Japan drugstore · Popular and Recommended

This application will introduce the popular items of drug stores, and the reference price of these items.

Sharing your purchasing experience and which drug store you can purchase at the cheapest price.

you can buy lot of things in Japan drugstores

Pharmaceuticals, baby’s goods, toiletries, daily necessaries, food, toys ... etc.

Purchase combined general goods and consumable goods become available for tax-free shopping.

Purchases that total 5,000 yen or more qualify for a tax refund.

There are three main classifications of Japanese OTC(over the counter)drugs

Type 1 Drugs (第一類医薬品 dai-ichi-rui iyakuhin）--

These drugs are classified as having side effects that could "interfere with daily life"

as well as the potential for serious health risks if used improperly.

A pharmacist must be on hand for a store to dispense these drugs,

and the pharmacist must give adequate advice at time of sale about side effects

and necessary precautions when taking the drug.

Type 2 Drugs (第二類医薬品 dai-ni-rui iyakuhin)--

These drugs are classified as having potential side effects

that can interfere with daily but not with the severity of Type 1 medication.

A pharmacist or a "registered seller" (登録販売者 toroku hanbai-sha)

must be on staff to sell these drugs and provide consultation if necessary.

Type 3 Drugs (第三類医薬品 dai-san-rui iyakuhin)--

These drugs are consider to have non serious side effects and,

in most cases, won't impair one's functionality in any major way.

A pharmacist or a "registered seller"

must be on staff to sell these drugs and provide consultation if necessary.

In addition to the above mentioned category,

There is another classification of drugs known as i-yakubu gaihin (医薬部外品)

or shitei i-yakubu gaihin (指定医薬部外品).

In English, these are ofter referred to as "quasi-drugs" or "supplements."

This category includes vitamin drinks, nutritional supplements, cough drops,

and all those energy tonics.

These can be sold in any establishment including convenience stores and super markets.