Most prescriptions are dispensed at local pharmacies, which can be found next to the clinic or hospital. Your doctor will direct you to the closest one, but you are entitled to have your prescriptions filled by the pharmacy of your choice. The majority of medicines that would be ‘over the counter’ in other countries (such as panadol, aspirin or cold medications) are kept behind the counter in Japan, and you must first consult the pharmacist before you can purchase them. Foreign prescriptions can usually be dispensed, but you must first visit a Japanese doctor to have the prescription confirmed and approved.

Medicines dispensed may sometimes be the Japanese generic brand rather than the name you’re used to back home but the make up will be the same. Pseudoephedrine and the cold and congestion medications that contain it are banned in Japan. These may be confiscated on arrival at the airport, particularly painkillers, are manufactured in smaller doses in Japan, so you may find yourself taking doses more often than you might at home.

For more daily needs, pharmacies like Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Sundrug are stocked with creams, powders, vitamins, feminine items, first-aid supplies, contraceptives and the usual medications and prescription items. Pharmacies generally fill prescriptions from about 10:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday, with shorter hours on Saturdays. Most open around 09:00 and some may be open as late as 21:00 or 22:00, depending on the location and the chain. At a pinch, your local convenience store should offer very basic items such as aspirin, bandages and condoms, if not more.