Japan-Restricted Medications

Japan completely prohibits amphetamine (Adderall), methamphetamine (Desoxyn), heroin, opium, methaqualone, and cannabis/THC products (including most CBD). No foreign prescription authorizes import of these substances — travelers who attempt to bring them face arrest, detention, and deportation.

A Yakkan Shoumei (薬監証明) is an import certificate issued by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) that permits a traveler to bring a controlled medication into Japan for personal use. It is required for psychotropic medications above the no-permit quantity threshold and for injectable forms.

The NCD (Narcotics Control Department) import permit is required for all narcotic medications (morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, codeine, etc.) and for stimulant raw materials (lisdexamfetamine/Vyvanse, pseudoephedrine/Sudafed above threshold, ephedrine above threshold). Apply at least 14 days before arrival with a doctor's letter dated within 3 months.

Apply at least 14 days before your arrival date. For complex cases (multiple controlled medications, long trips, depot/injectable forms), allow 4 weeks. Last-minute permits are rarely granted.

Only CBD products certified THC-free AND pre-approved by Japan's NCD are legal. Most US-marketed CBD products do not meet this bar and are routinely seized at customs. When in doubt, do not bring any cannabis-derived product.

Penalties vary by substance and quantity. Amphetamine, methamphetamine, and cannabis offenses can carry up to 10 years' imprisonment. Even small personal-use quantities are treated as criminal matters, not administrative violations.