Health

Can I bring my medication to Japan?

Check quantity limits, prohibited ingredients, advance permission and Yunyu Kakunin-sho before you fly.

Page updated: October 16, 2026
Source-check dates are shown with the relevant information below. A page edit does not mean every detail was rechecked.

Quick answer

Check every active ingredient before travel. A prescription from another country does not automatically make a medicine legal to bring into Japan.

List every active ingredient

Use the generic ingredient name, strength, daily dose and total quantity. Do not rely only on a brand name because formulas vary by country.

Check the correct Japanese authority

Ordinary medicines follow Ministry of Health import limits. Narcotics, stimulants, psychotropics and cannabis-related products have separate Narcotics Control Department rules.

Apply before you fly if required

Obtain any advance permission or Yunyu Kakunin-sho before departure. Official guidance recommends starting at least two weeks before travel.

Useful Japanese phrase

This is prescription medicine for my own treatment.

この薬は自分の治療のための処方薬です。

Kono kusuri wa jibun no chiryō no tame no shohōyaku desu.

A foreign prescription is not automatic permission

Japan applies its own ingredient and controlled-substance rules. Check the generic active ingredient—not only the brand name—before packing or mailing any medicine.

Traveler checking generic active ingredients, Japanese import rules and required permission before travel. — Illustration: The medicine label and website are schematic examples, not a dosage recommendation or an official screen. Click the illustration to enlarge.

Start here

Which rule applies to your medicine?

Medicine or product	Common limit without Import Confirmation	Important condition
Prescription medicine	Up to 1 month’s supply	Only if no separate prohibited or controlled-drug rule applies.
Other medicines and quasi-drugs	Up to 2 months’ supply	This can include some non-prescription products; check every ingredient.
External-use medicine	Up to 24 units per item	Excludes poisonous, potent and prescription drugs. Examples include eligible non-prescription ointments and eye drops.
Injectable medicine and syringe	Up to 1 month’s supply	Limited to a pre-filled syringe or self-injection kit under the official conditions.
More than the applicable limit	Import Confirmation required	Receive the Yunyu Kakunin-sho before departure and show it to Customs.

These are general personal-import limits, not approval for a controlled ingredient. Narcotics, stimulants, psychotropics and cannabis-related products can require a different application or may be prohibited.

General personal medicine import limits, including the exclusion of poisonous, potent and prescription drugs from the external-use 24-unit rule. — Illustration: Check all official conditions and controlled-drug rules; these quantity limits are not import approval. Click the illustration to enlarge.

Ingredient check

Some prescribed medicines still cannot enter Japan

Cannot be importedAdderall and amphetamine

Japan’s Narcotics Control Department states that Adderall cannot be imported because it contains amphetamine. A prescription issued abroad does not create an exception.

Advance permission requiredVyvanse / lisdexamfetamine

The official FAQ allows import only with advance permission. Apply to the Narcotics Control Department before travel and do not board without the required approval.

Check the official ingredient listNarcotics and psychotropics

Rules depend on the generic ingredient, amount, dosage form and concentration. A doctor’s certificate or prior permission may be required even for personal treatment.

Do not rely on a foreign labelCBD, THC and cannabis products

Foreign legality and “CBD” packaging do not prove compliance with Japan’s current cannabis, ingredient and residual-THC rules. Confirm the current official guidance before bringing any such product.

Warnings about Adderall, Vyvanse, narcotics, psychotropics, CBD, THC and cannabis products when entering Japan — Illustration: medicine labels, documents and screens are examples, not dosage advice or current official interfaces.

Import Confirmation

When you need a Yunyu Kakunin-sho

The current English name is Yunyu Kakunin-sho (Import Confirmation). Older websites may call it a Yakkan Shoumei. The Ministry of Health uses the newer name.

Illustrated first three steps for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho: list ingredients, check both authorities and prepare supporting documents — Illustration: medicine labels, documents and screens are examples, not dosage advice or current official interfaces.

1
Make an ingredient list
Record the generic name, strength, dosage form, daily dose, total quantity and purpose of every medicine.
2
Check both ordinary and controlled-drug rules
Use the Ministry of Health page for ordinary import limits and the Narcotics Control Department for controlled substances.
3
Prepare supporting documents
Have your prescription or doctor’s letter, medicine details, travel dates and arrival airport ready. Controlled-drug applications have their own document requirements.
4
Apply at least two weeks before travel
Use the official online application or the responsible regional office. Leave extra time for questions or missing documents.
5
Receive approval before departure
Carry the issued confirmation or permission with the medicine and present it to Japan Customs when required.

Applying through the official service or responsible regional office and carrying the required Import Confirmation or permission. — Illustration: Apply early and receive the required confirmation or permission before departure. Click the illustration to enlarge.

Pack with the medicine

Documents to carry

Medicine in its original labeled packaging
Copy of the prescription
English doctor’s letter with generic name, strength, dose and treatment reason
Yunyu Kakunin-sho or controlled-drug permission, if required
Travel itinerary and arrival-airport information

Do not do this

Avoid preventable trouble

Do not hide medicine or remove identifying labels
Do not combine tablets in an unmarked container
Do not mail medicine separately without checking import rules
Do not assume a pharmacy, airline or travel forum has given legal clearance
Do not wait until the airport to ask about advance permission

Checklist of medicine documents to carry and common mistakes to avoid before traveling to Japan — Illustration: medicine labels, documents and screens are examples, not dosage advice or current official interfaces.

Travel soon and still unsure?

Do not guess. Contact the Ministry of Health regional office responsible for your arrival airport or the Narcotics Control Department before departure. If an ingredient is prohibited, leave it at home and ask your treating clinician about a lawful alternative.

Useful Japanese phrases

この薬は自分の治療のための処方薬です。Kono kusuri wa jibun no chiryō no tame no shohōyaku desu.This is prescription medicine for my own treatment.

輸入確認証を持っています。Yunyū kakunin-sho o motte imasu.I have an Import Confirmation.

Useful Japanese phrases for explaining personal prescription medicine and presenting an Import Confirmation — Illustration: medicine labels, documents and screens are examples, not dosage advice or current official interfaces.

This guide is general travel information, not legal or medical advice. Rules can change, and the official authority’s ingredient classification and written instructions take priority.

Official Ministry of Health, Embassy of Japan and Narcotics Control Department guidance checked on August 18, 2026.

Useful links

Check the official medicine rules

Official resources come first. Links open in a new tab.

Official medicine import rules Ministry of Health: bringing medicine into Japan Check current quantity limits, the Import Confirmation process and the official online application link. Read the MHLW rules → Controlled-substance rules Narcotics Control Department application guide Check ingredient-based rules for narcotics, stimulants, psychotropics and other controlled medicines before travel. Check controlled medicines → Official English overview Embassy of Japan: Yunyu Kakunin-sho See the current English explanation, application timing and regional contact guidance for travelers. Read the embassy guide → CBD and cannabis warning Check current CBD and THC rules Foreign legality or a CBD label is not proof that a product meets Japan’s current ingredient and residual-THC requirements. Open the official CBD guide →