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Drugstore Medicine & Supplements: Tax-Free Rules
Medicine and supplements are consumables: same rules as cosmetics. Using any of them in Japan makes that receipt ineligible.
- Pay the tax-inclusive price; reach ¥5,000+ before tax at that shop that day.
- Register a refund method at the shop.
- Keep every item unopened-or-unused and with you; show at customs if the kiosk is red.
- Need cold medicine during the trip? Buy it on a different receipt (not tax-free).
| Mistake | Result |
|---|---|
| One box used from a 6-item receipt | No refund for all 6 |
| Two drugstores, ¥3,000 each | No — not combined |
→ Estimate your refund with the free calculator · Departure checklist · All guides
Planning a Japan trip after Nov 1, 2026?
- Tax-Free Refund Field Guide ($7) — a step-by-step English guide to the new refund process, from shop to airport.
- Japan Trip Planner Pack ($9) — planning templates for a first Japan trip.
- Tax-Free Receipt Tracker 2026 (from $5) — spreadsheet that flags the ¥5,000 minimum, 90-day deadline and estimated refund per shop/day.
Paid products by GuroWorks, the publisher of this free site (advertisement for our own products). 14-day refund on Gumroad for the guide. The calculator stays free.
Related guides
- Cosmetics & Skincare: Tax-Free Rules from Nov 2026
- Electronics (Cameras, Laptops, Phones): Tax-Free Guide
- Luxury Bags & Watches: Tax-Free from Nov 2026
Official sources
Rules checked October 30, 2026 (JST). Rules can change; always confirm with the official pages and your shop.
- Japan Tourism Agency — Traveler FAQ (Refund Method, Japanese): www.mlit.go.jp
- Japan Tourism Agency — Refund Method for travelers (Japanese): www.mlit.go.jp
- Japan Customs — Tax Exemption (Refund) Program: www.customs.go.jp