Japan First Move

How to Ask for Medicine at a Japanese Pharmacy

If you feel unwell in Japan and need medicine, you do not need to know the Japanese brand name.

Your first move is to show your symptoms clearly and ask staff or a pharmacist for help choosing what is suitable.

First Move

Show your symptom, not a brand name.

Quick steps

  1. Go to the counter or ask a staff member for help.
  2. Show your symptom on your phone.
  3. Mention allergies, pregnancy, or medicine you cannot take.
  4. Confirm how often to take it.
  5. Keep the package and instructions.

Don’t Do This

Don’t choose medicine only by package design.

Japanese medicine packaging can be hard to understand, and some products have similar-looking boxes.

Don’t mix medicines without checking.

If you are already taking medication, ask a pharmacist or doctor before taking something new.

Don’t ignore serious symptoms.

For severe pain, breathing trouble, allergic reactions, high fever, injury, or symptoms that feel urgent, seek medical help.

Say or show this

Use these phrases to speak or point when you need help.

Use when you have a headache. Atama ga itai desu. I have a headache.
Use when you have a sore throat. Nodo ga itai desu. I have a sore throat.
Use when you have stomach pain. Onaka ga itai desu. I have a stomachache.
Use when you have a fever. Netsu ga arimasu. I have a fever.
Use when you have an allergy. Arerugii ga arimasu. I have allergies.

If You See or Hear This

Donna shoujou desu ka? It means: What symptoms do you have? Your move Show your symptom on your phone or point to where you feel bad.
Arerugii wa arimasu ka? It means: Do you have any allergies? Your move Tell them any allergies clearly.
Okusuri techou wa arimasu ka? It means: Do you have a medicine record book? Your move If you do not have one, show any current medicines or prescriptions you are taking.

If You’re Stuck

Show the phrase on your phone instead of trying to pronounce everything. If you are not sure whether a symptom is serious, ask a pharmacist, hotel staff, or travel insurance support where to get medical help.

Tiny Culture Note

Some medicines that are common in your country may not be available in the same form in Japan. Pharmacies can help with minor symptoms, but they are not a replacement for medical care when symptoms are serious.

Stay in the same situation area, or go back to the category page and choose the closest moment.

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