top of page
Search

Medications You Can Bring to Japan: What U.S. Travelers Need to Know

TL;DR – Medications You Can Bring to Japan

Traveler in a Japanese city holding prescription bottles while learning which medications you can bring to Japan.

(Always verify with official sources.)


✔️ Generally Allowed (in reasonable personal quantities)

  • Common OTC pain relievers (Tylenol, Advil, ibuprofen)

  • Daily prescriptions (thyroid meds, blood pressure meds, SSRIs)

  • Basic allergy meds (Zyrtec, Claritin)

  • Most non-stimulant ADHD meds (Strattera, Qelbree) — Yakkan Shōmei often required


❌ Prohibited or Highly Restricted

  • Stimulant ADHD medications (Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin)

    These are considered illegal narcotics in Japan, even with a U.S. prescription.

  • Any medication containing pseudoephedrine(Sudafed, many cold & sinus meds)

  • Strong painkillers containing codeine or oxycodone

  • Benzodiazepines may be allowed but often require Yakkan Shōmei approval


✔️ You must apply for a Yakkan Shōmei if:

  • You are bringing more than a one-month supply of prescription medication

  • Your medication is controlled or restricted

  • You are unsure — when in doubt, apply


Medications You Can Bring to Japan: A Stress-Free Guide for U.S. Travelers

Traveling to Japan is incredible — the culture, the food, the trains that run to the exact minute — but there’s one part of trip planning that often surprises U.S. travelers:

👉 Japan has some of the strictest medication rules in the world.


As someone who travels internationally with my husband, who has ADHD medication needs (or maybe it's more that I need him medicated😜), I know how confusing (and honestly… nerve-wracking) this can feel. But with the right information, it becomes totally manageable — and helps you travel with confidence instead of worrying at airport security.

This guide breaks everything down simply and clearly so you know exactly what’s allowed, what requires paperwork, and what to avoid.


Why Japan’s Medication Rules Are So Strict

Japan classifies many common U.S. medications — especially ADHD, anxiety, and cold/sinus meds — as narcotics or stimulants, even when they're legal and commonly prescribed in the U.S.

So you need to know:

  • What’s allowed

  • What’s restricted

  • What’s prohibited

  • What paperwork is required

And most importantly:

How to prepare before you travel so you avoid delays or confiscations at customs.


What You Can Bring to Japan (Most Travelers)

Wondering what medications you can bring to Japan?

✔️ 1. Daily Prescription Medications

Usually allowed in quantities up to a one-month supply.

Examples:

  • Thyroid medication

  • SSRIs

  • Blood pressure meds

  • Diabetes meds

  • Non-stimulant ADHD meds (Strattera, Qelbree)


Requirements:

  • Original packaging

  • Clearly labeled prescription

  • Prescription or doctor’s note recommended

  • If you need more than 1 month → Yakkan Shōmei required


✔️ 2. Most OTC Medications

Generally permitted:

  • Pain relievers (Tylenol, Advil, ibuprofen)

  • Antacids

  • Allergy meds (Zyrtec, Claritin)

  • Melatonin

  • Motion sickness meds

  • Basic cold relief without pseudoephedrine


Bring everything in original packaging.


Medications That Are Restricted or Require Approval

✔️ Benzodiazepines

Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin

  • May be allowed

  • Often require Yakkan Shōmei

  • Rules vary — always verify


✔️ Non-stimulant ADHD medications

  • Usually okay

  • Sometimes require Yakkan Shōmei depending on dosage/amount


Medications That Are Not Allowed in Japan

❌ Stimulant ADHD Medications (Important!)

These are illegal narcotics in Japan — even with a U.S. prescription.

Examples:

  • Adderall

  • Vyvanse

  • Ritalin

  • Concerta

If someone in your family depends on these (like my husband), talk with your doctor about alternatives for international travel. My husband was able to get an alternative med for the number of days for our trip.


❌ Medications Containing Pseudoephedrine

Includes:

  • Sudafed

  • DayQuil/NyQuil Severe

  • Sinus meds labeled “D”


Pseudoephedrine is tightly restricted and cannot be brought into Japan.


❌ Narcotic Pain Medications

Includes:

  • Oxycodone

  • Hydrocodone

  • Medications with codeine


These require strict narcotics permissions and are often denied.


How to Apply for a Yakkan Shōmei (Step-by-Step)

You need a Yakkan Shōmei if you’re bringing:

  • More than 1 month of a prescription

  • A restricted medication

  • Anything you aren’t 100% sure about


1. Gather documents

  • Application form

  • Copy of prescription

  • Doctor’s letter explaining diagnosis + dosage

  • Your passport

  • Detailed medication info (brand + ingredient list)


2. Submit to the correct Narcotics Control Department office

Based on the airport you will enter Japan through.


3. Wait for approval

Processing typically takes 1–4 weeks.


4. Print everything and pack it in your carry-on

Never put medication in checked luggage.


General Medication Checklist for Japan


✔️ Before You Leave

  • Review medication rules on official MHLW and Customs sites

  • Confirm whether your meds need a Yakkan Shōmei

  • Carry medications in original labeled containers

  • Bring the prescription and a doctor’s note

  • Store everything in your carry-on

  • Only bring personal-use quantities

  • Do not mail medication into Japan


✔️ At Customs

  • Keep your approval letter accessible

  • Declare medication if asked

  • Don’t hand over medication unless requested


❗ Checklist Disclaimer

This checklist is for general guidance only and may not reflect current or complete regulations.Always verify using official Japanese government websites before travel.


Travel With Confidence

Medication rules in Japan can feel overwhelming, especially for families who rely on daily prescriptions. But once you understand what’s allowed — and follow the steps above — it becomes straightforward and stress-free.


And that’s exactly what I want for you: less stress, fewer surprises, and more time actually enjoying Japan.


Want More Stress-Free Travel Tips?

I send monthly emails that help families travel internationally with less stress and more confidence — from medication rules and travel safety to packing hacks and airport strategies.


Official Sources for Japan Medication Rules

Always verify directly with these:



This article is for informational purposes only and is based on guidance from official Japanese government agencies as of publication. It does not constitute legal, medical, pharmaceutical, or travel advice. Rules can change at any time. Travelers are responsible for confirming all medication regulations directly from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), Japan Customs, and the Narcotics Control Department. Always consult your prescribing physician before making medication decisions or traveling internationally.

Comments

bottom of page