Want to level up your life? Try these 15 ingenious and affordable Japanese drugstore products.
There’s a reason Japan is known for innovation. These 15 Japanese products solve problems that you didn’t even know you had—and the best part is, you can find them for under $30 at almost any drugstore in Japan when you visit.
From cooling gel sheets to wearable bug-repellent bracelets for kids, these products exemplify why Japan’s genius is admired worldwide. Here’s why each of these items deserves a spot in your shopping basket, and where you can find them in and outside of Japan!
1. Netsusamashi Cooling Gel Sheets
Whether you’re battling a fever or simply want to cool down on a hot summer day, Netsusamashi Cooling Gel Sheets are a lifesaver. These adhesive gel pads can be placed on the forehead and neck, offering instant relief by drawing heat away from the body.
Compact and easy to use, they are fast-acting and don’t irritate sensitive skin, and therefore a must-have for families and travelers. For children, there’s a smaller-sized version as well.
2. Mushiyoke Bracelets for Repelling Bugs
Japan’s summers can be humid, gross, and full of buzzing mosquitoes, but these wearable bug-repellant bracelets make outdoor activities worry-free.
These lightweight bands are infused with natural insect-repelling ingredients such as rosemary or lemongrass, keeping mosquitoes and other pests at bay. They’re especially great for active kids who don’t like the smell or feel of bug-repellant sprays.
Ideal for hiking, picnics, or even strolling around the city, they’re a chemical-free solution for all ages!
3. Salonpas Pain Relief Patches for Sensitive Skin
If you suffer from muscle pain or stiffness, Salonpas Pain Relief Patches are a game-changer. The pink colored patches are designed specifically for sensitive skin and provide targeted, non-irritating relief. Their convenient size and soothing menthol formula make them perfect for weary travelers, athletes, or just a relaxing spa day at home.
4. Kounaien Patch TaishoA: Soothe Canker Sores
Canker sores are painful and can make eating or talking extremely painful—definitely not what you want while on vacation in a country known for its delicious cuisine.
The Kounaien Patch TaishoA is a discreet, medicated patch that adheres directly to the sore inside the mouth, creating a protective barrier while delivering healing ingredients. Its long-lasting formula ensures relief throughout the day and also helps the sore heal faster by protecting it from acids, carbonation, and other aggravators.
5. Bufferin Premium: Fast Pain Relief
Japanese pharmaceuticals are known for their effectiveness, and Bufferin Premium works faster than any aspirin I’ve tried for headaches. This fast-acting pain reliever tackles headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle aches without upsetting your stomach.
Many of my Western friends also complain that some Japanese prescription pain relievers (namely Calonal or Paracetamol) don’t work on them; if that’s the case, you may find Bufferin premium to be a better fit. Though if you already know what works best for you, bringing it from home when you travel is your best bet!
Otherwise, if you’re traveling and find yourself in need of quick pain relief, this is the brand!
6. Omi Brothers’ Mentam Pensol Anti-Itch Lotion
If you’ve never been bitten by a Japanese mosquito—count yourself lucky.
The tiger mosquitoes in Japan somehow feel even more horrid and poisonous than the ones back in the US—if that’s possible. Though everyone reacts differently, I always get large red welts that itch for days from their bites.
Thankfully, this liquid Anti-Itch Lotion from Omi Brother’s offers quick relief. Formulated with menthol, the cooling, easy-to-apply liquid soothes itching and redness instantly. With its portable size and easy applicator, you won’t have to get your hands sticky on your outdoor adventures.
Muhi’s anti-itch cream is also quite popular, but I’ve always found the Omi brother’s brand better for soothing itchy bites and helping them heal faster.
7. Kobayashi Keshimin Cream: Erase Age Spots
Dark spots and uneven skin tone can affect your confidence, but Kobayashi Keshimin Cream is here to help. Packed with vitamin C and other nourishing ingredients, this cream targets pigmentation and promotes a brighter complexion. Lightweight and non-greasy, it’s ideal for daily use, and overseas tourists from all over Asia can be seen buying this in bulk.
8. Saborino Morning Face Masks
Morning skincare has never been easier than with Saborino Morning Face Masks.
In just 60 seconds, these multitasking masks cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin, leaving it refreshed and ready for makeup—no scrubbing or washing involved!
These masks are perfect for busy mornings when you’re running late, or when you want to streamline your skincare routine.
You can find them at Amazon Japan or Amazon US.
9. Kyusoku no Jikan Foot Patches: Reduce Soreness after Walking
After a long day of walking or standing, treat your feet to Kyusoku no Jikan Foot Patches. These herb-infused patches are applied to the soles of your feet or back of your calves and work overnight to relieve fatigue, soreness, and swelling.
These patches are also great for after concerts, festivals, hiking, or anything else involving a lot of standing and walking. Wake up feeling refreshed and ready to explore more.
10. Kairo: Disposable Warm Patches
Winter in Japan can be freezing, to say the least– but Kairo, or disposable warm patches, keep you cozy. These small, lightweight packs activate when exposed to air and provide between 12 to 20 hours of warmth after opening.
They even sell stick-on types, which you can apply by peeling off the tape paper and sticking them to your thermal undershirt.
For the non-stick type, slip them into your pockets, gloves, or shoes for toasty hands and feet in cold weather.
11. MeguRhythm Thermo Steam Patch: Shoulder and Back Relief
Long hours at a desk or lugging around heavy suitcases during traveling can lead to stiff shoulders and necks, but these steaming pads for shoulder pain improve circulation and provide soothing relief.
These self-heating pads gradually release steam to relax tense muscles. Compact and easy to use, they’re perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Their steaming eye mask line is also extremely affordable, popular and promotes a good night’s sleep.
Find them at Amazon Japan or Amazon US.
12. Shiseido Fino Premium Touch Hair Mask
Transform dry, damaged hair with this Fino Hair Mask. This deeply hydrating treatment repairs and nourishes your locks, leaving them soft, shiny, and manageable.
Its salon-quality results for such an affordable price (under $20) makes it a favorite among beauty enthusiasts both within Japan and internationally– and it’s also sold on Amazon in the US!
US Amazon US
Japan Amazon Japan
13. Nodonuru Sore Throat Spray
For quick relief from a sore throat, try the Nodonuru throat disinfectant spray. This convenient, pocket-sized spray coats your throat with a soothing, medicated film that alleviates pain and irritation instantly. The long nozzle allows you to target the back of your throat with accuracy, making it ideal for cold and flu season!
14. Matomage Hair Styling Stick
Say goodbye to stray hairs and flyaways with the Matomage Hair Styling Stick. This palm-sized hair styling compact smooths stray hairs and keeps them in place without leaving a greasy or hard residue, making it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.
It’s a must-have for anyone seeking a neat, professional look—or the divas looking to perfect their slicked back ponytails. With its small size, it’s also portable enough to fix your hair before interviews, family dinners, or brunch.
If you have a fringe haircut–especially blunt bangs– and want your hair to stay in place, this brand also has products for keeping your fringe in place, so be sure to check them out!
15. Babu Carbonated Bath Tablets
Elevate your bath time with Babu Carbonated Bath Tablets. These fizzy tablets dissolve in water to release relaxing scents and skin-nourishing ingredients.
At around $2 per tablet and available in various scents, these bath tablets transform your bath into a spa-like experience without breaking the bank like Lush bath bombs— perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Though of a different brand, you can also find Tabi no Yado onsen bath additives at most drug stores. This is an excellent souvenir as it allows you to experience all the different waters of the famous hot springs of Japan right in your own bathroom, from Kusatsu to Hakone.
Of course, as a country that loves bathing, Japan has a variety of cutely packaged bath bombs, tablets, powders and oils sold in most stores– definitely explore if you love bathing, aroma therapy, and self-care.
Babu: Amazon Japan
Tabino Yado: Amazon US
Why You Should Buy These Products
Many of the products chosen here are either not available in most Western countries, or they are more affordable or better designed in some way.
From pain relief to relaxation and convenience, the affordability, effectiveness, and high quality of these products make them invaluable additions to your daily routine. Often, they’re thoughtfully designed to address specific problems—often inconveniences that you didn’t even realize you were living with.
When visiting Japan, these items offer not only practical benefits but also a glimpse into the ingenuity and attention to detail that define Japanese craftsmanship. Be sure to check them out in stores!
Where to Buy
Many of these products are widely available in Japanese drugstores such as Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Cocokarafine, Drug Eleven, Don Quijote, or local supermarkets. You can find the bug repellent bracelets at the local 100 yen stores such as Daiso, Seria or 3COIN as well.
My personal favorites include the fever cooling gel sheets, and kairo. These products are reasonably priced and are—dare I say it?— life changing hacks, and therefore are excellent souvenirs for yourself or loved ones back home as well!
Conclusion
Japan’s everyday products are a testament to the country’s commitment to enhancing quality of life. Whether you want to avoid getting your hands sticky with bug spray, looking to simplify your skincare routine, or simply seeking to add a hint of Japanese innovation to your life, I find these 15 items worth every penny!
For those who can’t make it to Japan, we’ve included Amazon links where available. We earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through our links; however, rest assured that all products here have been personally tested and are what we actually recommend.
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