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