The Ultimate Guide to Japan’s “Drugstores” — Must-Visit Stops for Souvenirs and Everyday Essentials in Yamanashi

In recent years, Japanese drugstores have become a must-visit destination for international travelers visiting Japan.

From cosmetics, daily necessities, snacks, and beverages, these stores offer just about everything you might need during your trip — making them one of the most convenient shopping spots in the country.

In addition to the peace of mind that comes with easily purchasing medicine and supplements, drugstores in Japan are known for their Tax-Free shopping and multilingual services, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for visitors from around the world.

They are also the perfect places to find authentic Japanese souvenirs such as made-in-Japan cosmetics, matcha sweets, and beauty products — items that embody the essence of Japan.

In this article, we’ll explore why drugstores are so popular among travelers, introduce major drugstore chains in Yamanashi Prefecture (including Welcia, Tsuruha Drug, and Sundrug), and recommend the best souvenir items that visitors love to take home.

Whether you stop by during your journey or plan a special visit, you’ll discover firsthand the convenience and hospitality that define Japan.

Why Japanese Drugstores Have Become a “Must-Visit Spot” for International Travelers

For many international visitors to Japan, drugstores are now one of the last essential stops before returning home.

You might walk in just to browse, but soon find yourself filling your basket with irresistible items. This combination of Japanese convenience, reliability, and variety continues to attract travelers from around the world.

Convenient and Reliable — Everything You Need in One Place

A Japanese drugstore is far more than just a place to buy medicine.

Inside, you’ll find an impressive selection of cosmetics, health foods, daily necessities, snacks, and beverages — making it feel like a mini department store.

If you happen to get injured or visit a doctor during your trip, many drugstores also include a dispensing pharmacy, so you can quickly pick up prescribed medication without hassle.

In addition, there’s an extensive range of skincare and haircare products, as well as popular supplements that travelers love to try while in Japan. For visitors, it’s truly a one-stop shop for all travel essentials.

Tax-Free and Multilingual Services — Experience Japan’s “Omotenashi” Hospitality

One of the biggest attractions of Japanese drugstores is their Tax-Free shopping system, which makes it easy and affordable for foreign visitors to shop.

By simply showing your passport at checkout, you can enjoy tax exemptions, making bulk purchases especially worthwhile. Many travelers consider Japanese drugstores “the best-value shopping spots in Japan.”

Moreover, most stores now offer multilingual signage and service in English, Chinese, and Korean. Staff who can assist in multiple languages are increasingly common, allowing even first-time visitors to shop with confidence.

Many customers praise the experience as “comfortable shopping even without speaking Japanese” and “helpful staff who guide you politely.”
This welcoming spirit — Japan’s signature omotenashi hospitality — is a major reason why so many travelers return to drugstores again and again.

The Perfect Place to Find Souvenirs — From Made-in-Japan Cosmetics to Matcha Snacks

Japanese drugstores are also a treasure trove for souvenir shopping.

High-quality skincare and makeup products from well-known brands such as Shiseido, Kao, and Rohto Pharmaceutical are especially popular for their reliability and effectiveness. Many travelers stock up before heading home, trusting the quality of “Made in Japan.”

You’ll also find matcha-flavored sweets, Japan-exclusive snacks, and beautifully packaged treats that make for perfect gifts. Seasonal or limited-edition packaging often makes these items Instagram-worthy, ideal for sharing your Japan memories online.

Additionally, everyday Japanese remedies like pain relief patches, eye drops, cold medicine, and throat lozenges are highly sought after. These trusted and affordable medical essentials are hard to find overseas, earning them a top spot on many travelers’ “must-buy in Japan” lists.

Welcia — Japan’s Largest and Most Trusted Drugstore Chain

With approximately 2,800 locations across Japan, Welcia stands as one of the country’s largest and most trusted drugstore chains.

From pharmaceuticals and health supplements to cosmetics, daily necessities, groceries, and even alcohol, Welcia offers everything travelers might need — making it a one-stop shop that international visitors love to rely on during their trips.

Many of its products feature simple and stylish packaging, making them great choices as souvenirs that capture Japan’s aesthetic and quality.

Whether you’re purchasing medicine while recovering from a cold, or stocking up on Japan-made skincare and supplements before heading home, Welcia provides a safe, convenient, and enjoyable shopping experience.

Tax-Free shopping available at most locations, allowing visitors to shop with confidence.
A wide range of snacks and beverages often sold at lower prices than convenience stores.
A rich selection of Japan-made skincare, vitamins, and facial masks — all popular souvenir choices.

More than just a convenient store, Welcia represents the perfect balance of quality, service, and trust.

If you want to enjoy comfortable and reliable shopping while exploring Japan, Welcia is a must-visit destination on your journey.

Welcia Stores in Yamanashi (As of October 2025)

Tsuruha Drug — A Popular Chain for High-Quality Japanese Products at Great Prices

With around 1,400 stores across Japan and branches overseas, Tsuruha Drug is one of Japan’s leading drugstore chains.

Many locations can be found in Tokyo and other major cities, making it a convenient stop where travelers can easily stock up on cosmetics, daily essentials, and supplements — all in one place.

What makes Tsuruha Drug especially appealing is its private brand, “Kurashi Rhythm.”
This line maintains the trusted quality of Japanese products while keeping prices affordable, offering the perfect balance of high quality and great value — a combination that international visitors find hard to resist.

Inside each store, you’ll discover shelves filled with haircare, skincare, and health products unique to Japan. Popular “Made in Japan” cosmetics and supplements are also widely available, making it easy to find thoughtful souvenirs or reliable travel essentials.

Tax-Free shopping available at select locations, making it easy to purchase Japan-made cosmetics and supplements at great prices.
“Kurashi Rhythm” offers exceptional quality and affordability — ideal for everyday Japanese products.
A large variety of daily goods, food items, and haircare products, perfect for convenient bulk shopping during your trip.

Tsuruha Drug is the ideal place to shop smart, safely, and affordably for high-quality Japanese products.
Drop by during your travels — you’re sure to find items that make your trip even more comfortable and memorable.

Tsuruha Drug Stores in Yamanashi (As of October 2025)

Sundrug — A Budget-Friendly Drugstore Where Shopping Is Fun

With over 1,500 stores across Japan, Sundrug is a well-known drugstore chain that focuses on great value and affordability.

In addition to pharmaceuticals, you’ll find a wide variety of snacks, drinks, instant foods, health products, and baby items, making it a convenient stop for both everyday shopping and souvenir hunting during your travels.

What makes Sundrug stand out is its unbeatable prices — especially on snacks, beverages, and instant ramen. Travelers often rave that “it’s cheaper than convenience stores!”, earning Sundrug a reputation as one of Japan’s top bulk-buy shopping spots among international visitors.

You can also find regional snacks, matcha-flavored sweets, and other Japan-only products, making it a great place to pick up exclusive souvenirs. With many locations near major tourist attractions, Sundrug is perfect for a quick, spontaneous visit while sightseeing.

Affordable snacks and beverages, perfect for on-the-go meals or souvenir shopping.
A wide range of baby products, supplements, and medicines, making it ideal for families.
Tax-Free shopping available at select stores, offering a smooth and friendly experience for international travelers.

Sundrug is the go-to destination for travelers who love fun, affordable, and stress-free shopping.
For those seeking the ultimate “shopping paradise” in Japan, Sundrug delivers unbeatable value and variety — a must-visit stop for any savvy traveler.

Sundrug Stores in Yamanashi (As of October 2025)

Best Souvenirs You Can Find at Japanese Drugstores

Japanese drugstores are truly a treasure trove for souvenirs.
Packed with items that are cute, high-quality, and surprisingly affordable, they’ve become a go-to destination where international travelers stock up before heading home.

Below, we’ve curated the most popular “Japan-made souvenirs” you can find at drugstores — organized by category for easy shopping.

Japanese Cosmetics & Skincare Items

If you’re looking for face masks, “Lululun” and “Derma Laser Mask” are top favorites among visitors.
For lotions and toners, “Hada Labo Gokujyun” and “Melano CC” are long-standing bestsellers.
You can also find mascaras, lip balms, and nail products starting from just ¥100, making it easy to enjoy a fun Japanese beauty experience without breaking the bank.

Many travelers buy face masks both as souvenirs and for personal use, thanks to their reliable quality and cute designs.

Japanese Snacks & Sweets

When it comes to sweets, “Pocky Matcha” and “KitKat Matcha” are iconic must-buys.
Local favorites like “Kaki no Tane” rice crackers and “Tokyo Banana” are also beloved nationwide.
You’ll find plenty of light, easy-to-carry snacks — such as rice crackers, candies, and gummies — ideal for sharing with friends back home.

Flavors inspired by Japan, like matcha, roasted green tea (hojicha), and cherry blossom, are especially popular among international visitors.

Health & Medicine Products

Japanese drugstores are famous for their effective and reliable over-the-counter medicines.
Top picks include Rohto Z! Pro eye drops, Salonpas pain relief patches, and Ryukakusan herbal throat lozenges.
Popular supplements like Alinamin EX and DHC vitamins are also must-haves for everyday wellness.
You can also find practical items like bandages, cold medicine, and motion-sickness pills, all known for their effectiveness and user-friendly design.

Japanese medicines have a reputation for being highly effective and safe, making them practical souvenirs that truly come in handy.

Lifestyle Goods & Travel Essentials

Travelers also love everyday products like Uni-Charm face masks and Biore u hand sanitizer gel.
Other handy items include travel pouches, toothbrush sets, and foldable umbrellas, perfect for use during or after your trip.

These items are lightweight, functional, and aesthetically designed, making them ideal as “souvenirs you can use on the go.”

Summary

In this guide, we introduced Japan’s drugstores — not just as places to buy medicine, but as vibrant shopping hubs for cosmetics, food, and more.

Japanese drugstores are truly a dream destination for travelers looking for high-quality, affordable, and authentic “Made in Japan” items.

Next time you’re sightseeing, be sure to stop by a drugstore — you’ll likely discover unique products and thoughtful souvenirs that perfectly capture your Japan experience.

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