Japanese Drug Store Guide: What to Buy at Matsumoto Kiyoshi
By Tour in Japan editors · Updated
Japanese drug stores (ドラッグストア) are treasure troves of cosmetics, skincare, medicine, and snacks — at a fraction of international prices.
Japanese drug stores (ドラッグストア) are treasure troves of cosmetics, skincare, medicine, and snacks — at a fraction of international prices.
What Is a Drug Store?
Japanese drug stores are not pharmacies — they're retail stores selling:
- Cosmetics & skincare (the main attraction)
- OTC medicine
- Supplements
- Snacks & drinks
- Household items
- Some have pharmacies in the back
Major Chains
| Chain | Japanese | What They're Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Matsumoto Kiyoshi | マツモトキヨシ | Largest chain, best selection |
| Welcia | ウェルシア | Affordable, health focus |
| Sundrug | サンドラッグ | Budget-friendly |
| Tsuruha Drug | 鶴羽ドラッグ | Hokkaido-based, expanding |
| Cocokara Fine | ココカラファイン | Cosmetics focus |
| Tomod's | トモズ | Smaller chain, good prices |
What to Buy
Cosmetics & Skincare (Best Value)
| Product | Brand | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sunscreen | Anessa, Biore | ¥1,500–3,000 |
| Sheet masks | Lululun, Keana | ¥500–1,500 |
| Cleanser | Fancl, DHC | ¥1,000–2,000 |
| Lip balm | Mentholatum, Carmex | ¥300–600 |
| Eye drops | Rohto, Sante | ¥500–1,200 |
| Foundation | Canmake, Cezaire | ¥800–2,000 |
Medicine
| Product | Brand | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pain relief | Loxonin, EVE | ¥500–1,500 |
| Cold medicine | Lulu Attack, Pabron | ¥1,000–2,000 |
| Stomach medicine | Seirogan, Kobayashi | ¥500–1,500 |
| Allergy medicine | Allegra, Zyrtec | ¥1,000–2,000 |
| Motion sickness | Travelmin | ¥500–1,000 |
| Band-aids | Various | ¥200–500 |
Supplements
| Product | Brand | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | DHC, Fancl | ¥500–1,500 |
| Collagen | DHC, Fancl | ¥1,000–3,000 |
| Probiotics | Yakult, DHC | ¥500–1,500 |
| Eye vitamins | DHC, Fancl | ¥500–1,500 |
Snacks & Drinks
| Product | Notes |
|---|---|
| Japanese candy | Regional flavors, beautiful packaging |
| Protein bars | Healthy snacks |
| Green tea | Bottled or packet |
| Vitamins drinks | Energy shots |
Tax-Free Shopping
Most drug stores offer tax-free shopping:
- Spend ¥5,000+ at one store
- Show your passport
- 10% tax exemption
- Look for "Tax-Free" signs
Tips
- Compare prices — chains have different sales
- Check expiry dates — especially for medicine
- Ask for recommendations — staff are helpful
- Download apps — Matsumoto Kiyoshi app has coupons
- Buy sunscreen in Japan — cheaper and better than imports
- Sheet masks — make great souvenirs
- Eye drops — Japanese eye drops are world-class
- Don't buy too much — customs limits apply (usually ¥200,000)
📱Get a Japan eSIM
Stay Connected in Japan
Yesim eSIMs work on arrival — no physical SIM needed. Japan data plans from $5.