A family health kit for Japan

A small, well-chosen health kit saves a late-night search for a pharmacy and lets you treat the little things straight away. Because medicine brands and labels differ in Japan, bringing familiar basics for children is especially worthwhile.

Medicines worth bringing

• Children’s paracetamol and/or ibuprofen, with dosing you already know.
• Any regular prescription medicine, in original packaging with a copy of the script.
• Rehydration sachets, and something for tummy upsets and motion sickness.
• Antihistamine suitable for your child, and any allergy medication they’re prescribed.

First-aid basics

• Plasters, antiseptic wipes or cream, and a small bandage.
• A thermometer, tweezers and blister plasters for all that walking.
• Sunscreen and insect repellent (essential in summer).

What you can buy locally

Drugstores are everywhere and stock plasters, sunscreen, repellent, rehydration and common remedies, so you don’t need to over-pack — just carry enough to handle the first day or a midnight need. A pharmacist can help you find an equivalent if you run out, though children’s dosing and brands differ, so familiar fever/pain relief is worth bringing.

Important: check what you’re allowed to bring

Japan has stricter medication-import rules than many countries, and some common family medicines are banned outright. Medicines containing pseudoephedrine — including Sudafed, Actifed and some Vicks products — are prohibited, and pseudoephedrine isn’t sold over the counter in Japan either, so plan an alternative for blocked noses. Codeine-based medicines are also restricted.

You can generally bring up to a two-month supply of allowable over-the-counter medicine (like paracetamol, ibuprofen and most antihistamines) and a two-month supply of most prescription medicines for personal use without extra paperwork. If you need MORE than a month’s supply of a prescription medicine, or you’re carrying syringes/needles or a CPAP machine, you must apply in advance for an import certificate (the “Yakkan Shoumei” / Yunyu Kakunin-sho) — apply at least a couple of weeks before you fly.

Packing tips

• Keep the kit in your day bag so it’s always with you.
• Carry prescription medicines in their original packaging with a copy of the script or a doctor’s letter.
• When unsure whether a medicine is allowed, check Japan’s Ministry of Health (MHLW) guidance or your embassy’s importing-medication page before you fly — do not rely on this article for a legal ruling.