Not only is Matsumoto Kiyoshi popular, but five other major drugstore chains are also great for shopping.

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team compiled and reported

Traveling to Japan, shopping is one of the must-do activities for many tourists, and buying Japanese pharmaceutical and cosmetic products is a great opportunity to shop for family and friends. Recently, the well-known Japanese drugstore chain “Matsumoto Kiyoshi” announced its plans to open stores in Taiwan, which has excited many fans of Japanese pharmaceuticals. In addition to Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Japan also has other drugstore chains such as Kokumin, OS DRUG, SUN DRUG, DAIICHI Drugstore, and Tsuruha Drugstore, each with their own unique features. Travelers might want to include them on their shopping list and compare prices among them.

1. Kokumin
Kokumin Drugstore has over 200 branches across Japan, offering everything from medicine and cosmetics to daily necessities. They are commonly found in areas such as Shinsaibashi in Osaka, though store sizes vary and product availability differs. Some products even offer discounts if you show your passport.

2. SUN DRUG
SUN DRUG is another common drugstore chain in Japan where travelers can find almost everything they need. Many items are regularly on promotion, making prices quite affordable.

3. DAIICHI Drugstore
DAIICHI Drugstore is a very popular drugstore chain in Japan, offering a wide and diverse selection of medicines, daily necessities, and snacks. While it has relatively fewer cosmetic products, its affordable prices make it one of the favorite drugstores for travelers and a hotspot for daigou shoppers.

4. OS DRUG
OS DRUG stores are usually small in size and mainly frequented by locals. Although tax refund is not available, their medicine prices are quite low, and they often have extremely cheap promotional items.
 
5. Tsuruha Drugstore