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Navigating your period while living in or traveling through Japan can be confusing, especially if you don’t read kanji or recognize local brands. From menstrual pain relief and organic tampons to heat packs, herbal UTI remedies and yeast infection treatments, this drugstore guide rounds up some of the most trusted and accessible women’s health products available in Japan. Whether you’re dealing with your period, an infection or hormonal changes, this guide will help you get the care you need. 

All product prices listed are before tax and are accurate as of June 2025.
(Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice.)

If you need to speak to a doctor in Japan, we’ve got you covered with our guide to English-speaking clinics in Tokyo. 

Pain Killers

Whether you’re curled up with cramps or trying to make it through a full day of work or travel, Japan offers a range of effective over-the-counter pain relief options for menstrual discomfort. Here are some of the most trusted picks you’ll find in local drugstores.

Kanji to look out for:

鎮痛剤（ちんつうざい | Chintsū-zai) – Painkiller
生理痛（せいりつう | Seiritsū) – Menstrual pain
生理 (せいり | Seiri) – Menstruation/ period
解熱鎮痛剤（げねつちんつうざい | Genetsu Chintsu-zai) – Fever reducer and painkiller

Eve A EX and Eve Quick DX

These trusted options are popular for menstrual pain relief. Look for the kanji 生理痛 (seiritsuu) on the packaging to confirm that the product targets period-related discomfort. In addition to menstrual discomfort, these pills help relieve muscle pain and stiffness, toothaches, fevers and sore throats. Eve Quick DX contains magnesium, which helps the body absorb pain-relieving ingredients faster.

Price:
EVE A EX: ¥631 (20 pills)
Two tablets contain: Ibuprofen – 200 mg, Apronal – 60 mg, Anhydrous Caffeine – 80 mg
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EVE Quick DX: ¥1,080 (20 pills)
Two tablets contain: Ibuprofen – 200 mg, Magnesium Oxide – 100 mg, Allylisopropylacetylurea – 60 mg, Anhydrous Caffeine – 80 mg
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Dosage:
For both: Take 2 tablets at once with lukewarm water, up to twice daily, allowing at least six hours between doses. Avoid taking on an empty stomach. Intended for individuals aged 15 years old and older.

Bufferin Luna i and Bufferin Premium DX

These are fast-acting options specifically for menstrual cramps and headaches. Additionally, they help provide relief for toothache, muscle pain, sprains, ear aches and muscle stiffness.

Price:
Bufferin Luna i: ¥715 (20 tablets)
Two tablets contain: Ibuprofen – 130 mg, acetaminophen – 130 mg, anhydrous caffeine – 80 mg, dehydrated aluminum hydroxide gel – 70 mg
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Bufferin Premium DX: ¥980 (20 tablets)
Two tablets contain: Ibuprofen – 130mg, acetaminophen – 130mg, Anhydrous caffeine – 80mg, apronal 60mg, dehydrated aluminum hydroxide gel – 70 mg
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Dosage:
For both: Take 2 tablets at once with lukewarm water, up to three times daily, allowing at least four hours between doses. Avoid taking on an empty stomach. Intended for individuals aged 15 and older.

Yeast Infection Relief

Yeast infections are an uncomfortable but common issue. In Japan, internal and external treatments are available at pharmacies, though some may be stored behind the counter. If symptoms are severe or do not improve in a few days, consult a medical professional. 

Pharmacy staff are usually helpful, but not all speak English. Here’s a polite and simple phrase you can use:

「カンジダの薬がありますか？」
(Kanjida no kusuri ga arimasu ka?)
“Do you have medicine for Candida?”

Kanji and words to look out for:

膣カンジダ（ちつカンジダ | Chiku kanjida) – Vaginal Candida (yeast infection)
膣剤（ちつざい | Chitsuzai) – Vaginal suppository
外用薬（がいようやく | Gaiyou-yaku) – Topical/external medicine
抗真菌薬（こうしんきんやく| Koushinkin-yaku) – Antifungal medication
かゆみ止め （かゆみどめ | Kayumi-dome) – Anti-itch treatment

Empecid L

An internal-use suppository for recurring yeast infections in those previously diagnosed by a doctor.

Active Ingredient: Clotrimazole 100mg (per tablet)

Price: ¥3,080 (6 tablets)
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Dosage: Insert 1 tablet following instructions once daily before bed for six days. Intended for individuals aged 15–59. If symptoms worsen after three days or persist after six, consult a doctor.

Considerations: For internal use only. Do not use during menstruation. Not for first-time infections or frequent recurrence. Avoid use if pregnant, immunocompromised, or on blood thinners. 

Meditreat Cream

A topical cream to relieve external itching caused by yeast infections or other irritation. This product does not treat the infection itself and should not be used internally. 

Active Ingredient: Miconazole nitrate 10mg

Price: ¥1,342
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Dosage:  Apply to the affected area up to three times daily. Intended for individuals aged 15–59. If symptoms persist after six days, consult a doctor.

Considerations: For external use only. Not for internal application. Avoid use if pregnant, immunocompromised, or on blood thinners. 

UTI Relief

Bo-koren (ボーコレン)

Bo-koren is a common herbal remedy in Japan that alleviates painful urination and flushes out bacteria from the urinary tract using a traditional formula called Gorin-san (五淋散). Pharmacists and medical sites like Family-Doctor.jp often recommend Bo-koren as an over-the-counter herbal remedy for early or mild UTI symptoms.

Price: ¥1,255 (One bag of 48 tablets lasts about four days)
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Dosage: For individuals 15 years or over, take 4 tablets three times daily between meals with water. For children between the ages of 7 and 15, take 3 tablets three times daily. For children 5 to 7, take 2 tablets three times daily. Please make sure to follow the designated dosage and directions.

Considerations: Not for children under 5. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid touching with wet hands or transferring to another container. If symptoms persist or worsen after a few days, see a doctor immediately. 

For all medications: Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. 

Sanitary Products

For many, finding the right sanitary products is just as important as managing period pain. Japanese drugstores stock a variety of pads, tampons, and liners to meet your needs–whether you’re looking for something ultra-thin, overnight or gentle on sensitive skin. 

A note on tampons: Tampons are far less common in Japan than in many Western countries, and the limited selection reflects that. Most drugstores carry just one or two brands, usually in small boxes with basic absorbency options. Applicator-style tampons, typically plastic, are the standard, while non-applicator tampons are almost nonexistent. Cultural norms around modesty and internal products have made tampons less popular, and some women also report being discouraged from using tampons by family members or school guidance when they were younger. As a result, demand remains low.

Kanji to look out for:

Scented / Unscented
香り付き（かおりつき | Kaori-tsuki） – Scented
無香料（むこうりょう | Mukoryo) – Unscented

Nighttime / Daytime Use
夜用（よるよう | Yoru-yo) – For nighttime use
昼用（ひるよう | Hiru-yo) – For daytime use

Absorbency / Type
多い日用（おおいひよう | Oi-hi-yo) – For heavy flow days
ふつうの日用（ふつうのひよう | Futsu-no-hi-yo) – For regular flow days
スリム  (Suriimu) – Slim
超スリム (Cho-suriimu) – Ultra slim
吸収（きゅうしゅう | Kyūshū) – Absorption

Laurier

Known for their comfort and absorbency, Laurier pads are among the most popular in Japan. The brand offers a wide range of breathable and comfortable options, from ultra-thin pads to highly absorbent nighttime pads, available in both unscented or lightly scented options.

Shiawase Suhada (Happy Skin) Super Slim

Laurier’s Shiawase Suhada is designed for maximum comfort and comfort, even on heavy flow days. These breathable pads use an airy, dimpled sheet to create airflow and reduce trapped moisture—a common cause of itching and irritation. A fully ventilated back sheet helps keep skin dry, while the dual-dome surface design gently cushions the skin and promotes ventilation. Fluid is quickly absorbed to reduce stickiness and leave the surface feeling smooth and dry. Suitable for sensitive skin and extended daytime wear.

Available Lengths: 17cm to 40cm

Price: ¥1,430 (three packs of 20 pads)
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SOFY 

Sofy is another top sanitary care brand in Japan and around the world. Their product line includes options for every lifestyle and flow level, from daytime and nighttime pads to sports pads, shorts-shaped pads, pantyliners, tampons, absorbent underwear, and even menstrual cups. Designed with sensitive skin in mind, Sofy products are known for their comfort, reliability, and versatility.

SOFY BodyFit

Designed to stay in place no matter how you move, SOFY BodyFit offers reliable leak protection with a contoured shape that fits securely to your hip. Its absorbent center zone and back-fit design prevent twisting or gaps, reducing the chance of leaks even during active days. The pad absorbs fluid smoothly and gently, making it a comfortable choice for sensitive skin. 

Price: ¥1,500 (four packs of 20 pads)
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SOFY Chojyukusui

A pad and underwear in one–designed to fully wrap around the hips and protect up to the waist to prevent back leaks. Stretches and fits snugly with your body, staying in place even as you toss and turn. Side-leak guards help prevent leaks during sleep. Made with soft, marshmallow-like stretch material that’s breathable and gentle on skin. 

Price: ¥909 (two packs of five pads)
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SOFY Tampons

SOFY is the most widely available tampon brand. You’ll find the absorbency listed on the top right corner of the box, often color-coded for easy recognition: pink for light, blue for regular, green for super and purple for super plus.

Compact or portable tampons, known for their discreet, extendable applicators, are available but limited to regular and super absorbencies. They’re convenient for on-the-go use but may require a bit more hunting—larger drugstores or online shops usually have the best selection.

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Kanji and katakana to look for:

タンポン (Tanpon) – Tampon
コンパクト タンポン (Konpakuto tanpon) – Compact tampon
ライト (Raito) – Light | Pink box
レギュラー (Regyuraa) – Regular | Blue box
スーパー (Suupaa) – Super | Green box
スーパープラス (Suupaa purasu) – Super Plus | Purple box

SOFY Soft Tampon Organic 

The only tampon in Japan made with 100% organic cotton. Designed with sensitive skin in mind. The absorbent core is wrapped in organic cotton to reduce irritation while providing up to 8 hours of leak-free protection, day or night. A gentle, worry-free option for those looking for more natural period care. 

Price: ¥891 (one box of 27 tampons)
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More Period Care Products

Aside from painkillers and pads, Japanese drugstores also carry a wide range of thoughtful and practical products to keep you comfortable during your period.

Kaneishi Azuki Bean Warmer

A reusable heating pad filled with natural azuki beans, designed to wrap around your stomach for targeted cramp relief. Provides deep, moist heat to ease period pain and muscle tension. Simply heat in the microwave and tie around your waist for comforting, hands-free warmth. Ideal for relaxing during painful period days.

Price: ¥1,210
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Usage: Heat in the microwave (per instructions) and apply to the affected area.

Considerations: Naturally scented by the beans. Can be reused many times.

L’amour Q (ラムール Q) Herbal Remedy for PMS Pain and Irritability 

L’amour Q by Tsumura is a traditional herbal remedy designed to support women experiencing menopausal and menstrual-related symptoms, including fatigue, hot flushes, mood swings, and irregular periods. Formulated with a blend of 17 traditional Japanese and Chinese herbs, it targets hormonal imbalances and promotes overall well-being.

Price:  ¥1,305 (one bottle of 140 tablets)
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Dosage: Take 2 tablets twice a day.

Considerations: As an herbal remedy, this is not intended to be fast-acting. When taken consistently as directed, symptoms are expected to improve gradually. Read the product description in English here.

MAGMAX200 BAN Magnetic Patch

These powerful magnetic patches are designed to relieve pain by improving blood circulation at the application site. While not a conventional period product, some users apply them to the lower back or abdomen to help relieve cramping.

Price: ¥1,480
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Usage: Apply to clean, dry skin and leave on for several hours.

Considerations: Not suitable for those with pacemakers or metal implants.