Japanese drugstores (ドラッグストア) are a legitimate tourist destination. Travellers from Singapore, China, and across Asia regularly dedicate half a day to shopping at Matsumoto Kiyoshi or Don Quijote — not just for souvenirs, but for skincare, sunscreen, and over-the-counter medicine that is genuinely better or cheaper than at home. Here is a complete guide to what to buy and where.
Matsumoto Kiyoshi vs Don Quijote — Which to Go To?
| Matsumoto Kiyoshi (Matsukiyo) | Don Quijote (Donki) | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Skincare, cosmetics, OTC medicine, supplements | Snacks, souvenirs, electronics, variety goods, costumes |
| Prices | Competitive on health/beauty; app coupons give 10–20% off select items | Cheaper on snacks, drinks, and bulk goods; similar or higher on beauty |
| Hours | Typically 9:00 AM–11:00 PM (varies by branch) | Most branches open 24 hours |
| Tax-free | Yes, on ¥5,000+ purchases with passport | Yes, on ¥5,000+ purchases with passport |
| English labels | Many products have English or English + Chinese labels | Variable — some products, not all |
| Layout | Organised, clean, easy to navigate | Dense, multi-floor, treasure hunt atmosphere |
Go to Matsumoto Kiyoshi for skincare, sunscreen, and medicine — it has better organisation and the Matsukiyo app gives real discounts. Go to Don Quijote for snacks, anime goods, and everything else. Most Tokyo visitors end up at both.
Must-Buy Items — Skincare
Japan's bestselling moisturising toner. Contains five types of hyaluronic acid. Lightweight, fragrance-free, suitable for all skin types. The pink bottle (Super Hyaluronic) is the original; the blue (Premium) is more intense. Widely available at all drugstores.
Shiseido's Anessa is the gold-standard Japanese sunscreen for outdoor use. Water and sweat resistant, lightweight finish, no white cast. The gold bottle (Perfect UV) is for outdoor sports; the silver bottle (Whitening UV) adds brightening. One of the most requested items by tourists from Singapore and China.
Japanese daily sheet masks. Multiple variants: blue (moisture), pink (brightening), white (pore care). The value per sheet is significantly lower than equivalent products overseas. Good gift item — comes in well-designed boxes.
A classic Japanese whitening toner using traditional botanical ingredients (coix seed, Chinese herbs). Popular for decades across Asia. Widely counterfeited online — buying in Japan ensures authenticity. Available at most Matsukiyo branches.
Must-Buy Items — Medicine & Eye Drops
Japanese eye drops are famous for their tingling sensation and effectiveness. Rohto Vita-40 (vitamin-enriched, blue cap) is the most popular. Rohto Z (intense cooling, silver) is stronger. Both are legal to bring home in most countries — check your customs rules for quantities.
Japan's over-the-counter loxoprofen painkiller. More effective than ibuprofen for many people; not available OTC in most Western countries. Available at pharmacy counters (requires a brief conversation with the pharmacist). Take a photo of this name to show at the counter.
Japan-made adhesive pain relief patches for muscle aches, stiffness, and joint pain. Popular souvenir for older travellers and those with sports injuries. The Japanese formulation is stronger than versions sold internationally.
Japan's traditional black charcoal digestive pill for stomach upset, diarrhoea, and food poisoning symptoms. Distinctive strong smell. A staple of Japanese households for over 100 years. Good travel health item.
Must-Buy Items — Beauty & Cosmetics
Japanese budget cosmetics brands produce surprisingly high-quality products at low prices. Canmake's highlight palettes and Cezanne's eyebrow pencils are standouts. Popular with younger shoppers from across Asia.
Watery-gel sunscreen that sits almost invisibly on skin. Beloved across Asia for its non-sticky texture and high SPF. The Japanese market version is considered stronger than export versions. Available at all Matsukiyo and Don Quijote locations.
Japanese haircare is a major draw for visitors, particularly those from Southeast Asia. Moist Diane (argan oil) and Tsubaki (camellia oil) are the most popular drugstore picks. Both smell exceptional and leave hair noticeably softer.
Japanese supplement brands are trusted across Asia for quality and purity standards. Popular items: Fancl Calorie Limit (metabolism support), DHC Deep Sea Fish Collagen, and DHC Vitamin C. Daily packs are convenient for travel.
Tax-Free Shopping
Tourists visiting Japan on a temporary visitor visa can claim consumption tax (10%) back on eligible purchases.
- Minimum purchase: ¥5,000 or more (before tax) at a single store in one day
- What to bring: Your passport — you must show it at the tax-free counter
- How it works: Pay the full price at the register, then proceed to the tax-free counter with your receipt and passport. Tax is refunded in cash or deducted from your final total.
- Restrictions: Tax-free goods must be exported — they cannot be consumed in Japan before departure. Some stores will seal goods in a bag you should not open until leaving Japan.
- Not available at every register: Look for the "Tax Free" sign or ask staff "税金免除できますか？" (Zeikin menjo dekimasu ka? — Can I get tax-free?)
Download the Matsumoto Kiyoshi app before visiting. It provides 10–20% off coupons on selected items, and a QR code to show at the register. The app works in Japan without a Japanese phone number — just use your email to register.
Where to Find the Best Branches
- Matsumoto Kiyoshi: Flagship stores in Ueno (Ameyoko area) and Shinjuku. Most convenient branches are near major train stations — search "Matsumoto Kiyoshi near me" in Google Maps.
- Don Quijote: Multiple branches in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Roppongi, Akihabara, and Ikebukuro. Shinjuku East has one of the largest selections. 24-hour operation on most branches.
- Welcia / Sugi Pharmacy: Good alternatives with similar product ranges, sometimes less crowded than Matsukiyo flagship stores.
Some Japanese OTC medicines — particularly Loxonin-S and certain cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine — are restricted or banned in certain countries (especially Singapore, China, and the UAE). Check your destination country's customs rules before buying medication to bring home. Skincare and cosmetics are generally unrestricted.
FAQ
For authentic Japanese versions of Hada Labo, Anessa, Rohto, and similar brands, buying in Japan is usually the same price or cheaper — and you are guaranteed the genuine Japan-market formulation, which is often different from (and considered better than) export versions sold on international Amazon or in overseas shops.
Yes. Most Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Don Quijote branches accept Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and UnionPay (important for Chinese visitors). IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) are also accepted at many registers. Cash is always accepted.
The Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi areas in Osaka have a high concentration of Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Daikoku Drug, and Don Quijote branches within walking distance. Daikoku Drug (a Kansai chain) is particularly popular with international tourists and often has competitive prices on skincare.