Yokohama

1. Types of Pharmacies in Yokohama

In Japan, including Yokohama, pharmacies are categorized into two main types:

a. Drugstores (ドラッグストア, "Doraggu Sutoa")

• These are large retail stores that sell over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, health products, cosmetics, and daily necessities.
• Examples: Matsumoto Kiyoshi (マツモトキヨシ), Welcia (ウエルシア), and Tsuruha (ツルハ).
• They are convenient for minor ailments like colds, headaches, or allergies.

b. Prescription Pharmacies (調剤薬局, "Chouzai Yakkyoku")

• These are specialized pharmacies where you can fill prescriptions issued by a doctor.
• They focus on prescription medications and may also carry some OTC medicines.
• Examples: Kusuri no Fukutaro (くすりの福太郎) and Sugi Pharmacy (スギ薬局).

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2. Accessing Medicines

a. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines

• Availability: Common OTC medicines for colds, headaches, stomachaches, allergies, and minor injuries are widely available at drugstores.
• Examples of OTC Medicines:
  • Pain relievers: Bufferin, Loxonin S
  • Cold remedies: Pabron Gold A, Contac
  • Stomach medicine: Seirogan, Ohta’s Isan
  • Allergy medicine: Allegra FX
• Process: You can browse the shelves and purchase OTC medicines directly. However, some medicines are kept behind the counter, and you may need to ask a pharmacist for assistance.

b. Prescription Medicines

• Step 1: Visit a Doctor
  In Japan, prescription medicines can only be obtained after consulting a doctor. Clinics and hospitals in Yokohama issue prescriptions (処方箋, "Shohousen") for necessary medications.
• Step 2: Visit a Prescription Pharmacy
  Take your prescription to a nearby pharmacy. Many are located near clinics or hospitals for convenience.
• Step 3: Receive Your Medicine
  The pharmacist will prepare your medicine, explain how to take it, and provide instructions in Japanese (and sometimes English, depending on the pharmacy).

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3. Common Practices and Procedures

a. Pharmacist Consultation

• Pharmacists in Japan are highly trained and may ask about your symptoms or medical history before recommending OTC medicines.
• For prescription medicines, they will explain dosage, side effects, and precautions. If you don’t understand Japanese, some pharmacies in Yokohama have English-speaking staff or translation services.

b. Medicine Packaging

• Medicines are often provided in individual doses (e.g., small packets of powder or blister packs of pills) rather than large bottles.
• Prescription medicines are typically accompanied by detailed instructions and a patient information sheet.

c. Health Insurance

• If you have Japanese health insurance (e.g., National Health Insurance or private insurance), it will cover a significant portion of the cost of prescription medicines. You’ll need to present your insurance card at the pharmacy.
• Without insurance, you’ll need to pay the full cost of the medicine.

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4. Typical Costs

a. OTC Medicines

• Prices vary depending on the type and brand, but here are some general estimates:
  • Pain relievers: ¥500–¥1,500
  • Cold medicine: ¥1,000–¥2,000
  • Stomach medicine: ¥500–¥1,500
  • Allergy medicine: ¥1,000–¥2,500

b. Prescription Medicines

• With insurance: You typically pay 30% of the total cost. For example, a prescription for antibiotics might cost ¥500–¥1,500.
• Without insurance: Costs can range from ¥2,000–¥10,000 or more, depending on the medication.

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5. Cultural and Local Considerations

a. Language Barrier

• Most pharmacists and staff speak Japanese, but some larger pharmacies in Yokohama (especially in tourist areas like Minato Mirai or near Yokohama Station) may have English-speaking staff or translation apps.
• Learn a few key phrases to help you communicate:
  • "Kaze no kusuri wa arimasu ka?" (風邪の薬はありますか？) – Do you have cold medicine?
  • "Kono kusuri wa nan no tame desu ka?" (この薬は何のためですか？) – What is this medicine for?

b. Medicine Regulations

• Some medicines commonly available in other countries (e.g., strong painkillers or certain cold medicines) may be restricted or require a prescription in Japan. For example:
  • Medicines containing pseudoephedrine (e.g., Sudafed) are regulated.
  • Codeine-based medicines are restricted.

c. Operating Hours

• Drugstores: Typically open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, though some are open 24 hours.
• Prescription pharmacies: Usually open during regular business hours (9:00 AM to 6:00 PM) and may close on Sundays or public holidays. Look for "夜間薬局" (Yakan Yakkyoku) for after-hours pharmacies.

d. Emergency Medicines

• If you need medicine outside of regular hours, some convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven, Lawson) sell basic OTC items like pain relievers or cold patches.
• For urgent prescription needs, visit a hospital with an emergency department, as they often have an in-house pharmacy.

e. Alternative Medicine

• Japan also has a tradition of Kampo (漢方), which is traditional Chinese medicine adapted to Japanese practices. Kampo remedies are available at some pharmacies and are often used for chronic conditions or general wellness.

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6. Recommended Pharmacies in Yokohama

Here are some well-known pharmacies and drugstores in Yokohama:

• Matsumoto Kiyoshi (Minato Mirai Branch): Popular for OTC medicines and cosmetics.
• Sugi Pharmacy (Yokohama Station Area): Offers prescription services and a wide range of health products.
• Welcia (Kannai Area): Known for its English-friendly services.
• Yokohama City After-Hours Pharmacy (夜間薬局): For emergencies, check the Yokohama city website for a list of after-hours pharmacies.

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7. Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

• Bring a Travel Health Kit: If you’re visiting, bring essential medicines from your home country, especially if you rely on specific brands or formulations.
• Carry Your Prescription: If you’re moving to Yokohama, bring a copy of your prescription (translated into Japanese if possible) for any long-term medications.
• Use Translation Apps: Apps like Google Translate or Pocketalk can help you communicate with pharmacists.
• Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask hotel staff or locals for assistance in finding a pharmacy or translating instructions.

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By understanding the pharmacy system and cultural practices in Yokohama, you’ll be well-prepared to access the medicines you need. Let me know if you’d like further assistance!