This is definitely the Number One product in Japan when it comes to monthlies. Sanitary pads unarguably have the broadest variety of brands and shapes, which makes it a little hard to choose one when standing in front of them in a drugstore. Japanese pads are no different from what you’re likely used to. The feminine products aisle of a Japanese drugstore will be predominantly filled with sanitary pads in various sizes and shapes.

So, what to buy? Most brands favor an easy-to-understand package design, making it easy to get an idea of what kind of pad you are looking at, even without knowing Japanese. The shape and length of the pad is directly printed on the package - the stronger your flow, the further on the right the highlighted pad will be. Some brands even include relatively detailed information in English on their packaging. However, images alone will likely not cover all the information you need, so let’s take a look at relevant vocabulary to navigate Japanese sanitary pads:

Certain stores in Japan also have sample pads dangling from the shelves from time to time, letting customers see and feel the pad in question.

You have your choice of tampons in Japan, but compared to the variety of pads you can get, the tampon corner is smaller. Nonetheless, they come in different sizes and variations, such as light (ライト), regular (レギュラー), and super (スーパー). Super plus tampons (スーパープラス) are also available.

Tampons without applicators may be harder to come by but the workaround for everyone who does not want to use the insertion stick is to simply push the tampon out and dispose of the applicator.

Both pads and tampons are also sold at convenience stores and most supermarkets. If you have a hard time navigating the aisles, do not hesitate to ask the staff with the help of the provided vocabulary.

Tampons and pads aren't the be-all and end-all when it comes to menstruation. In Japan, however, they are the two methods most commonly used and sold, and thus the easiest to find. Nonetheless, alternatives do exist in Japan and can easily be found at various online shops or ordered directly from the manufacturer.

A menstrual cup is a silicone cup that is inserted like a tampon, but instead of soaking up the menses, it simply contains them. It can be left in for up to 12 convenient hours. The benefits of a menstrual cup is that is keeps you from drying out and significantly reduces bacteria - and it can be used over and over again for up to two years. In Japan, menstrual cups are sold at various online shops.

Menstrual sponges or natural sponges are basically reusable tampons in the form of natural sponges, as the name suggests. As they are naturally occurring organisms, menstrual sponges usually come in different shapes and sizes and can be cut down to your individual size.

A menstrual sponge is used like a tampon but it does not feature a string and is instead removed with one’s fingers. After being rinsed out thoroughly with water, it can be re-inserted and used for generally up to six months. Unwaxed dental floss can be threaded through a sponge’s center and knotted tight to help with the removal.

In Japan, menstrual sponges are rather rare to come by, but large online shops have different brands in stock.

Due to the high popularity of pads in Japan, washable pads are very common and a nice alternative to the disposable ones and are generally sold in sets. Various manufacturers offer washable pads in all kinds of shapes and designs, from plain and classic to playful and adorable, from overnight use to panty liner.

Being used like regular pads, washable pads aren’t thrown away after one use but rather soaked and washed for reuse. Lightly stained pads can be added to one’s usual laundry while those for the heavy flow days need to be pre-rinsed to get rid of any stains. On top of handling one’s menstruation, these cloth pads are also fit for people with light incontinence. If properly cared for, washable pads last up to five years.

In Japan, washable pads can be found at basically any online store dealing in hygiene products and even in well-sorted drugstores and other shops.

Apart from the actual menstruation, periods tend to come with all kinds of symptoms varying from person by person. Cramps, headaches, and the likes are among the most common hassles to deal with during the time of the month. Finding medicine such as painkillers in Japan is not hard at all, if you know what to look for and where to find it.

Japanese drug stores and pharmacies offer a variety of over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Bufferin, Eve, Meridon, and so on, which are go-to products for many a cramp-plagued person. As for heavy cramps, a drug called Loxonin is a preferred choice of many, while L-Pain Kowa is also a long-established Japanese product. Specifically asking for medicine, such as ibuprofen, will also make it much easier to navigate the many varieties:

With basic knowledge of Japan’s menstrual products and helpful painkillers, there’s no need to be insecure about handling one’s period confidently and without much hassle. Besides these basics, however, Japan offers a lot of gadgets and things to make the entire thing as comfortable as possible.

Generally, public toilets in Japan are free of charge and easy to find. Next to train stations, certain convenience stores and supermarkets offer public toilets, as well as department stores and hotel lobbies. Especially at the latter two examples, toilets are equipped with so-called washlets (a registered trademark of the company TOTO).

Those installations do not only heat the toilet seat for you but also feature a cleaning nozzle with a bidet function - it’s the button with a (pink) figure sitting on a toilet. Do not hesitate to make use of the Japanese washlet for that wonderful feeling of freshness!

Japan has its own version of all-around heat packs called kairo, which literally translates to “fire inside a pocket.” These heat packs come in various versions, from the classic handheld bags to adhesive packs that can be attached to your clothes, effectively working like a hot water bottle. Ergonomically shaped and in different sizes, kairo are commonly used in winter but available at drugstores throughout the year - and are sure to soothe a raging womb with pleasant warmth.

Having learned all the basics about handling your periods in Japan, you can put your mind at ease even if the red dot decides to show up in the middle of the trip - it is still guaranteed to become a wonderful one!