Drugstores in Japan (Part 1)
You should never skip a visit to the drugstores in Japan. It’s where you can find a vast collection of Japanese beauty products at a “bargain”– your cosmetics, facial care, body care, etc. Not only that, you can also find effective over-the-counter (“OTC”) medicine, household products, food, etc.
If you are budget-conscious, be sure to shop around because the prices vary from drugstore to drugstore. Moreover, for the same drugstore, you tend to get the products cheaper in locations with fewer tourists. The range of products may be narrow or wide, depending on the size of the shop.
Related Posts:
- Newest Post in 2025: Medicine and Beauty Products in Japanese Drugstore (Prices in 2025)
- About the different drugstores in Japan: Drugstores in Japan (Part 1)
- Review of Products in Japan’s Drugstores:
List of Drugstores in Japan
Matsumoto Kiyoshi (マツモトキヨシ)
Matsumoto Kiyoshi is a popular drugstore chain across Japan. It also has a chain of shops that has a big signboard with the word “薬”. This kanji means medicine, and in this store, you will find a limited beauty product range, as the store is more like a pharmaceutical outlet.
https://www.matsukiyococokara-online.com/store
Don Quijote (ドン・キホーテ)
Other than Matsumoto Kiyoshi, you can easily find a Don Quijote around Japan. Just look out for the blue penguin (photo above). Locally known as “Donki”, this is where you should check out for an even more affordable price. Do note that some outlets do not stock medicine.
If you are easily overwhelmed by the sheer amount of goods and people, then you probably should try the online service Don Quijote provides. Pre-order what you want and collect them at any Don Quijote store. Save your time looking for the products and have more time for the rest of Japan!
Others
Many others specialise in drugs (i.e. OTC medicine and pharmaceutical products):
- Tsuruha Drugstore
- Cocokara Fine with numerous shop fronts – Seijo, Segami, Zip Drug, Lifort, Suzuran Pharmacy, and Kodama.
- SunDrug is another large chain across Japan, albeit with only two or three stores in several regions. You can find it more easily in the Kanto, Aichi, and Fukuoka areas.
- Etc…
So what are you planning to buy at the drugstores in Japan? :) Let me know in the comment box below. For more tips for your Japan trip, bookmark this page: Overview Itinerary – Hokkaido and Tokyo (Winter/Spring 2016).
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