Bringing Medication into Japan

When bringing medication into Japan, it is important to first confirm whether and what restrictions are in place. Below is a list of resources from The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan (hereinafter MHLW), which oversees controlled substances in Japan. 

• MHLW - Information for those who are bringing medicines for personal use into Japan:

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html

• MHLW, Narcotics Department - Information on carrying medicine containing controlled substances for travelers entering or leaving Japan (incl. list of controlled substances, application information, FAQ, etc.) :

https://www.ncd.mhlw.go.jp/en/application2.html

For enquiries related to bringing medication into Japan, please contact the MHLW directly. The relevant contact is determined by the port of entry into Japan, as listed below:

• Eastern Japan (ie: Tokyo Narita International Airport, Tokyo Haneda International Airport, etc):

Kanto-Shin’etsu Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare
TEL: +81-48-740-0800 
email: yakkan@mhlw.go.jp

• Western Japan (ie: Kansai International Airport, Chubu Centrair, Naha Airport, etc.)

Kinki Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare

TEL: +81-6-6942-4096 
email: kiyakuji@mhlw.go.jp