The Tsuruha Drug Shinsaibashi-suji 2-chome location (we’ll shorten that to “Tsuruha Drug”) is located on Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, which stretches for nearly 580 meters in the Osaka Minami area. This shopping haven is home to around 180 fashion boutiques, accessories shops, cafes, fast-food joints, and more, drawing in a constant stream of visitors daily from Japan and abroad.

Tsuruha Drug sits in the middle of Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, about a 6-minute walk south of Osaka Metro’s Shinsaibashi Station (Exit 5). Nearby, you’ll find popular, budget-friendly fashion outlets like GU and the Adidas store. Adding to its appeal, the second floor of the building housing Tsuruha Drug also has a Daiso store, presenting an assortment of practical products for shoppers. Osaka Minami’s iconic attraction, Dotonbori, is nearby, ensuring convenient access during your sightseeing trip.

Despite its single-floor layout, Tsuruha Drug is a medium-sized emporium with a massive selection of products, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and groceries. What sets it apart is its selection of items favored by international tourists, ensuring a readily available assortment of goods at any given time.

Nearly 90% of the store's patrons are foreign tourists, with 70% hailing from various Asian countries. Catering to this diverse group, the store boasts English and Chinese-speaking staff members, as well as speakers of Korean, depending on the day. For other languages, visitors can use translation apps for assistance.

Right near the entrance is a product shelf displaying a selection of currently trending items at Tsuruha Drug, including affordable items that make ideal choices for souvenirs and small gifts.

Toward the rear of the store, Tsuruha Drug offers an extensive selection of Shiseido’s cosmetics line, Elixir. The lineup includes Japan’s award-winning Wrinkle Cream, alongside various other popular cosmetics offering practical solutions to various skincare concerns.

Shoppers who spend a total of 5,500 yen or more on their purchases can take advantage of the in-store duty-free counter. The shop also offers additional discounts on bulk purchases: 3% off purchases of 10,000 yen or more, and 8% off purchases of 50,000 yen or more!

Today, we spoke to Ms. Li, a beauty consultant at Tsuruha Drug Shinsaibashi-suji 2-chome, who introduced us to a selection of must-buy items in six categories: Cleansers, Sheet Masks, Skincare, Cosmetics, UV Care Products, and Beauty Supplements.

In the facial cleanser category, Japan has a high demand for products that go beyond mere cleansing. There's also a notable interest in products focusing on pore care while promoting hydrated, radiant skin. These sought-after products go beyond mere cleansing, providing additional benefits for a complete skincare routine!

The Sekkisei series is another line of products beloved by tourists from Asian countries. Renowned for its dense foam infused with a blend of traditional Chinese and Japanese herbal ingredients, this cleanser gently and effectively eliminates old skin cells and impurities without putting stress on the skin, leaving the skin feeling moisturized, supple, and adequately hydrated post-wash. This item is a must-have, especially during dry seasons like autumn and winter, and is recommended by Tsuruha Drug’s beauty consultant, Li.

This product, designed under the concept of "skincare cleansing," is an oil cleanser that effortlessly combines the benefits of a beauty serum, leaving your skin feeling smooth and refined. Not only does it thoroughly remove makeup, but it also targets pore impurities for a moisturized, refined complexion. This popular cosmetic item is a valuable addition to any skincare collection and is praised by beauty professionals and loyal customers alike!

This enzyme cleansing powder targets excess sebum and clogged pores, including blackheads. The powder contains protein-digesting and sebum-dissolving enzymes, along with amino acid-based cleansing ingredients, allowing it to transform rough, clogged pores into smooth, refined skin for a radiant and well-hydrated complexion with every use.

This makeup remover gently removes waterproof mascara, eye makeup, and long-lasting lip products without the need for harsh rubbing. Not only does it aid in preventing skin damage from friction, but it also provides hydration and protection to the delicate skin around the eyelashes.

This makeup remover, enriched with emollient care, allows you to thoroughly remove makeup and moisturize your skin by applying it to a cotton pad and gently wiping it off. The emollient diffuses evenly throughout the skin, effectively removing impurities while being gentle on dry and sensitive skin. Its no-rinse formula has also earned praise for its convenience, making it easy to remove makeup quickly when you get home or between chores.

Japan offers a wide variety of affordable sheet masks tailored for daily skincare, along with rich, specialized options that have gained popularity. Here are four recommended products known to deliver noticeable improvements to your skin after use.

This Japanese-made sheet mask contains 100% Japanese rice-derived ingredients. The thick sheet is generously soaked and adheres closely to the skin, helping to refine the appearance of pores.

Priced at 715 yen for a pack of 10, this affordable option is a preferred product for many in Japan, regardless of age. "It's made in Japan with 100% Japanese rice ingredients, so it's great not only for personal use, but also as a souvenir from Japan," says Ms. Li.

This sheet mask is especially recommended for individuals concerned about their pores. It’s garnered tons of attention, securing the top spot in the sheet mask category in the first half of the 2023 @cosme Best Cosmetics Awards, as well as in the skincare category of Japan’s beauty video media, MimiTV 2023 Best Cosmetics.

It comprises seven types of vitamins, including vitamins A and B, to address various skin concerns. It also contains seven kinds of herbs, like rosemary, to aid in the prevention of skin problems. The elastic lift sheet is also very comfortable to use!

Over the past 1-2 years, this sheet mask has gradually grown in popularity, becoming an overwhelmingly top-selling item in Tsuruha Drug's sheet mask category. It contains four varieties of rich Vitamin C, and its highly adhesive sheet fits snugly to support better absorption. Recommended by experts and consumers alike, this product delivers moisture to the skin and offers targeted solutions for skin concerns such as pores, roughness, and dullness.

This luxurious sheet mask won second place in the Pack/Mask category of Shiseido’s Watashi+ website’s Hit Cosmetics Awards in the first half of 2023. Applying it feels like generously soaking your skin with a serum-infused sheet. You’ll feel imyou’lle skin firmness and hydration upon removal, leaving you with a beautiful, radiant complexion. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles induced by dryness.

These classic products are well-loved in Japan for their top-notch quality, and are highly favored by foreign tourists. Made through natural methods and safe, reliable formulas, they’re also suitable for those with sensitive skin. There’s also a high demand for higher-priced cosmetics, especially those focusing on anti-aging care. “If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!” says Li with a smile.

This serum is part of the Elixir Advanced series, designed for moisturizing care for different age groups, and applied after prepping the skin with lotion. It comes with its own massage roller that you can use to apply the serum into your skin while pulling it up along the muscle lines of your face, resulting in a radiant, hydrated complexion. It’s like a salon-quality massage experience from the comfort of your own home!

This highly acclaimed medicated wrinkle improvement product has been inducted into the @cosme Best Cosmetics Award Hall of Fame and is also overwhelmingly popular at Tsuruha Drug. It contains pure retinol, an active medicinal ingredient that helps achieve plump, soft, and radiant skin.

In September 2023, its formula was updated to include Retinagy Essence, aimed at replenishing the skin and preventing stiffness for a more beautiful, supple appearance.

This Hatomugi Lotion boasts overwhelming popularity, with 237 wins in various Japanese cosmetics awards. It is also well-loved by tourists. Its impressive formula allows for deep skin penetration, providing ample moisture with no greasy residue. Its generous 500ml size, coupled with an attractive price tag of under 1,000 yen, adds to its appeal. Ms. Li explains, “Recently renewed in November 2022, it’s now alcohol-free, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin.”

This classic skincare lotion has remained a favorite for over 30 years since its release, becoming a staple purchase for travelers visiting Japan. Functioning as both a toner and emulsion, it also offers UV protection. For those concerned about dryness and fine lines, we also recommend the pink-package Pure Natural Essence Lotion Lift!

Cosmetics from Japanese drugstores often rival those from high-end department stores in terms of quality with their wide range of affordable products, striking colors, wearability, and retention. Here are some of the best award-winning Japanese cosmetics you'll find at Tsuruha Drug.

This lipstick has grown in popularity since its launch in 2021, owing to its long-lasting color and freshly-applied look. The series has seen significant success, with cumulative shipments surpassing 16 million units. With high pigmentation and moisturizing care, it ensures that your lips stay captivating throughout the day. There’s also a wide range of colors to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect shade waiting for you!

“Because it’s so popular at Tsuruha Drug, certain colors may be out of stock. However, they release limited edition shades from time to time, so be sure to try them all and find your favorite,” says Li.

This eyeliner is an absolute essential, having secured the top spot in the eyeliner category of the Best Cosmetics Ranking for the first half of 2023, as recognized by three leading Japanese beauty magazines. It stands out not only for its wide range of colors, but also for its long-lasting hold, as well as its ergonomically designed octagonal shape.

It is also easy to remove with lukewarm water, making this eyeliner a winner in every aspect. According to Li, “This is a must-have in anyone’s beauty collection, as it recently underwent a full update for the first time in four years in 2023.”

This coveted eyeshadow palette features four different colors and textures. In April 2023, it underwent renewal to reflect the latest trends, enhancing its user-friendliness and sparking conversations everywhere. With each layer, it offers heightened luster and richer texture, and includes moisturizing ingredients to prevent dryness around the eyes. An essential addition to your collection, this is one product you won’t want to be without!

This specially designed mascara features a slightly smaller brush that effectively catches and coats your entire lash from root to tip. The lineup includes Soft Curl, Delicate Long (pictured in photo), and Volume, allowing you to select based on the lash shape you wish to achieve. It's waterproof and sweat-resistant, yet easily removed with warm water. Enriched with ten types of beauty ingredients, these mascaras also nourish your lashes with every application.

High SPF and PA values have become the standard in sun protection. In Japan, numerous UV care cosmetics are available, offering additional benefits such as moisturization and smooth application. Here are three of the most recommended products.

This must-have UV care product received 30 awards in the Best Cosmetics Ranking for the first half of 2023, sponsored by @Cosme and various beauty magazines. Blending the functionalities of UV protection and blush, this item delivers a natural flush that lasts nearly 8 hours, catering to cheeks prone to sunburn. Resistant to perspiration, sebum, and smudging, it also boasts the highest levels of SPF50 and PA++++ for optimal protection.

This cosmetic product is highly recommended for those seeking a combination of sunscreen and skincare benefits. Sporting SPF50+ and PA++++ super waterproof specifications, it efficiently shields against potent UV rays, while also containing moisturizing beauty ingredients to keep the skin hydrated. Its comfortable texture and strong adherence ensure prolonged UV care.

Available in two types: a gel that can be used all over the body, and an essence suitable as a makeup base.

This aging care UV cosmetic results from extensive skin research conducted by a pharmaceutical company. It comprises three distinct series: the Natural Series, tailored for sensitive skin; the White Series, designed to block UV-A rays responsible for skin damage, and the Premium Series, a combination of wrinkle improvement and whitening.

The Premium Series, in particular (the two pictured on the right), has been highly praised in reviews. It provides three functions within a single bottle—acting as a beauty essence, UV protection, and makeup base. It also effectively blocks UV rays responsible for wrinkles and blemishes. Highly recommended for use on the face and neckline, this exclusive product is available solely at the Tsuruha Group!

Beauty supplements are in particularly high demand at Tsuruha Drug. Well known for their small, easily ingestible tablets and drink formats, these convenient Japanese supplements offer effortless integration into one's daily routine.

This product is a reliable solution for those troubled by spots, freckles, or pigmentation issues caused by sunburn or irritation. It contains 600mg of vitamin C and 240mg of L-cysteine, synergistically working to reduce melanin production beneath the epidermis through its antioxidative power.

Vitamins B2 and B6 normalize skin cell turnover, while vitamin E promotes the elimination of dark melanin, helping to restore your skin's natural beauty. Its vitamin C content makes it highly recommended for periods of physical fatigue, such as during pregnancy and lactation, during and after illness, and from old age.

Beauty supplements are in high demand, especially for age-related skin care. Transino WhiteC Clear combines L-cysteine with vitamin C to effectively inhibit the production of melanin, addressing issues like spots and freckles caused by pigmentation. Enriched with vitamins E, B2, B6, and B3, it also supports healthy skin, and can be used not only on the face, but on the whole body. Its user-friendly regimen recommends two tablets, twice daily, for those ages 15 and over, ensuring ease of consistent use.

This product is formulated with L-cysteine, known for its efficacy in addressing spots, freckles, fatigue, and sluggishness. It also aids in breaking down acetaldehyde, the compound responsible for hangovers, providing symptom relief. “Its compact size makes it easy to take, and the large quantity ensures ease of continued use,” notes Li.

Powdered beauty collagen stands out as one of the best-selling products in Japan. Its formulation involves adding ceramide, hyaluronic acid, and coenzyme Q10—three high-quality ingredients—to the standard Amino Collagen, promoting youthful skin by simply mixing it into your coffee or yogurt. The large container provides about 28 days' worth of servings, designed for easy dissolution and consumption.

LIVE JAPAN provides exclusive coupons for use at Tsuruha Drug stores, so be sure to take advantage of them when shopping! In addition to duty-free shopping, you can also get discounts on bulk purchases, with 3% off on purchases of 10,000-30,000 yen, 5% off purchases of 30,000-50,000 yen, and 7% off purchases of 50,000 yen and up (some exclusions may apply). Just present the coupon below at checkout!

The Tsuruha Drug store in Shinsaibashi-suji 2-chome stands as a favorite shopping spot for foreign tourists. The store features spacious aisles, well-organized displays, and a pristine shopping environment, ensuring a delightful shopping experience with every visit. In addition to the cosmetics introduced here, the store offers a wide range of popular pharmaceutical products. If you're visiting Osaka, we highly recommend stopping by this store. Conveniently located near popular spots like Dotonbori, it’s definitely a place you won’t want to miss!

Information in article as of September 2023. Please see official website for the latest updates and information.

English translation by: Krys Suzuki