How to take prescription medicines on your Japan trip (Yunyu Kakunin-sho)

It’s not uncommon to travel to Japan while on prescription medication. However, do note that you may need to apply for – and receive – an import certificate before you leave your home country.

If you’re taking LESS than 1 month supply

You don’t need to apply for an import certificate before you fly out ― as long as it’s for your personal use, and it’s not prohibited or controlled in Japan. (You can check the list and the policy on the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website.)

It’s a good idea to ask your doctor for a travel letter to take with you on the plane along with a copy of your prescription, and keep the medication in its original packaging.

If you’re taking MORE than 1 month supply

You need to apply for an import certificate (called “Yunyu Kakunin-sho”) and bring it with you on the plane to show at customs clearance on request in Japan.

It can take a week more to receive the certificate, so apply early.

How to apply for Yunyu Kakunin-sho

1. Go to Application for Import Confirmation on the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website.
2. Create an account by clicking on Create Account under “Do Not Use gBizID”
3. Once you log into the system, click “Import for Personal Use” to start the application. See official step-by-step manual
4. If successfully submitted, you’ll receive a Yunyu Kakunin-sho (as a single page PDF) in your inbox.

What documents need to be uploaded

• A photo or scan of your prescription from your doctor.
• Your medication’s product information brochure – you can download it from the medication brand’s website, or you can scan the information sheet that comes in the packet.
• A photo or scan of your plane e-ticket.

You also need to know your medication’s manufacturer name, country of origin, and active ingredients.

TIps on how to fill in the form fields

Delivery Information: “Name” & “Address” fields

I named the delivery “Bring myself”, then entered my address and contact details – and my application was successful.

The resulting certificate looked slightly strange though, as my address and the send-to address were the same. However, the tooltip said if you live overseas you don’t need to fill the postal code in, so it made sense to use my home address rather than the destination airport address.

“Reception of Application” field

If arriving in Tokyo (Narita or Haneda Airports): Kanto-Shin’etsu Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare

If arriving in Osaka (Kansai International Airport): Kinki Regional Bureau of Health and Welfare

“B/L No., AWB No., etc.” field

I wrote my flight number as I’m bringing it in myself, and it was successful.

“Invoice” attachment field

Attach a copy of your e-ticket or itinerary that shows your name, flight number, and airport of arrival.

“Delivery ticket” attachment field

If you’re bringing it in yourself on the plane, you can keep this field blank.

Helpful official links

This Q&A document written by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare sets out the requirements very clearly, and is easy-to-understand. It also has samples of the Yunyu Kakunin-sho to help you fill in the application form.

Below are the official information website (where the above Q&A sits), the application form and the accompanying manual.