Woman's heel with white medical adhesive plaster from calluses during wearing a new shoe. Skin care feet and prevention of calluses and corns

Walking is a huge part of life and travel in Japan. Dense cities, walkable sightseeing and first-class public transport mean it doesn’t take much to get your daily steps in. In fact, many tourists report averaging around 20k steps a day during their stays here. So it’s unsurprising that visitors and long-term residents alike often end up suffering from blisters and other foot issues while exploring the country.   

Luckily, Japan’s drugstores stock several options for preventing and caring for blisters and other foot problems. We’ve spoken to drugstore staff to get their recommendations for the most popular and effective foot care products available. (All prices are accurate as of February 2026 and don’t include tax).

For those with more serious foot issues, it may be worth visiting a podiatrist during your time in Japan. Our partners at the Bluff Clinic have put together a list of English-speaking podiatry clinics to cover all your foot health needs. 

Blister care products at Japanese drugstores

Whether you’re treating a blister or just aiming to prevent one, Japan’s drug stores have several solutions you can try. Here are some of the best blister care products recommended by drugstore staff. 

Band-Aid Kizu Power Pads for Blisters

Drugstore staff singled out these heel dressings as the most popular and effective product for direct blister care. Hydrocolloid material adheres directly to the skin to promote healing, while smooth edges keep it from peeling off while you walk. They’re also a comfortable and wearable option for blister prevention.

Price: Around ¥800 (6-pack)

Dr. Scholl Gel Heel Shield 

Dr. Scholl is another popular footcare brand recommended by drugstore staff in Japan. Their gel heel shields stick to the inside of flat or high-heeled shoes to reduce friction and stop blisters from developing.

Price: Around ¥665 (one pair)

Food Este Shoe Slip-Prevention Heel Cushion 

This Japanese brand offers fabric-coated heel guards for a more fashion-friendly option. They stick to the insides of heels to stop shoes from rubbing against your skin and causing blisters.

Price: Around ¥600 (one pair) 

Foot care products for more persistent discomfort

While walking is great for overall health, it can be tough on your feet if you’re regularly packing in the steps. These are the top products drugstore staff recommended for general aches and pains caused by being on your feet. 

Dr. Scholl Gel Activ Everyday Insoles

If Dr. Scholl’s heel guards don’t offer enough relief, drugstore staff suggest using these insoles for whole-foot comfort. Filled with a shock-absorbing gel to make walking more comfortable, they can be worn with all types of shoes. Make sure to select the right size, as Japanese footwear tends to run small.

Price: Around ¥1,582

Vantelin Kowa Supporter for Ankles

Drugstore staff singled out the Vantelin Kowa supporter range for pain relief when walking long distances. This product mimics the effects of foot taping, without the hassle of actually applying tape. Instead, you can simply put one of these on under or over your socks to fully support the ankle and arch of the foot. 

Price: Around ¥1,580

Lion Foot Refresh Sheets

These adhesive sheets soothe tired and swollen feet and legs after a long day of walking. The sheets have a cooling effect when you apply them directly to your skin and come in a range of essential-oil fragrances.

Price: Around ¥738 (18 sheets)

English-speaking podiatrists in Japan 

Some foot problems require more than over-the-counter care. Issues like ingrown nails, fungal infections and structural issues may need professional attention. For more serious foot complaints, here are some English-speaking podiatry clinics you can turn to.

Tokyo Podiatry

Dr Koji Kawamata opened this podiatry clinic in 2018 after qualifying as a podiatrist in Australia and New Zealand. He specializes in both general and sports podiatry, and can provide appointments in English or Japanese. It’s worth noting that Tokyo Podiatry does not accept Japanese health insurance. 

Address: 3F, 5-34-7 Shinbashi, Minato-ku 
Website: tokyopodiatry.jp

Foot Clinic Omotesando Tokyo

Foot Clinic Omotesando provides care for a range of foot and toenail conditions. They also offer appointments for children’s podiatry, sports care, gait improvement and making custom insoles. While Japanese is the main language of the clinic, they may be able to provide English support on request. The clinic accepts Japanese health insurance. 

Address: 7F, Q Plaza Harajuku, 6-28-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
Website: ashi-clinic.jp/

For more information, read our full guide to drugstores in Japan.

This page has been brought to you as a public service of The Bluff Medical and Dental Clinic in Yokohama.