Japan has strict narcotics laws. Many common prescriptions are prohibited or require import certificates. Scan your label or search by name.
Japan enforces some of the world's strictest drug laws. Adderall (amphetamine) and cannabis/CBD are completely banned — carrying them, even with a valid prescription, can result in up to 10 years imprisonment. Codeine requires an advance import permit (Yunyu Kakunin-sho) from Japan's Ministry of Health regardless of quantity.
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is allowed at ≤10% concentration, up to a 2-month personal supply. Zolpidem (Ambien) is permitted up to 300 mg total without a permit. Standard OTC medications — ibuprofen, melatonin, antihistamines — are unrestricted.
To apply for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho, submit to the Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare at least 2 weeks before travel. Always carry medications in original pharmacy packaging with your name on the label.
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Our database covers 30 common compounds including 22 controlled substances. Ingredients not in our database are shown as allowed but verify independently if unsure.
No. Adderall (amphetamine salts) is classified as a Schedule I stimulant (覚醒剤) in Japan and is completely prohibited — even with a valid foreign prescription. Bringing it into the country can result in arrest and up to 10 years imprisonment. Consult your doctor about legal alternatives such as atomoxetine (Strattera) before traveling.
Pseudoephedrine products are allowed only at concentrations of 10% or less, up to a 2-month personal supply. Products exceeding 10% concentration are prohibited as they fall under stimulant raw material restrictions. Always check the label, keep medication in original pharmacy packaging, and carry your prescription.
A Yakkan Shoumei (薬監証明), also known as Yunyu Kakunin-sho, is required for narcotics like codeine regardless of quantity, for psychotropic substances exceeding limits (for example, zolpidem above 300 mg total), and for any controlled medication beyond personal-use thresholds. Apply through the Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare at least 2 weeks before travel.
You can bring up to a 2-month supply of standard prescription medication and a 1-month supply of OTC drugs without a permit. Controlled substances have stricter caps — zolpidem is limited to 300 mg total, for example. Always carry medications in their original pharmacy packaging with the prescription label intact.
Japanese customs will confiscate prohibited medications at the border. For absolutely banned substances such as amphetamines (including Adderall) and any cannabis or CBD products, travelers may face arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment of up to 10 years. Japanese law does not recognize foreign medical authorizations for these substances.
Not legal advice. Medication rules change. Always verify with the Japanese Embassy or 厚生労働省 before traveling, especially for controlled substances. When in doubt, leave it at home.