Need medicine from a Japanese pharmacy but don’t speak the language? This page is designed to help. Take a screenshot of this page — or print it out — and show it to the pharmacist. They’ll understand what you need right away.
Japanese pharmacies (yakkyoku 薬局) and drugstores (dorakkusutoa ドラッグストア) carry a wide range of over-the-counter medications. Major chains like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sundrug, and Welcia are found in almost every neighborhood. However, nearly all product labels and instructions are in Japanese only — which is where this phrase card comes in.
How to Use This Phrase Card
- Screenshot this page or save it as a bookmark on your phone.
- Go to the nearest pharmacy or drugstore.
- Show the pharmacist the Japanese phrase that matches what you need.
- Point to the specific item in the table below.
Most pharmacists are happy to help when they can read the request in Japanese. Even a simple point-and-show goes a long way.
Basic Phrases
Start with one of these phrases to get the pharmacist’s attention and communicate your basic needs.
| English | 日本語 | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| I’d like some medicine, please. | 薬をください。 | Kusuri o kudasai. |
| Do you speak English? | 英語を話せますか？ | Eigo o hanasemasu ka? |
| I have an allergy. | アレルギーがあります。 | Arerugii ga arimasu. |
| I am pregnant. | 妊娠中です。 | Ninshin-chuu desu. |
| Do you have medicine for children? | 子供用の薬はありますか？ | Kodomo-you no kusuri wa arimasu ka? |
Describing Your Symptoms
Point to the symptom you’re experiencing. The pharmacist will guide you to the right product.
| English | 日本語 | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| I have a headache. | 頭が痛いです。 | Atama ga itai desu. |
| I have a fever. | 熱があります。 | Netsu ga arimasu. |
| I have a stomachache. | お腹が痛いです。 | Onaka ga itai desu. |
| I have diarrhea. | 下痢をしています。 | Geri o shite imasu. |
| I have a cough. | 咳が出ます。 | Seki ga demasu. |
| I have a sore throat. | 喉が痛いです。 | Nodo ga itai desu. |
| I have a runny nose. | 鼻水が出ます。 | Hanamizu ga demasu. |
| I feel nauseous. | 吐き気がします。 | Hakike ga shimasu. |
| I have itchy skin. | 肌がかゆいです。 | Hada ga kayui desu. |
| I’m in pain. | 痛みがあります。 | Itami ga arimasu. |
Requesting Specific Medicines
If you already know what type of medicine you need, point to the item below.
| English | 日本語 | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| Fever reducer / Pain reliever | 解熱鎮痛剤 | Genetsu chin-tsuu-zai |
| Cold medicine | 風邪薬 | Kaze-gusuri |
| Stomach medicine | 胃薬 | I-gusuri |
| Anti-diarrhea medicine | 下痢止め | Geri-dome |
| Allergy medicine | アレルギーの薬 | Arerugii no kusuri |
| Insect bite cream/medicine | 虫刺されの薬 | Mushi-sasare no kusuri |
| Pain relief patch | 湿布 | Shippu |
| Eye drops | 目薬 | Me-gusuri |
Important Tips for Buying Medicine in Japan
- OTC medications in Japan may be weaker than what you’re used to at home. Dosages are often formulated for lower body weights.
- Some familiar brands are available — look for Bufferin (aspirin), EVE (ibuprofen), and Loxonin S (loxoprofen, a popular Japanese pain reliever).
- Tax-free purchases: Tourists can buy medicines tax-free at stores displaying the “Tax Free” sign. Bring your passport.
- Prescription drugs are NOT available at pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription. This includes antibiotics, sleeping pills, and strong painkillers.
- 24-hour drugstores exist in major areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa. Ask your hotel for the nearest one.
When a Pharmacy Isn’t Enough
If your symptoms don’t improve with over-the-counter medicine, or if you need a prescription, it’s time to visit a clinic. At SAKURA International Clinic Asakusa, we can diagnose your condition, prescribe the right medication, and have you back to enjoying your trip the same day.
Common reasons to visit us instead of a pharmacy:
- Symptoms lasting more than 2 days
- Fever that won’t go down
- Suspected food poisoning with severe vomiting
- Need for antibiotics or prescription-strength medication
- You’re unsure what’s wrong
About SAKURA International Clinic Asakusa
1-minute walk from Asakusa Station — open every day, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, including weekends and holidays. No appointment needed.
- Languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese
- Cost: ¥55,000 all-inclusive (consultation, tests, and medication)
- WhatsApp: our clinic