The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps
This is part 2, where I will write about the shows and food at Universal Studios Japan with young children, aged 5.5 and 8 years old. You can start from Part 1 if you need more information about Universal Studios Japan (“USJ”) regarding ticketing, accommodation, the …
We were on the fence about visiting Universal Studios Japan with young children, aged 5.5 and 8 years old, during our trip. The rides at Universal Studios Japan (“USJ”) seemed more suitable for older children from Upper Primary, or so we thought. In the end, …
I bought some medicine and beauty products from a Japanese drugstore during my recent trip to Osaka in September 2025. In this post, you can find the prices and translated instructions of these products. Please refer to them as a general guideline because prices vary for different drugstores, and I am using Google Translate, and there could be errors in the automated translation. I’ve also included Lazada or Shopee Singapore links for price references.
I went to OS Drug in Osaka’s Kuromon Market, which is purportedly the cheapest place in town, or at least their price tags are generally lower than competitors’ tax-free products. Yes, the caveat is that they are not tax-free, and it is cash only. Moreover, the product search can be a hit-and-miss with OS Drug. I couldn’t find some of the products I wanted, so I bought them from Matsumoto Kiyoshi (signboard with the word “薬”) near the entrance of Kuromon Market, from Nippombashi Station Exit 9/10. It is beside this matcha shop where we saw a queue before opening and a sold-out sign by afternoon.
I wrote very detailed posts about the products found in Japan’s drugstores back in 2017. The product information is still relevant.
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EVE products are painkillers for different pains: menstrual cramps, headache, toothache, sore throat, joint pain, muscular aches, nerve pain, backache, stiff shoulders, ear pain, etc. It also reduces chills and fever.
2 tablets per time, and it’s only for those above 15 years old. Avoid taking on an empty stomach. For more information, visit: www.ssp.co.jp/eve/en.
1) Lion Cooling Leg Gel Sheet (Kyusoku Jikan)
Paste the gel sheets on your aching legs to cool your legs through the evaporation of water. Apparently, it can stick to the leg through the night, but is still gentle on your skin.
2) Roihi-tsuboko Pain Relief Patches
These patches are for shoulder aches, back aches, bruises, sprains, pain in joints, muscular pain, muscle fatigue, chilblains, and pains caused by bone fractures. Remove the patches 30 – 60 minutes before taking a shower to avoid a burning sensation. Keep the product in its sealed bag to retain its quality.
The prices for the 156 pieces and 78 pieces are the same. The difference is in the sizes of the patches.
3) Doshisha Gorilla Grip Calf
My husband sent me this and told me I should get this for my frequently aching shin. But I thought it was an expensive muscle patch, turned out it’s a massager! Will probably get it on my next Japan trip, though the plug is different from Singapore.
During the trip, my daughter and husband had diarrhoea. The toilet trips came back every time the effects of charcoal pills wore off. When we ran out of charcoal pills, he got the anti-diarrheal medicine from a random pharmacy. We also got one for our daughter, good thing she had learned to swallow pills just before the trip! They worked so well for my husband that he decided to haul more of the pills back.
However, we couldn’t find the same one at OS Drug, and so bought another one that’s also recommended online. These quick-dissolving pills would be good for children who don’t yet know how to swallow pills, or for adults who don’t like to swallow pills. See below for the instructions. See the first picture of this section for their front covers.
For more details and recommendations, refer to this other post I wrote in 2017: travel.joogostyle.com/otc-medicine-in-japans-drugstores
Orbis hair mask is apparently one of the trending products to buy at drugstores in Japan. So I got one tube to try, even though I have Fino and Tsubaki hair masks stocked up at home (got them before finalising my Japan trip!). I like the effects and scent of the Tsubaki hair mask (Pink Camellia) best.
Fino is another popular hair mask to get when in Japan. I stocked up on Fino at S$8 in Singapore, because it has been selling for more than S$10 these days, except on online stores such as Shopee or Lazada. But alas, during my trip, I saw Fino selling for 500 to 800 yen, depending on the pharmacy.
Yolu’s packaging attracted me, and after a quick online search, I found that it’s a popular and highly raved product. So I bought the shampoo and treatment of the Deep Night Repair series, and decided that the Calm Night Repair series might not be strong enough for my dry hair.
Bottle Price (Shampoo/Treatment):
Refill Price:
For more recommendations of hair and body products, head over to travel.joogostyle.com/hair-and-body-products-in-japans-drugstores
I had a Canmake Cream Cheek Blush, and it’s small and easy to bring out. However, since I had to use my finger to apply it, it became a hassle for me. I had to wash my hands before and after application.
So this time, I got the powder blush version to put into my handbag and try.
Towards the end of my trip, I had a big pimple on my chin, and I tried really hard to resist popping it. It’s timely for me to consider carting out a pimple cream. I did a quick online search and ‘Acneige’ came recommended, later, I realised ‘Pair Acne’ is also recommended. Other than creams, the two brands have face wash and lotion.
Acneige
Pair Ance
1) Eye Mask
Derma Laser Eye Sheet Super VCR (VC+Retinol) is a 3-minute eye mask which combines Vitamin C derivative and Retinol to target eye area concerns, such as fine lines, dark spots, and dullness. It worked visibly well for me, at least for my first try.
2) Eye Cream
I read good reviews of SANA Namerakahonpo Soy Milk Eye Cream on Reddit. Since it’s apparently affordable and effective, I decided to get them and try.
I quite like SANA Namerakahonpo Soy Milk Cleansing Face Wash and hence decided to buy all the related soy products to try.
I stocked up on SANA Namerakahonpo Soy Milk Cleansing Face Wash and didn’t pay attention to Cure Natural Aqua Gel because I have two bottles at home. However, I would give it a special mention here. I have not been able to find an alternative to this face exfoliator that is not abrasive. So if you are considering a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin cells, you might want to consider getting this water-based exfoliating gel in Japan!
SANA Face Wash
Cure Natural Aqua Gel
Read mixed reviews about this Keana Nadeshiko Rice Pack and Mask, although it is a popular product. Decided to get one each and decide for myself! Find out from their website how to use the rice pack and read more about the rice mask. I tried one mask sheet, and it seemed to work for my face. I felt my face glowing after use at night and the following morning as well.
For more recommendations, head to my other posts I wrote in 2017 about makeup and beauty products in Japanese Drugstores.
That’s all! Hope the above references helped you, and let me know of other must-buy products in the comments section below. For useful content like this article, visit joogostyle.com for travel, home, and baby matters.
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Getting to Nagasaki From Fukuoka to Nagasaki “Two bus tickets to Nagasaki, please. Via Hakata.” The ticketing officer at Fukuoka Airport looked at us in bewilderment. Then, he tried his best to explain in English that it was a bad idea. Upon his advice, we …
About Mount Inasa The night view of Mount Inasa (稲佐山, Inasayama) is said to be one of Japan’s three best night views. The other two belong to night views from Mount Hakodate, and of Mount Rokko and Mount Maya. The former has a panoramic view …
Glover Garden (グラバー園, Glover-en) is located on the hill where Western merchants settled down after the end of Japanese government’s Seclusion Policy in 1853. It is a large sprawling garden which houses the Former Glover Residence and other relocated properties.
These other historical buildings formerly dotted around Nagasaki City and were then relocated to this garden. Some of these include residences of famous Westerners such as the Ringer, Walker and Alt.
Next to Glover Garden (Gate One), you will find the supposedly oldest church in Japan, Oura Church (大浦天主堂, Ōura Tenshudō). The church was also the first Western type building in Japan declared as a national treasure.
This Catholic church was built in 1864 to serve the growing community of foreign merchants in Nagasaki city then. It is also dedicated to the 26 Catholics executed in the city in 1597. You can visit the ‘Site of the Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan‘ in Nagasaki.
Oura church was under construction when we were, hence we didn’t get a chance to visit. Do note that admission fee also includes entry into the museum about the history of Christianity in Japan.
Admission Details
Glover Garden and Oura Church are next to each other, and it’s about 5 minutes walk from Ouratenshudo-shita Station. However, it seems like eternity before we found Glover Garden. The directional signage was not clear and the whole place seemed like a maze to us.
We walked through slopes of shops and weren’t sure if we were heading the right way! The climb up was real tiring for me. Good thing we wore good walking shoes, otherwise my feet would ache even faster.
It was a pity we arrived late in the day, about 3:45PM. The streets were already relatively quiet and a few shops seem to be closing for the day. By the time we were done with Glover Garden, the sky was dark and all the shops closed.
The shops look really interesting! I wished we had more time to explore. Along our way to the Glover Garden vicinity, we passed by this retro shop. I took a photo of it and the fierce uncle owner barked at me. Spot him in the photo below!
I would suggest half a day for Glover Garden and Oura Church. Buffer in some time for you to find your way. We were quite lost and didn’t even know we have arrived at Glover Garden. The ticketing office is not visible. We simply came across a tablet of stone with Japanese engraving and guessed it to be Glover Garden. However, I didn’t want to risk climbing another slope only to find out it’s not. Hence, I sent hubby ahead to recce first.
And…we finally reached! Good thing we ended up at the more common entrance, Gate No. 1 (near to Oura Church). The other gate is found at the other side of Glover Garden. Before I could pop the champagne, there were more steep slopes and steps to conquer after the ticketing office.
Oh and start the day early! In this way, you will have more time to shop around the area and avoid the cold evening weather. Being at high altitude, the strong wind made us tremble more in the winter night. Even my hubby who has a high threshold of cold, found it cold. See the frozen baby below.
The main attraction of Glover Garden is the Former Glover Residence. It is a UNESCO World Heritage under ‘Sites of Japan’s Meiji Restoration: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining’.
This residence used to belong to Thomas Blake Glover and is now the oldest wooden Western-style residence in Japan. Mr Glover was a Scottish merchant and is considered to be one of the founding fathers of modern Japan, contributing to the industrialisation of Japan in shipbuilding, coal mining, and other areas.
*Former Glover Residence will undergo maintenance during most of 2020 and visitors will not be able to enter the Residence. A temporary observation deck will be constructed. Preservation was not done since the 1968, so it’s a chance to see this important work first hand.
We headed straight up to the top of Glover Garden, where the Glover residence is located before making our way down. Thank goodness that there is a travelator for us to go all the way up.
Glover Residence is situated at the peak, overlooking Nagasaki Harbour. Climb up to level two of the house to have a good view. Otherwise, head to the lookout area to enjoy the stunning view of Nagasaki City.
The warmly lit residence and its surroundings gives off a romantic atmosphere in the cooling weather. Did Mr Glover always had the time to take a peaceful walk around the garden? To enjoy the night ambience after dinner in the residence?
This beautiful part of Glover Garden resembles the set in Puccini’s opera, and thus known as the “Madame Butterfly” house. Walk around and spot the statues of Puccini (the composer) and Miura Tamaki (actress) of the opera.
After enjoying the extraordinary view, walk along cobbled walking trails and head down to explore mansions owned by other Western merchants. Have a look at the well-preserved rooms, and witness the lifestyle of the wealthy inhabitants.
There are also other buildings to look at, such as former Mitsubishi No.2 Dock House and Gatehouse of a former school. Many of these mansions and buildings were relocated from other parts of Nagasaki.
In addition to the historic buildings, you can also rest at a cafe or shop in a souvenir shop located within the garden grounds. You will also notice that Glover garden is lush with flowers and greenery, with beautiful wall fountains of trickling water.
Even though we had to brave the cold as the sky turned dark, we got to see the lighted up Glover Garden. Beautifully illuminated. We even caught a light illumination show where lights wrapping around the trees danced to the music. Watched a snippet of it in the video below. :)
With a baby, there are more considerations in choosing a place to eat. Food can be good, but the baby doesn’t have the patience for very long queues. And a cramped restaurant meant space was hard to come by for a baby chair. Nevertheless, it …
An elderly man sat diagonally opposite of me. Two girls in uniform stood near the door of the tram. They were talking in low voices in their beautiful Japanese language, without any cares in the world. I looked at my hubby opposite of me and …