Japan is a dream destination for many, with its busy cities, peaceful nature, and delicious food, but a trip to Japan means a lot of walking, which can leave you exhausted. To enjoy your trip from start to finish, we know how important it is to tackle aches and pains before they become a problem. Check out a few of our Hisamitsu_® Pharmaceutical recommendations, and plan ahead to keep yourself happy and healthy during your dream trip to Japan!

① Medications in Japan? Try Hisamitsu_® Pharmaceutical

While you might not be familiar with the name Hisamitsu_® Pharmaceutical, you might have heard of Salonpas_® before, since these patches made by Hisamitsu_® are a popular form of pain relief in and outside of Japan. Hisamitsu_® Pharmaceutical Co., Inc. manufactures, sells, and works to import and export all kinds of pharmaceuticals, quasi-drugs, and medical devices. Overseas, however, it’s particularly well known for topical treatments like Salonpas_®, which uses the innovative patch form to target pain precisely. (Convenient for a busy modern lifestyle, especially when traveling!)

Since aches, pains, and other inconveniences are the last things you want to deal with during your trip to Japan, we’ve put together a list of a few Hisamitsu_® product recommendations to support your whole body during a busy trip, or your busy daily life!

② A Quick Guide to Buying Medicine in Japan

Before taking a look at recommendations from Hisamitsu_®, let’s briefly run through how to purchase medicine in Japan. You might be wondering “do I need a prescription for medications in Japan?” or “can I even buy anything useful?” To answer those questions, it’s important to know that in Japan, similar to many other countries, medications are broadly divided into two categories:

1. Prescription Drugs: These, as you might surmise, require a doctor’s prescription. Examples include antibiotics, and medications used to control blood pressure or glucose levels.

2. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs: These can be purchased without a prescription at many drugstores. They are officially divided into three categories:

Classification	Examples
First-Class OTC Drugs (第一類医薬品)	hair growth treatments
Second-Class OTC Drugs (第二類医薬品)	cold medicine (like Pabron), painkillers (like ibuprofen)
Third-Class OTC Drugs (第三類医薬品)	vitamins, supplements, calcium, medicines for improving liver function

💡 What to Know About Japan’s OTC Drugs:

→ All three types of OTC drugs can be purchased at regular pharmacies.

→ To purchase first-class OTC drugs, you will need to listen to an explanation from a pharmacist first.

→ Second and third-class OTC drugs can be purchased freely, though a pharmacist or registered seller may offer an explanation.

In short, even foreign travelers can go ahead and purchase products classified as OTC drugs in Japan without any worries.

③ Pain-Relief Patches

One of the most popular products from Hisamitsu_® is the Salonpas_® patch, but that’s not the brand’s only product that comes in an easy-to-use patch form. Check out some of the other options from Hisamitsu_® to find the perfect patch to suit your needs!

For Muscular Aches and Pains, Sprains, & Lower Back Pain Try…

Nobinobi_® Salonsip_® FIT_® α Odor-Free ^{_{| Third-Class OTC Drug}}

Salonsip_® offers a gel-type patch that feels pleasantly refreshing the moment it’s applied to the skin, and the main active ingredient, glycol salicylate, helps relieve pain and effectively suppress inflammation. The formula also contains vitamin E (tocopherol acetate), which protects the skin during use. The patch itself is uniquely designed to make it easy to apply, even on joints, with rounded corners and high flexibility.

The patches come in compact, resealable packaging (much like wet wipes), which makes them convenient to carry on the go. Plus, the “Baripita Sheet” perforation design in the center of the backing film allows for easy application by simply pulling the two sides apart, and the powerful seal on the packaging keeps moisture out and preserves the patches inside. One more major benefit? The odorless design means there’s no medicinal smell to bother you while using the patches to relieve pain.

Product Details
Topical Medicine | Third-Class OTC Drug
Size: 10cm x 14cm | Packs of 10 or 20
Official Information (en)

Usage Notes
Apply to the affected area 1~2 times a day. Discontinue use if symptoms do not improve within 5~6 days and consult a doctor, pharmacist, or registered vendor.

⚠️ Precautions
・Do not apply around the eyes, on mucous membranes, or to skin affected by eczema, rashes, or wounds.
・Patches should only be used on children under the supervision of a guardian.

For Blood Circulation & Muscle Stiffness Relief Try…

Heating Device Jikabari_{® ^{| Medical Device}}

Notification Number: 09B2×10012000051

This patch provides gentle heat (around 40°C/104°F) for up to 6 hours, helping to relax tense muscles and relieve neuralgia and muscle pain. It can also be used to improve blood circulation and stimulate the digestive system.

Each patch has two heating points, allowing for the even distribution of warmth across a broad area, all with a gentle touch.

Product Details
Medical Device
Size: S (6cm x 12cm) Packs of 6 or 12 | M (8.4cm x 13cm) Packs of 4 or 8
Official Information (en)

Usage Notes
Apply one sheet to the affected area once per day. The warming effect lasts 6 hours.

⚠️ Precautions
・Do not use for over 6 hours at one time.
・Do not use while sleeping.
・Do not apply to the face, mucous membranes, skin affected by eczema, rashes, or wounds, or areas where topical medicine has been previously applied.

For Shoulder and Lower Back Pain Try…

Feitas_® Zα Dicsas_{® ^{| Second-Class OTC Drug}}

Feitas_® Zα Dicsas_® sheets use the power of diclofenac, a pain relief ingredient used in over 120 countries¹, and the formula includes the highest possible OTC concentration of 2.0%² to deliver powerful relief from intense pain. The effect is long-lasting, too – apply just once for 24 hours of relief. The patches are stretchy and fit comfortably on the skin, so you don’t have to worry about them peeling up all day either.

These patches are designed to relieve severe muscle pain or inflammation, making them ideal for people suffering after long hours sat at a desk, or staring at screens.

_{¹ According to the comparison of essential medicines lists in 137 countries on the WHO website, diclofenac is registered on the essential medicines lists of 121 countries.
² For adhesive skin patches containing diclofenac (as of March 2016).}

⚠️ Precautions
Topical Medicine | Second-Class OTC Drug
Size: 7cm x 10cm | Packs of 7, 14, or 21
Official Information (en)

Feitas_® Zα Dicsas_® Onkan ^{_{| Second-Class OTC Drug}}

Feitas_® Zα Dicsas_® Onkan offers the same pain relief thanks to the main ingredient diclofenac, as well as a comfortable warming sensation that comes from the addition of nonylic acid vanillylamide. This combination of gentle warmth and powerful pain relief is particularly effective on joint pain and muscle pain in the neck, shoulders, and lower back.

Product Details
Topical Medicine | Second-Class OTC Drug
Size: 7cm x 10cm | Packs of 7 or 14
Official Information (en)

Usage Notes (for both Feitas_® Zα Dicsas_® & Feitas_® Zα Dicsas_® Onkan)
Apply 1~2 sheets to the affected area once per day. Do not use more than 2 sheets at one time.
Remove the backing film to apply to the site of the pain. Do not use this product at the same time as other external analgesic anti-inflammatory products.

⚠️ Precautions (for both Feitas_® Zα Dicsas_® & Feitas_® Zα Dicsas_® Onkan)
・Do not use if under 15 years old, or if pregnant.
・Do not use on sensitive areas, such as around the eyes, mouth, or nose.
・Do not use continuously for more than 2 weeks.

④ Non-Patch Items

In addition to their many patches, Hisamitsu_® offers a variety of other products that help support your body!

For Muscle Pain and Fatigue Try…

Air_® Salonpas_® Jet α ^{_{| Third-Class OTC Drug}}

Air_® Salonpas_® Jet α contains glycol salicylate to reduce inflammation and pain, and a quick spritz can offer cool, refreshing relief from the muscle pain and fatigue caused by sports and exercise. The spray cans are easy to carry, and the fine mist makes it easy to apply the spray to joints or hard-to-reach areas like the back with just one push. A great item for athletes and other active people!

Product Details
Topical Medicine | Third-Class OTC Drug
Size: 25ml / 100ml / 150ml / 300ml
Official Information (en)

Usage Notes
Spray as needed on the affected area, up to several times per day. Discontinue use and consult a doctor if symptoms do not improve after 5~6 days.

⚠️ Precautions
・Hold the can at a distance of at least 10cm when spraying the affected area. Do not spray for more than 1 second on the same area.
・Do not use near fire or store in direct sunlight.

For Improving Blood Cholesterol Try…

Choleston_{® ^{| Third-Class OTC Drug}}

Choleston_® helps regulate high cholesterol levels and alleviate coldness or numbness in the hands and feet that comes from poor blood circulation. It can also improve other disorders linked to elevated blood cholesterol.

Each pill improves cholesterol issues with the use of three major active ingredients: soybean unsaponifiable fraction suppresses excessive cholesterol absorption, pantethine breaks down LDL (bad cholesterol) and improves liver cholesterol metabolism, while vitamin E (d-α-tocopherol acetate) inhibits the production of lipid peroxides, smoothing blood flow and relieving the discomfort that occurs in the extremities due to poor circulation.

Product Details
Third-Class OTC Drug
Size: 42 capsules / 84 capsules / 168 capsules
Official Information (jp)

Usage Notes
Adults (15+): Take 2 capsules, 3 times a day.

⚠️ Precautions
・Do not use if under 15, or if pregnant.
・Those taking other cholesterol medications should consult a doctor before use.

For Skin Cleansing and Disinfection Try…

Butenalock_® Footsoap ^{_{| Quasi-Drug}}

Perfect for those whose feet get sweaty from walking all day exploring Japan, Butenalock_® Footsoap has sold over 4 million bottles in Japan. This cleanser contains salicylic acid and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate to kill bacteria, plus menthol and tea tree oil for a refreshing feel and a clean scent. After a long day on your feet, this convenient foot soap will leave your feet clean and odor-free.

Product Details
Quasi-Drug
Size: 80g / 150g
Official Information (jp)

Usage Notes
Take an appropriate amount of the product (1.5~2cm per wash), lather and scrub the feet, then rinse.

⚠️ Precautions
・Stop use if rashes or irritation occur. Consult a dermatologist.
・Avoid contact with the eyes.

For Athlete’s Foot and Ringworm Try…

Butenalock_® Vα Cream ^{_{| Designated Second-Class OTC Drug}}

This cream is ideal for treating athlete’s foot, which makes it great for travelers who find themselves dealing with itchy feet. Butenalock_® Vα Cream contains butenafine hydrochloride, which fights the early growth stages of the ringworm fungus (trichophyton fungus), but it also includes anti-inflammatory glycyrrhetinic acid, antibacterial isopropyl methylphenol, as well as chlorpheniramine maleate to relieve the itch. All of these work together to relieve symptoms with just one application per day.

Product Details
Topical Medicine | Designated Second-Class OTC Drug
Size: 18g
Official Information (en)

Usage Notes
Clean the affected area, then apply a suitable amount of the cream once daily.

⚠️ Precautions
・When used by children, ensure guidance and supervision by a guardian.
・Do not apply near the eyes, inside the mouth, or inside the nose. Do not apply on wounds, red, or irritated areas.

⑤ Enjoy a Comfortable Trip to Japan!

We get it – for so many travelers arriving from overseas, a trip to Japan is a big deal. Once you arrive, of course you want to enjoy it to the fullest! But sometimes, pushing your body too hard without taking care of it can really leave you worse for wear. Before you know it, you might just find yourself sore all the way down to the tips of your toes, making it much harder to enjoy that trip to Japan that you’ve always dreamed of. So next time you visit Japan, pick up some of these Hisamitsu_® products to keep in your bag, so you’ll be ready to enjoy that packed Japan travel itinerary without getting worn out!

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