Bringing Medication into Japan: The Yakkan Shoumei Explained

Quick answer (30 seconds): Coming to Japan with your own medicine? For a personal supply you can usually bring in a one-month amount of prescription medicine (or 2 months of most OTC/quasi-drugs) without paperwork. Above that — or for injectables, certain controlled medicines, or larger quantities — you need a Yakkan Shoumei (薬監証明, an import confirmation certificate) from a Japanese regional health bureau, obtained before you travel. The catch: a few drugs that are normal abroad are restricted or outright illegal in Japan even with a prescription, so always check the official list first.

Disclaimer: General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules, quantities, and banned-substance lists are set by Japanese authorities and change. Confirm with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and your country's embassy before you travel.

When you do NOT need a Yakkan Shoumei

You can generally carry medication for personal use without applying if it's within these rough limits:

• Prescription medicines: up to about a 1-month supply.
• OTC medicines and quasi-drugs (vitamins, ointments, etc.): up to about a 2-month supply (or up to 24 units of external-use items).
• No injectable devices (no syringes/pen injectors) and no controlled/poisonous-class drugs above personal limits.

Keep medicines in their original labelled packaging, and carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter (in English) in case customs asks.

When you DO need a Yakkan Shoumei

Apply for the certificate before departure if you are bringing:

• More than a 1-month supply of prescription medicine (or more than 2 months of OTC).
• Injectable medication (insulin pens, EpiPens, etc.) — even a small amount usually needs it.
• Certain controlled/psychotropic medicines allowed under separate rules.

You email the relevant Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare (the bureau depends on your arrival airport) with an application form, a list of your medicines and quantities, and a copy of your prescription. They return a certificate (often by email/PDF) that you show at customs.

Banned and restricted drugs — check this first

This is the part that catches travellers out. Even with a valid foreign prescription, Japan prohibits or tightly restricts some substances:

• Certain ADHD stimulants (those containing methamphetamine-class or amfetamine compounds) are banned — bringing them in can be a serious crime.
• Strong narcotics / opioids need special advance permission.
• Many cold and allergy medicines sold abroad contain pseudoephedrine or codeine above Japan's limits — they may be confiscated.

Do not assume "it's legal at home, so it's fine here." Check the MHLW list and ask the Japanese embassy/consulate about your specific drug name and active ingredient.

How to apply (step by step)

1. List your medicines — product name, active ingredient, dose, and total quantity.
2. Check the banned/restricted list on the MHLW site for each active ingredient.
3. Email the correct Regional Bureau (based on your entry airport) with the application form, medicine list, and prescription copy — ideally 2+ weeks before you fly.
4. Receive the Yakkan Shoumei (PDF/printout) and carry it with your medicines in your hand luggage.
5. At customs, declare the medication and show the certificate plus your prescription if asked.

FAQ

1. How much medicine can I bring without any paperwork? Roughly a 1-month supply of prescription medicine, or 2 months of OTC/quasi-drugs, for personal use. Above that you need a Yakkan Shoumei.

2. Do I need a Yakkan Shoumei for insulin or an EpiPen? Usually yes — injectable devices typically require the certificate even in small amounts. Apply before you travel.

3. My ADHD medication is prescribed at home — can I bring it? Not always. Some stimulant ADHD drugs are banned in Japan regardless of a foreign prescription. Check the active ingredient against the MHLW list and ask the embassy before assuming.

4. How long does the Yakkan Shoumei take? Apply well ahead — commonly a couple of weeks. Processing time varies, so don't leave it to the last days.

5. Is the Yakkan Shoumei free? The certificate itself is generally issued without a fee; you handle your own shipping/printing. Confirm current details on the official page.

Sources

• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (厚生労働省) — importing medication / Yakkan Shoumei (authoritative): https://www.mhlw.go.jp/
• Your country's embassy or consulate in Japan — for confirmation on your specific medicine
• Japan Customs (税関) — bringing goods into Japan: https://www.customs.go.jp/english/

Related guides

• How to find an English-speaking doctor in Japan — for prescriptions and refills once you arrive
• Pharmacy & OTC medicine guide — what to buy locally
• National Health Insurance for foreigners — covering medical costs in Japan
• First week in Japan checklist — your arrival to-do list

Last updated: 2026-06-23