One of the biggest attractions of Japanese drugstores is their incredible variety. As someone who often shops at drugstores in Shibuya, I find them especially convenient, not only do they sell medicines, but also high-quality Japanese cosmetics,skincare, snacks, and even alcohol. It is the kind of place where you can get all your daily shopping at once.
Drugstores also frequently offer seasonal discounts, especially on food items. For tourists, the shopping experience is even more rewarding thanks to tax-free services and special coupons available at many major chains. For example, Sun Drug and Tsuruha Drug offer tax-free shopping plus an additional 10% off, with bigger savings the more you buy. Purchases over 10,000 yen earn an extra 3% off, over 30,000 yen get 5% off, and over 50,000 yen receive 7% off. With such deals and an endless selection, Japanese drugstores are the perfect place to stock up on souvenirs all in one go.

Matsumoto Kiyoshi is one of Japan’s most popular nationwide drugstore chains, often called “Matsukiyo” and well known among locals. There are several branches in the Shibuya area, but the one I especially recommend is the flagship Matsumoto Kiyoshi SHIBUYA DOGENZAKA FLAG, which opened in 2023. The striking exterior features giant digital signage, and even the staircase is decorated with digital art, giving the space more of an art gallery vibe than a typical drugstore. Inside, the sleek black interior glows with aurora-like neon lights, creating a lively atmosphere that perfectly reflects Shibuya’s energy.

On the first floor, you’ll find medicines as well as a POPUP corner featuring trending items. It’s exciting to spot products you’ve just seen on social media and be able to grab them on the spot. The highlight, however, is the third floor dedicated entirely to high-brand makeup. Packed with the latest trend cosmetics loved by Gen Z, it is the perfect spot to discover “what’s hot in Tokyo right now.” If you’re visiting, don’t miss the chance to experience Japanese beauty culture firsthand.

Main Store Locations

Sundrug, which operates over 860 stores nationwide, also has two locations around Shibuya Station. The most convenient one is Sundrug Shibuya Store, just a short walk from the famous Scramble Crossing. Despite its central location, the store is neatly organized, with all the essentials compactly arranged for easy shopping.

This carry a wide range of items travelers may suddenly need, such as cold medicine, eye drops, and cosmetics, making it perfect for last-minute purchases. In addition, staff members wearing “Interpreter”name tags are available to kindly explain product details and effects in English or Chinese, so tourists can shop with confidence. Even if it is your first time buying medicine in Japan, you can count on reliable support here.

Main Store Locations

Tsuruha Drug operates nearly 1,500 stores nationwide, with two branches in Shibuya. For travelers, the most convenient is Tsuruha Drug Shibuya Center-gai Store, located deeper inside Center-gai. What stands out most about this location is its spacious single-floor layout. Unlike many tall, narrow buildings in Shibuya, everything from cosmetics to medicines is located on the first floor, making shopping smooth with minimal movement. The wide aisles also help prevent crowding, allowing even visitors with strollers or wheelchairs to shop comfortably.

In addition to medicines and cosmetics, the store offers a wide selection of detergents, frozen foods, alcohol, and ramen, making it feel almost like a supermarket. Best of all, it is open 24 hours, so you can stop by before early-morning sightseeing or late at night on your way back to the hotel.

Cocokara Fine is a major drugstore chain with over 1,500 locations nationwide. In the Shibuya area, there are two branches, but the most recommended is the Shibuya Sakura Stage Store. Opened in 2024, it offers a bright, clean atmosphere, with a single-floor design and wide aisles that make shopping easy, even with a stroller.

In addition to medicines, the store carries a extensive lineup of makeup and skincare products from leading brands such as Shiseido and Kanebo, as well as drinks, snacks, and even alcohol.

What impressed me most was the thoughtful multilingual support. Product shelves display labels in both Japanese and English, while signs as “Popular Item” and “Recommended as a Souvenir” are also written clearly in English and Chinese. This makes it easy for visitors to find exactly what they’re looking for without confusion.

Main Store Locations

If you’re looking to shop for trending cosmetics, head to Ainz & Tulpe, located on the first floor of “Shibuya Modi,” just steps away from the Scramble Crossing. From skincare to makeup, Japan’s most popular items are neatly organized by category, making it easy for first-time visitors to find exactly what they are looking for.

The store has a girly, glamorous atmosphere, with pastel-colored fixtures and lighting effects that make choosing cosmetics even more enjoyable. Many popular products come with testers, so you can try them before buying, another part of the appeal. It is a shop full of the charm and thoughtfulness unique to Japan, making it a must-visit for beauty lovers.

*Please note that tester availability may vary depending on the store’s stock.

Located on the first basement floor of Shibuya Hikarie, in a quiet corner of the cosmetics floor, AP by AMERICAN PHARMACY offers a calm and pleasant shopping space away from the hustle and bustle of lively Shibuya.

What sets this store apart from other drugstores is its sophisticated, elegant interior, which makes you feel as though you have stepped onto a street corner in New York. Based on the concept of “Your Drug Store in Japan,” it carries a wide range of carefully selected health-oriented items from around the world, including supplements, protein bars, and energy drinks. Taking the time to browse and select exactly what you need becomes an enjoyable part of the experience.

What stood out the most was the abundance of organic items. From drinks and snacks to detergents and delicate care products, everything is carefully selected with a focus on natural ingredients. The store also stocks popular Japanese drugstore cosmetics and haircare products, so you can check out the latest local trends. Tax-free shopping is available too, making it even more appealing for international visitors.

We have selected some of the most popular medicines, cosmetics, and supplements from Japanese drugstores. Take a look at these classic items, perfect for self-care during your trip or as souvenirs to bring back home.

Pabron Gold A (Taisho Pharmaceutical)
Category 2 OTC Drug - Relieves common cold symptoms

A comprehensive cold medicine that helps relieve multiple symptoms, including early-stage colds, sore throat, runny nose, and fever. Its granule form makes it easy to swallow with water, making it especially convenient for sudden illnesses while traveling.

Ryukakusan Direct Stick (Ryukakusan)

A stick-type powdered medicine recommended for throat discomfort, hoarseness, cough, or phlegm. Its biggest advantage is the convenience of taking it without water, allowing you to care for your throat anytime, straight from your bag. The refreshing sensation it leaves makes it especially useful during dry seasons or after a flight.

Derma Laser Super VC100 Mask (Quality First)

A sheet mask luxuriously infused with four types of highly concentrated vitamin C. It provides deep hydration and brightens skin damaged by UV rays or dryness. The cooling sheet adheres closely to the skin, leaving it plump and refreshed after use.

Nameraka Honpo Wrinkle Eye Cream (Sana)
Part of the popular “Soy Milk Isoflavone” series, this eye cream has long been a favorite among Japanese women. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines caused by dryness around the eyes, while keeping the skin smooth and moisturized. Compact and portable, it is also perfect for on-the-go care during your travels.

Kyusoku Jikan (Lion)
Refreshing gel sheets designed specifically for tired feet, perfect after a full day of sightseeing. The cooling sensation spreads comfortably across the entire foot, and applying them before bed leaves your legs feeling lighter and more refreshed the next morning.

Sustained-Release Vitamin C (60 Days) (DHC)
A popular supplement that provides 1,000 mg of vitamin C per daily serving. Designed for gradual absorption, it supports efficient vitamin intake. Lightweight and easy to carry, it also makes a thoughtful and practical souvenir.

Before shopping at a drugstore, be sure to check for available coupons. Simply show them at the register to receive an instant discount. In particular, the more you spend, the higher the discount rate becomes, so the key is to make as many purchases as possible in a single store.
By combining cosmetics, medicines, and snacks into one purchase, you may be able to save an additional 3–17% when stacked with tax-free discounts. Since coupon usage rules vary by store, it is best to confirm with the staff before checking out.

When purchasing cosmetics tax-free in Japan, they are classified as “consumables,” which come with specific rules to keep in mind. Most importantly, tax-free items must remain unopened and unused while you are in Japan. If you open a tax-free bag during your trip, you may be required to pay consumption tax, so take extra care.

Tax-free shopping also requires that the total purchase amount falls between 5,000 yen and 500,000 yen. This is especially important if you plan to buy luxury cosmetics or beauty devices in bulk, since the combined total must stay within this range. At the tax-free counter, you will need to present your passport along with your purchase receipt, so be sure to have both ready for a smooth process.

Please note that a revision of the tax-free system is scheduled for November 2026, and requirements may change in the future. The information provided here is based on the current system, so make sure to check the latest details before your trip.

The discount store MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya Main Store offers a product lineup that rivals any drugstore. The third floor is dedicated to medicines, featuring not only essentials like cold medicine, digestive aids, and pain relievers but also patches, ointments, supplements, and collagen drinks. Shelves are stacked to the ceiling, creating a lively atmosphere that is fun to explore. On the same floor, you will also find cosmetics and perfumes, adding extra convenience.
Open 24 hours a day, it is the perfect spot for last-minute purchases after sightseeing, dining, or just before returning to your hotel.

Although BicCamera is often associated with electronics, it is also a convenient place to shop for medicines and cosmetics. There are three locations in Shibuya, and on the first floor of the BicCamera Higashiguchi Main Store, you will find a wide selection of products including cold medicine, digestive aids, and Japanese-brand skincare and cosmetics. Another advantage is that you can combine tax-free shopping with electronics, making it a very convenient option for travelers who want to shop efficiently within limited time.

Drugstores are more than just places to shop. Especially in Shibuya, the stores we’ve introduced offer plenty of new discoveries, from trying out the latest cosmetics in stylish spaces to finding popular supplements and exclusive items, or even enjoying conversations with staff who can assist in foreign languages. By taking advantage of tax-free services and coupons, you can also get trendy Japanese items at great prices.

By visiting the stores featured here, you are sure to encounter products that reflect Japan’s latest trends. Whether you stop by between sightseeing spots or spend a whole day exploring, the experience will be enjoyable. As you stroll through the streets of Shibuya, discover medicines and cosmetics that make perfect souvenirs, and enjoy a shopping adventure unique to Japan!