Tokyo is one of the best cities in the world for tax-free pharmacy and beauty shopping, especially for travelers looking to buy Japanese skincare, medicines, and daily health products at lower prices. Many large drugstore chains in Tokyo offer duty-free counters, English-friendly service, and a huge selection of cosmetics and supplements. To qualify for tax-free shopping, bring your passport and spend above the store’s minimum purchase requirement, which is usually around 5,000–5,500 yen. The following list highlights the top 10 Tokyo drugstores for tax-free shopping based on product variety, tourist accessibility, and reputation.
1. Matsumoto Kiyoshi Shibuya Center Street Store
Matsumoto Kiyoshi Shibuya Center Street Store is one of the most popular tax-free drugstores in Tokyo because of its prime location near Shibuya Station and massive product selection. Travelers love this store for its wide range of Japanese skincare, allergy medicine, and popular cosmetics brands. The tax-free counter is easy to find, and staff members often provide basic English assistance. Prices are competitive compared to airport shopping, making it ideal for tourists. You can purchase popular Japanese beauty items such as sunscreen, sheet masks, and whitening products. The store is open late, which is convenient for travelers exploring Shibuya nightlife.
2. Sundrug Shinjuku West Exit Store
Sundrug Shinjuku West Exit Store is a fantastic choice for tourists staying around Shinjuku. This store offers a clean layout and excellent product categorization, helping travelers quickly locate supplements, skincare, and medical essentials. The tax-free service is available for foreign visitors who present their passports. Many shoppers visit this location to buy Japanese digestive medicine, collagen supplements, and popular cosmetic products. The proximity to Shinjuku Station makes it highly convenient. Even during peak tourist seasons, checkout lines move relatively quickly. Prices are reasonable, and seasonal promotions are often available.
3. Tomod’s Ikebukuro Store
Tomod’s Ikebukuro Store is known for combining pharmacy reliability with cosmetic shopping convenience. Located in the busy Ikebukuro commercial area, this drugstore attracts international travelers seeking authentic Japanese health products. The store offers tax-free purchasing for eligible visitors and carries popular Japanese sunscreen, vitamins, and beauty masks. Compared to some tourist-heavy shops, Tomod’s maintains a calmer shopping environment. Staff are generally helpful, and product labeling is clear. If you are staying around Ikebukuro hotels or transit hubs, this store is a practical stop for quick shopping.
4. Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho Store
Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho Store is not a traditional drugstore but is one of the best tax-free shopping destinations in Tokyo. This mega-discount store carries cosmetics, supplements, daily medicines, and even snacks. Tourists love its entertainment-style shopping atmosphere and deep product variety. The store operates late into the night, making it ideal for travelers who want to shop after dinner. Popular items include Japanese skincare sets, eye drops, and vitamin supplements. Prices are often discounted, and tax-free processing is available at dedicated checkout counters.
5. Daikoku Drug Ginza Store
Located in the upscale shopping district, Daikoku Drug Ginza Store is perfect for tourists who want premium shopping convenience. The store focuses heavily on Japanese beauty products, supplements, and travel medicine. Ginza is known for luxury shopping, and this drugstore offers a slightly more refined shopping environment compared to crowded tourist districts. Tax-free service is provided for qualified foreign visitors, and the store often stocks popular Japanese cosmetic brands. If you are visiting the Ginza shopping streets, this is an excellent quick stop for beauty and health products.
6. Welcia Shibuya Dogenzaka Store
Welcia Shibuya Dogenzaka Store is part of one of Japan’s largest pharmacy chains. This store provides reliable medical products, daily health supplements, and skincare items. Travelers appreciate the organized layout and professional pharmacy atmosphere. Tax-free shopping is available for eligible foreign customers. The location near Dogenzaka makes it convenient for visitors exploring Shibuya’s entertainment district. Prices are competitive, especially for vitamins and allergy medicine. The store also sells Japanese baby care products, oral hygiene items, and popular cosmetic brands.
7. Kokumin Drug Shinjuku East Exit Store
Kokumin Drug Shinjuku East Exit Store is highly recommended for tourists searching for Japanese medicine and skincare essentials near Shinjuku Station. The store offers tax-free purchasing for international travelers and carries well-known Japanese supplement brands. Compared to tourist souvenir stores, Kokumin Drug provides a more authentic pharmacy-style experience. English signage helps foreign shoppers navigate categories easily. The shop is especially popular for cold medicine, digestive tablets, and sunscreen products. If you are staying near Shinjuku transportation hubs, this is a very practical shopping destination.
8. Create S.D. Shinjuku Yasukuni Street Store
Create S.D. Shinjuku Yasukuni Street Store is known for offering good value prices on everyday health products and beauty items. The store attracts budget travelers looking for Japanese pharmacy goods without paying premium tourist prices. The tax-free counter supports foreign visitors with passport verification. Product categories include vitamins, skincare, and basic medical supplies. Many shoppers compare prices here with other Shinjuku drugstores before purchasing. The location near Yasukuni Street makes it easy to access from central Shinjuku hotels and entertainment areas.
9. Sundrug Ueno Ameyoko Store
Sundrug Ueno Ameyoko Store is located near the famous Ameyoko shopping street, making it a popular stop for tourists. This drugstore offers a wide selection of Japanese cosmetics, health supplements, and travel medicine. The tax-free service is convenient for foreign travelers carrying passports. Compared to busy Shibuya and Shinjuku locations, Ueno stores often feel slightly less crowded. Visitors can combine shopping with sightseeing around Ueno Park and nearby museums. Product pricing is competitive, and seasonal promotions are frequently available.
10. Matsumoto Kiyoshi Asakusa Kaminarimon Store
Near the historic sightseeing area, Matsumoto Kiyoshi Asakusa Kaminarimon Store is perfect for tourists exploring traditional Tokyo. This store provides tax-free shopping for foreign visitors purchasing Japanese skincare, medicine, and beauty products. Many travelers visit after sightseeing at Senso-ji Temple. The shop carries popular sunscreen, lip balm, and health supplements made in Japan. Because Asakusa attracts international tourists, staff are accustomed to serving foreign shoppers. Prices are reasonable, and product authenticity is highly trusted among visitors.
Conclusion
These top 10 Tokyo drugstores for tax-free shopping are excellent destinations for international travelers looking to buy Japanese health and beauty products. Whether you stay in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, or Ginza, you can easily find a convenient pharmacy chain offering tax-free service. Among them, major chains like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sundrug, and Don Quijote are especially popular due to their product variety and tourist-friendly policies. Plan your shopping route ahead, bring your passport, and enjoy affordable Japanese cosmetics and medicine during your Tokyo trip.