense deduction special case).

FAQ

How long is a prescription valid?Within 4 days including the issue date (weekends/holidays count). After that it is void and you must see the doctor again.

How much do I pay for medicine?It's covered by insurance — 30% in principle (10–30% by age/income). High costs may qualify for the High-Cost Medical Benefit.

Are generics cheaper?Yes. Since October 2024, choosing a brand-name drug without a medical need makes part of the price gap out of pocket (half the gap + tax from June 2026).

Can I bring medicine from my home country?For personal use, no procedure up to a limit (about 2 months for general, 1 month for prescription drugs). Beyond that you need an import confirmation certificate.