Can I bring prescription medication to Japan?

Medicine at the Japanese border

This is decided when you land in Japan, by Japan Customs. Airport security at your departure airport is a separate check.

Without paperwork you may bring up to a 1 month supply of prescription drugs, a 2 month supply of other drugs and quasi-drugs, and up to 24 per item of drugs for external use. Above that you need Import Confirmation, received before you leave home and shown to the officer at customs.

Prescription drugs: up to 1 month supply
Other drugs and quasi-drugs: up to 2 month supply
Drugs for external use: up to 24 per one item
Injectable drugs: up to 1 month supply, pre-filled syringe or self-injection kit only
Above these amounts: Import Confirmation, normally issued in a few business days
Documents for the application: a prescription or doctor's note, and an itinerary or ticket showing arrival date, place and flight

Applying for Import Confirmation

Apply for Import Confirmation before you travel, with a prescription or doctor's note and your itinerary, receive it before you leave home and show it to the officer at customs. Prohibited and controlled drugs cannot be brought in this way.

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