The spotlight is on BicCamera AKIBA in Akihabara—a mid-sized branch with a selection that rivals larger stores. Popular with international visitors, it’s known for its recommended products and wide range of offerings.

From electronics and anime goods to daily essentials, snacks, and medicines, it’s a one-stop shop for all your souvenir needs.

The store offers multilingual POP signs and product descriptions, making shopping simple for international visitors.

Manufacturer-made videos tailored for overseas customers help with product selection, and multilingual staff are on hand to assist with any questions.

They also offer tax-free shopping, with an extra 5% discount available to those using eligible payment methods.

If you plan to buy a lot, BicCamera has you covered! Large shopping bags are also available for a small fee, making it easy to carry your haul.

Today, we spoke with Ms. Hokazono, the drugstore manager of BicCamera AKIBA, to discover the top-selling products she recommends for overseas tourists. Here, we present a carefully curated list of 10 items.

Taisho Pharmaceutical’s PABRON Gold A <GRANULES> (44 packets) is a popular all-in-one cold medicine that relieves various symptoms. It contains guaifenesin to help clear throat irritants and is highly rated by international visitors for its quality.

Though available in tablets, the recommended granule type dissolves easily and comes in individually wrapped packets for convenience. The 44-pack offers great value, but note that some countries restrict ingredients in Japanese cold medicines, and BicCamera AKIBA limits purchases to one per person due to demand.

Ohta's Isan remains a favorite among international tourists and is a staple in many Japanese households. This trusted stomach medicine blends herbal ingredients, antacids, and digestive enzymes to relieve discomfort from overeating, overdrinking, and indigestion.

Available in both powder and tablet form—labeled "Ohta’s Isan A (太田胃散A)"—this medicine helps break down stomach fat using enzymes like Lipase AP6 and Ursodeoxycholic Acid. It’s effective for easing upset stomach and discomfort from overeating.

The individually packaged powder is especially popular for its portability. With so much good food in Japan, having Ohta’s Isan on hand is a smart move.

A favorite among overseas visitors—especially in Taiwan—Strong Wakamoto by Wakamoto Pharmaceutical supports digestion, intestinal health, and nutritional balance. It’s effective for upset stomach, appetite loss, indigestion, and bowel regulation.

Classified as a quasi-drug under Japan’s Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act, it’s not meant to treat specific conditions but contains approved active ingredients at regulated levels. Ideal for food lovers or frequent over-eaters, it's a must-have—though due to high demand and supply shortages, it's limited to one per customer. Grab it when you see it!

Compresses are among the top must-buy items in Japan, and Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical's Feitas 5.0 is a standout favorite. This transdermal patch contains 5.0% ferbinac, offering effective relief for shoulder and back pain.

The 50-pack comes with smaller sheets for easy application on various areas. It also won Japan’s Good Design Award for its user-friendly features—simple film removal, strong adhesion, and minimal odor make it especially appealing.

For adhesive pain relief, Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare’s Loxonin EX Tape (21 sheets) is a top pick. It contains 8.1% loxoprofen sodium hydrate for powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, along with added ingredients that support pain relief and blood flow.

Ideal for intense pain in the shoulders, back, joints, and muscles, the tape is highly elastic and stays firmly in place with a slim, easy-to-apply design. Ms. Hokazono recommends choosing analgesic types—like gels, lotions, tapes, or compresses—based on your needs. Gels offer fast, deep relief, while tapes provide longer-lasting support for active areas. Use this as a guide when shopping!

Rohto’s V Rohto Premium may be on the pricier side, but its comfort and effectiveness make it a favorite—once you try it, you won’t want anything else. The series comes in color-coded versions: blue for tired eyes, orange for contact lens fatigue, purple for age-related strain, and green for dry eyes.

With daily screen use putting extra strain on our eyes, proper care is essential—making the blue version especially popular for relieving fatigue.

Ms. Hokazono is a fan of the product herself, noting, “I use it personally, and compared to other brands, it’s less irritating with a gentle, soothing sensation that spreads across the whole eye.”

The added bonus? The blue version for tired eyes is also safe for contact lens users, making it even more appealing.

Prevaline Alpha Cream by Zeria Pharmaceutical Industries is a go-to remedy for itching, eczema, and rashes. It contains a mild steroid that works at the application site and becomes less active once absorbed, minimizing systemic effects.

Its non-oily texture makes it comfortable to use, and it comes in two types: the green version is an ointment, while the light blue one is a cream.

There’s also the refreshing cool type, which contains menthol for added comfort. With its effectiveness against various skin problems, it’s a great item to always have on hand!

Ikeda Mohando’s Liquid Muhi S is a must-have for quick relief from itching, especially insect bites. It combines two active ingredients—one to suppress itching and another to reduce inflammation, the source of swelling and redness.

The liquid formula delivers a refreshing sensation and fast relief, while the sponge-head applicator ensures clean, mess-free use. It’s a versatile essential every household should have.

There's also Muhi Baby (pictured left), formulated for infants. It's less irritating and gentler on the skin, as it lacks stinging sensation-causing ingredients.

The mini Pocket Muhi is portable and easy to carry, making it an essential travel item. The packaging is also cute, making it a great addition to any cosmetic pouch!

Alinamin Pharmaceuticals’ Alinamin EX Plus is a go-to supplement for fatigue, combining fursultiamine with vitamins B6, B12, and B2 to ease eye strain, shoulder stiffness, and lower back pain.

Highly popular in Japan and among travelers, it’s often listed as a must-buy item. The 270-tablet bulk pack is especially in demand and frequently sells out, so don’t hesitate to grab one if you see it!

Alinamin EX Plus α (silver package) is an upgraded version of the original, enhanced with additional anti-fatigue ingredients and vitamins.

If you're battling persistent fatigue or need an extra energy boost, this is a great option to try as well.

If you’re dealing with rough skin, fatigue, or mouth ulcers, Chocola BB Plus by Eisai is a trusted choice. It’s packed with B-complex vitamins—B2, B6, and B1—known to support both skin health and energy levels.

With just two tablets a day, it’s easy to take and has remained a long-time favorite in Japan for good reason.

The Chocola BB series also includes Beauty Chocolate Collagen, a favorite among beauty-conscious shoppers. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, collagen, and vitamin C for skin support.

Bi Chocola Collagen Premium (pictured right) offers even more collagen and vitamin C, plus added probiotics. As Ms. Hokazono notes, “Beauty-related products, along with cosmetics, are especially popular with customers from overseas.”

FANCL, known for its additive-free cosmetics and health products, also offers supplements designed by age and gender—all in easy, single-dose packets.

The "Supplements for Women in Their 40s" is especially popular, as this is when many begin to pay closer attention to shifts in their overall health.

Each packet combines essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, coenzymes, collagen, and soy isoflavones—all in one.

No need to juggle multiple bottles or sort pills yourself; it’s a hassle-free way to keep up with your supplement routine, especially while traveling.

There are ten different selections available for men and women, spanning five generations: 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. Each age group’s pack includes the appropriate supplements for that particular stage of life, ensuring you always get the right nutrients you need at any age.

Japan enforces strict regulations on uncertified drugs, allowing only products with proven safety to be sold.

Combined with controlled sales and storage conditions, this ensures high quality—making Japanese medicines a trusted and popular souvenir among overseas visitors.

However, keep the following points in mind when buying medicine in Japan:
・Make sure the quantity stays within the limit allowed for entry into your country.
・Check that the ingredients aren’t restricted or prohibited where you live.
・Purchases must be for personal use only, not for resale.
・Always buy from trusted stores—like pharmacies or licensed retailers—that follow proper sales regulations.

You’ll find BicCamera AKIBA’s pharmaceutical section on the 4th floor. “Lately, many customers show us photos from social media or web articles,” says Ms. Sotozono.

Bringing photos can make it much easier to get help. If you need advice on what medicine suits your symptoms, feel free to ask—the store has multilingual staff ready to assist.

LIVE JAPAN is currently offering discount coupons for use at BicCamera. In addition to the 10% tax exemption, buyers can enjoy an extra 5% off on medicinal goods (some exclusions may apply). Simply present the image below at checkout!

With so many medicines and supplements—often labeled only in Japanese—it’s easy to feel unsure about what to choose or what suits your needs. That’s where BicCamera AKIBA comes in.

Many items include multilingual descriptions, and the staff are experienced in helping international shoppers. With one of the best selections of popular products in Tokyo, you can shop with confidence—so don’t forget to bookmark this guide and stop by during your trip!

*Information in article as of August 2023. Product availability, prices and packaging may vary.