Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Critical Legal Warning: Japan enforces some of the strictest pharmaceutical and narcotics laws in the world. Several everyday American, British, Canadian, and Australian prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications are strictly illegal in Japan—even with a doctor's prescription. Always verify your exact active ingredients with Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and Narcotics Control Department (NCD) at least 4–6 weeks before your trip.
4 Categories of Medication Under Japanese Law
| Category | Common Examples (Active Ingredients) | Allowed Into Japan? | Permit / Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Stimulants (覚醒剤原料 / Prohibited) | Adderall, Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), Dexedrine (amphetamine / methamphetamine salts) | NO — Strictly Banned under all circumstances | Cannot be brought into Japan even with a prescription or permit. Speak with your doctor about non-amphetamine alternatives (e.g., Concerta/methylphenidate has separate rules—see below). |
| 2. Cold & Sinus Meds with High Pseudoephedrine | Sudafed, Actifed, Claritin-D, Allegra-D, Vicks Inhalers (containing L-methamphetamine or >10% pseudoephedrine) | Restricted / Prohibited | Leave pseudoephedrine decongestants and Vicks inhalers at home; buy Japanese cold/allergy remedies locally or bring plain loratadine/cetirizine/fexofenadine (non-"D" versions). |
| 3. Narcotics & Psychotropics (麻薬 / 向精神薬) | Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Morphine, Fentanyl, Codeine / Dihydrocodeine (above OTC threshold), Concerta / Ritalin (methylphenidate), Valium, Xanax, Ambien | Conditional | Narcotics (oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, codeine painkillers) require an advance Narcotics Import/Export Permit from Japan's Narcotics Control Department (NCD) regardless of quantity. Psychotropics (e.g., methylphenidate up to 2.16g total, zolpidem up to 300mg) are allowed up to a concrete milligram table limit without a permit. |
| 4. Standard Prescription & OTC Medications | Blood pressure meds, statins, SSRIs/antidepressants, birth control, thyroid meds, plain Ibuprofen / Acetaminophen (Tylenol) / Tums | Yes | Up to a 1-month supply for prescription meds (or 2-month supply for OTC meds, vitamins & contact lenses) requires no advance permit. |
The 1-Month / 2-Month Quantity Rule & Yunyu Kakunin-sho (Import Confirmation)
For ordinary non-narcotic, non-prohibited medicines, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) sets the following duty-free personal-use thresholds:
- Prescription Medications (処方薬): Up to a 1-month supply with no advance paperwork.
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs, Quasi-Drugs & Vitamins: Up to a 2-month supply with no advance paperwork.
- Pre-filled Syringe Injectors (e.g., EpiPen, Ozempic/Mounjaro pens, Insulin pens): Generally allowed without an advance permit if carrying up to a 1-month personal supply inside pre-filled self-injection pens, though carrying your doctor's letter is strongly advised. Standalone vials and loose hypodermic needles or CPAP machines typically require an Import Confirmation Certificate (輸入確認証, Yunyu Kakunin-sho).
If you are staying in Japan longer than 30 days and need more than a 1-month supply of prescription medication, you can apply online via the MHLW's electronic application portal for a free Yunyu Kakunin-sho (Import Confirmation Certificate) at least 2–3 weeks before your flight.
What About CBD, Medical Cannabis & Melatonin?
- CBD Oils, Gummies & Cannabis Products: Leave them at home. Japan has zero tolerance for THC (even trace amounts found in "THC-free" or full-spectrum CBD products sold in Western countries) and strictly tightened cannabinoid regulations in 2024.
- Melatonin: Considered an unapproved quasi-drug in Japan (not sold on Japanese drugstore shelves), so personal travelers are permitted to bring up to a 2-month personal supply in its original bottle.
Packing Rules for the Airport
- Keep every medication in its original pharmacy-labeled bottle or blister pack showing your full name and the generic chemical name (e.g., sertraline, levothyroxine). Do not dump loose unmarked pills into a weekly plastic organizer for the flight.
- Carry a printed copy of your prescription or a brief signed doctor's note stating your diagnosis, the generic drug name, and daily dosage.
- Pack essential medications in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring Adderall or Vyvanse to Japan with a doctor's prescription?
No. Amphetamine-based stimulants including Adderall, Adderall XR, Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), and Dexedrine are strictly prohibited under Japan's Stimulants Control Act, even if you have a valid prescription from your home country. There is no special permit for Adderall.
Can I bring Sudafed or NyQuil to Japan?
Medications containing pseudoephedrine over 10% (such as Sudafed, Claritin-D, and Allegra-D) or L-methamphetamine (some Vicks inhalers) are restricted in Japan. Bring non-pseudoephedrine allergy tablets (plain Claritin/loratadine, Zyrtec/cetirizine, Allegra/fexofenadine) instead.
Do I need a permit to bring a 2-week supply of regular prescription medicine to Japan?
No. As long as your medication does not contain prohibited stimulants, narcotics, or restricted psychotropics above the legal milligram limit, you can bring up to a 1-month supply of prescription medicine and up to a 2-month supply of over-the-counter medicine without any advance permit.
Can I bring an EpiPen or insulin pen to Japan?
Yes, travelers can generally bring up to a 1-month personal supply of pre-filled self-injection pens (such as EpiPens or insulin/GLP-1 pens) in original packaging with a copy of their prescription. If you need more than a 1-month supply or loose syringes/vials, apply for an MHLW Yunyu Kakunin-sho certificate before departure.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: