Japanese drugstores are one of the best places to stock up on affordable cosmetics. You'll find lotions for under ¥1,000 and cult-favorite makeup on the same shelves, in shops on just about every shopping street. The tricky parts are knowing which chain to walk into and how tax-free actually works, since it isn't offered at every store.
This guide covers which drugstores to look for, the budget skincare and makeup worth picking up, and the tax-free basics. For over-the-counter medicine, see our companion guide, Where to Buy Medicine at Japanese Drugstores.
Budget lotions start from around ¥770. Tax-free applies once you spend ¥5,000 (pre-tax) at one store on one day.
Which drugstore chains to look for
The chains travelers use most are Matsumoto Kiyoshi (often shortened to Matsukiyo; its sister brand is Cocokara Fine), Welcia, Sundrug, Sugi Pharmacy, and Tsuruha Drug. Their selection and prices are broadly similar, so the simplest approach is to use whichever chain is closest to where you're staying.
Tax-free isn't available at every branch — only at designated stores. Look for a "Tax-Free" sign at the entrance or near the register. Each chain's website has a store locator that lets you filter for tax-free branches, which is handy if you're planning a big haul.
If you also want cheap daily goods, the variety store Don Quijote (Donki) is another option. Its tax-free steps are covered in Don Quijote Tax-Free Shopping and Coupons.
Budget skincare picks
For lotion (toner), Hada Labo's Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion is a long-running favorite. The 170mL bottle lists at ¥902 (tax included) from maker Rohto, which keeps it easy to grab. Nameraka Honpo's soy isoflavone lotion and Chifure's moisturizing lotion (¥770) are two more picks if you're keeping costs down.
For brightening and dark-spot care, Melano CC's medicated spot-care essence is the one people reach for. At ¥1,210 (tax included) for 20mL, it sits at the affordable end for a vitamin C essence. New to Japanese skincare? A Hada Labo lotion and this Melano CC essence are a safe pair to start with.
(Shelf prices shift with the store and any sales. The figures here are the makers' official or reference prices, meant as a guide.)
Official product pages (Hada Labo / Chifure / Melano CC):
Budget makeup
Base and color makeup both have their go-to items, from a few hundred yen up to the low thousands.
- Canmake Marshmallow Finish Powder: ¥1,034 (tax included) from the brand. A staple finishing powder.
- Cezanne Sebum Control Base (30mL): ¥660 (tax included). A primer that keeps shine down in humid weather.
- Kate Lip Monster: a long-selling lip known for how well the color lasts. It's open-priced, so there's no set retail figure — expect around ¥1,500 in stores.
All are sold widely at drugstores and variety stores. Popular shades can sell out, so grab a color you like when you spot it.
Official product pages (Canmake / Cezanne / Kate):
Sensitive-skin and medicated care
There are gentle options for sensitive skin, too. Curél (Kao) and Minon (Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare) are both known as low-irritation moisturizing lines. For cleansing, DHC's Medicated Deep Cleansing Oil is a longtime standard. Several of these carry no fixed retail price, so shelf prices vary by store.
Official product pages (Curél / Minon / DHC):
Japanese sunscreens are popular for their light feel, but there are many to choose from, so we cover how to pick one separately in Where to Buy Sunscreen in Japan.
Tax-free basics: what changes on November 1, 2026
Tax-free applies when you spend ¥5,000 or more (pre-tax) at one store on one day. Cosmetics and medicine count as "consumables." You'll need your passport, and only tax-free-designated stores can process it.
The system changes on November 1, 2026. Through October 31, 2026, consumables are sealed in a special bag you must not open while in Japan.
From November 1, 2026, Japan moves to a "refund" system: you pay the tax-included price, and the consumption tax is refunded at customs once your goods are confirmed as leaving the country. The sealing rule, the consumables spending cap, and the split between general goods and consumables are all dropped.
For the full walkthrough of the steps and how the refund reaches you, see How Japan's Tax-Free (Duty-Free) System Works.
A few things to know before you shop
Chain loyalty cards aren't needed for travelers — you can shop fine without one.
Opening hours vary by branch: some run 24 hours, others close in the evening. If you plan to drop by late at night or early in the morning, check the store locator for hours before you go.
This article was translated from the original Japanese with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team. The Japanese version is authoritative.
