Medications and Customs

What do you need to do to bring Epi-pens and Benadryl into Japan from America?

Depending on how long you will be staying in Japan, you may or may not need to fill out an application called the Yakkan Shoumei.

Do I need to apply for a Yakkan Soumei?

If you are staying in Japan for over 30 days (a month), then you need to apply for a Yakkan Shoumei to bring in any prescription medications (this includes Epi-pens, insulin injectors, and other medicines such has psychotropics).

If you are staying in Japan for less than 30 days:

You will most likely not be asked about your prescription medicines at customs; however just in case you are, it's best to keep your Epi-pens, anti-histamines, and any other medications in their original packaging. With prescription medications, also keep the pharmacy labels with them. If you are worried about your medications, have your doctor sign a letter you type up explaining what medicines you need and why.

If you are staying in Japan for more than 30 days:

You will need to apply for a Yakkan Shoumei. I stayed in Japan for over 30 days, and I was not asked to show my Yakkan Shoumei; however, it is still a good idea to fill out these papers just in case you get stopped and asked about your medications. It is also a good idea to keep your medicines in their original packing and with their pharmacy labels or doctor's note.

Yakkan Shoumei Link: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/dl/qa1.pdf

Example page from the Yakkan Shoumei

Medications not allowed in Japan:

-Marjujiana (cannabis)

-Narcotics and psychotropics (that are not prescribed, even if they are prescribed you still need to fill out a Yakkan Shoumei if you are staying over a month)

-Some stimulant drugs are not allowed (this includes some types of Adderall)

Check out all the drugs prohibited in better detail and most up to date on the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare page here: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/dl/qa1.pdf

*If you are ever unsure about your medications, email the regional bureau where you will be landing. Also if you are tight on time, simply add “Urgent” to the title of your email, and they will get back to you reasonable soon.

Airplane Tips:

-If you are an insulin user or require your medication to be refrigerated for the long flight, contact your airline beforehand to ensure that you can have access to a place to store your medications.

-You can bring pre-packaged snacks and food with you through TSA if you are worried about the food being served on the long flight; however you can not bring any drinks. You will need to purchase these once you are through TSA.

-Remember to tell your airline beforehand (at least 72 hours) about your food allergies. You can also request special meals. Delta allows you to do this online, but you can also call ahead with your airline to request this.

-Delta no longer serves nuts on their fights; however if you are on another airline call ahead to request that nuts not be served on the flight if you have a severe nut allergy.

-If you are servery allergic, bring travel size Lysol wipes to wipe down your seat area when you first board.