Getting a prescription in Japan and bringing it home, step by step

Step 1

Before you go: check the rules, plan the trip

• Check the rules first: only medicine you carry yourself, up to 6 bottles in total (or up to a 3-month supply beyond that). Online orders, post and courier are not allowed.
• Work out how many units your schedule allows.
• Look at flights; from Busan, compare the Fukuoka ferry too.
• Pick a place to stay near where you need to go.
• Keep the Japanese phrase cards open on your phone for when words fail.

Source 식품의약품안전처·관세청 부처합동 보도자료 (2026-11-11) · 데일리팜 (2026-11-11) · 경향신문 (2026-11-11) · 인사이트 (2026-11-11) (Checked 2026-11-12)

Step 2

Seeing a doctor in Japan

• Check each clinic’s own website for self-pay care and whether it sees foreign patients. Our list is sorted by area and name and does not favour any clinic.
• Bring your passport and fill in the medical questionnaire (問診票).
• Whether to prescribe, and how much and for how long, is the doctor’s call. There is no guarantee of any amount.
• Japan’s health minister has said prescribing foreign travellers a long supply for use after they go home is not appropriate (reported Oct 2026).

Source 日刊薬業「訪日客への過剰処方『適切でない』」(2026-10-09) (Checked 2026-11-12)

Step 3

Getting the medicine: keep the papers and box

• Ask for the receipt (領収書) and the itemised statement (明細書).
• Keep the original box, packaging and leaflet.
• If you can, also get a paper showing what was prescribed (drug information sheet).

Source 경향신문 (2026-11-11) (Checked 2026-11-12)

Step 4

Storing and travelling

• Pack refrigerated medicine in a cool pouch with ice packs.
• Carry it in the cabin, not in checked baggage: the hold can freeze it.
• Going by ferry? Ask the operator in advance whether you can keep it cold on board.

Step 5

Korean customs on arrival

• According to the MFDS, medicine bought through normal channels within the limits (6 bottles, or a 3-month supply) needs no extra paperwork. Customs may still check it.
• If the amount or ingredients are unclear, declare it yourself and follow the officer’s guidance.
• Customs makes the final decision.
• Ordering online, shipping, reselling and giving it to others are illegal.

Source 경향신문 (2026-11-11) · 인천공항본부세관 — 입국 시 안내 · 관세청 — 여행자 휴대품 통관 · 인사이트 (2026-11-11) (Checked 2026-11-12)

Step 6

After you are back

• Share how customs went and how you kept things cold, to help the next person.
• Ask questions in the open chat.