Shopping

Japanese Drugstores: Tester, Point Card & Export Rules

Matsukiyo, Sundrug, Tsuruha — cheap and amazing, but testers have limits, some meds aren't allowed into your home country, and staff on the floor are normal.

Updated

Aggressive tester use

A tourist at a drugstore cosmetics shelf spreading tester foundation all over their face with a tester brush
NG

Using cosmetic or beauty testers for a full application — multiple layers, tools, the works

Drugstore testers are there for a quick color check or a small skin test, not for a full beauty session. Using the tester foundation to do your whole face, or applying multiple eyeshadow colors all over your eyelids, or using the tester mascara wand directly on your eye — these cross from sampling into using the product. Staff notice, and it leaves the tester unpleasant for the next person.

A tourist swiping a small stripe of tester lipstick onto the back of their own hand at a drugstore shelf
OK

Use testers lightly — a small swatch on the back of your hand or wrist is the right amount

The back of the hand is a common testing spot for foundation, skincare, and lip color. A small amount, a quick check, done. For skincare, one small pump on the back of your hand to check texture and scent is fine. Don't use mascara or eyeliner testers directly on your eyes — if cotton swabs or disposable applicators are provided, use those.

Not knowing about the medicine notebook

A tourist at a pharmacy counter looking blank and confused while the pharmacist holds up a small booklet
NG

Looking confused when the pharmacist asks if you have a medicine notebook (お薬手帳)

In Japan, pharmacists often ask if you have an okusuri techou — a small booklet that records all your prescription medications, allergies, and pharmacy history. It's a standard health safety question, not a trick. Most short-term visitors won't have one, but looking totally blank or not knowing what they're asking can slow things down at the pharmacy counter.

A tourist at a pharmacy counter shaking their head with a small apologetic smile as the pharmacist holds up a small booklet
OK

Just say 'motte imasen' — you don't have one, and that's completely fine

'Motte imasen' means 'I don't have one.' Say that, or shake your head and say 'nai desu' ('I don't have it'). The pharmacist will note it and move on, or may offer to start one for you. It's a routine question that most patients get. For over-the-counter medications in a regular drugstore, this question usually doesn't come up. It's more common at a dispensing pharmacy attached to a clinic.

Buying medications to take home without checking the rules

A tourist piling boxes of cold medicine into a drugstore basket without checking anything
NG

Stocking up on cold medicine or allergy pills to bring back without verifying what's allowed

Japan has strict import/export rules for certain medications. Cold medicines containing more than 10% pseudoephedrine count as stimulant raw materials in Japan and can't be brought in without a permit. On the way out, some Japanese medications (especially those containing codeine or certain stimulants) may be restricted in your home country. This is a real legal issue, not a technicality.

A tourist in a drugstore aisle checking import rules on their phone before picking up a box of medicine
OK

Check your home country's import rules before buying Japanese medications to take home

For skincare and cosmetics, you're usually fine. For medications, spend five minutes before your trip checking what your country allows. Many countries have customs rules or declaration requirements for medicines. Bringing home a reasonable personal supply (limits vary by country) of standard OTC medicine is generally fine, but anything that could be classified as a controlled substance needs research first.

Misreading staff attentiveness as suspicion

A tourist glancing nervously over their shoulder at a drugstore staff member standing attentively a few steps behind them
NG

Getting uncomfortable when a staff member seems to be following you around the store

In Japanese drugstores, staff often walk the aisles, restock shelves, and greet customers with 'irasshaimase.' This can feel like you're being watched or suspected of shoplifting, especially if you're lingering in an aisle testing things. Walking the floor and greeting everyone is a routine part of how stores are run — it isn't aimed at you personally.

A tourist giving a drugstore staff member a small nod and smile, then turning back to browse the shelf at ease
OK

A small bow and a smile is all you need — then browse comfortably

When a staff member makes eye contact or says 'irasshaimase,' a small nod or bow and a 'daijoubu desu' ('I'm fine, thank you') is the signal that you're just browsing. Then keep browsing at your own pace. You'll hear 'irasshaimase' in many Japanese shops, not just drugstores.

Why tourists lose their minds in Japanese drugstores

A Western pharmacy sells medications and basics. A Japanese drugstore is closer to a full lifestyle shop — skincare, cult beauty tools, snacks, supplements, budget cosmetics. You may well buy more than you planned.

The etiquette is mostly about testers and staff. Many stores set out tester displays, often with mirrors. The deal is simple: a small swatch on the back of your hand to check color or texture — not a full face of foundation from the communal tester. Light use, leave it clean for the next person.

The staff member who keeps appearing in the sheet mask aisle? Staff routinely walk the floor, restock, and greet customers — it isn’t aimed at you. A nod and “daijoubu desu” (“I’m fine”) signals you’re just browsing.

Small swatch, not a makeover. Staff on the floor are routine, not personal. That’s the drugstore code.

A few “nice to know” extras

  • Tax-free threshold — Many drugstores participate in the tax-free program. Spend 5,000 yen or more (before tax) in one store on one day and show your passport. From November 1, 2026 you pay the tax at the register and get it back after the customs check when you leave Japan. Food and non-alcoholic drinks are taxed at 8%, not 10%. Look for “Tax Free” signs at the entrance.
  • Point cards add up fast — Matsukiyo’s app card, Tsuruha’s own card, and other chains’ own point programs. If you shop at one chain often during your trip, signing up can be worth it. Some chains run bonus point days.
  • Prices vary by store — The same product can be priced differently from store to store, so compare if you’re buying a lot.
  • Pharmacist questions are required by law — For certain drug categories, the pharmacist will ask about things like your age and current medications. It’s not intrusive — answer simply and they’ll wrap up fast.
  • Check import rules before stocking up on meds — Some Japanese medications may be restricted in your home country. Skincare and cosmetics are usually fine. Anything with codeine or stimulant compounds needs a quick check before you pack it.

Quick check

Three questions to lock in the drugstore instinct.

Quick check

Can you spot the right move?

  1. Q1 Is it okay to use a full application of tester cosmetics at a Japanese drugstore?

  2. Q2 Should you check import rules before buying Japanese medications to take home?

  3. Q3 Does staff following you around a Japanese drugstore mean they suspect you of shoplifting?