ConditionalPsychotropic · Zolpidem

Is Zolpidem Legal in Japan?

Reviewed by Dr. Lo and Dr. Lee (PharmD)·Last updated

Conditional — quantity threshold applies

Zolpidem (Ambien) is allowed into Japan for personal use without a permit, provided you carry no more than 300 mg in oral (non-injectable) form. Above that threshold, or for any injectable form, you must apply for a Yakkan Shoumei import certificate supported by a doctor's letter before travel.

Japan status

Conditional

Quantity threshold

300 mg

Substance class

Psychotropic

Why is Zolpidem controlled in Japan?

Zolpidem is a Schedule III psychotropic under Japan's Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law.

Doctor letter & quantity rules

  1. 1No certificate or permission is required if you carry ≤ the quantity threshold AND the form is non-injectable (oral only).
  2. 2If you are above the threshold OR carrying an injectable form, apply for a Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate) before travel.
  3. 3Carry the prescription bottle in original pharmacy packaging with the patient label legible.
  4. 4We recommend a doctor's letter listing your diagnosis, drug name, daily dose, and trip length — even when below the threshold, customs may ask.

Above the threshold? Apply for a Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate) — the MHLW equivalent of an import permit for psychotropics over the personal-use limit.

MHLW Yakkan Shoumei guidance

Frequently asked questions

Is Ambien allowed in Japan?▼

Yes, up to 300 mg of zolpidem in oral form for personal use. A 10 mg × 30-day supply (300 mg) is exactly at the threshold — for longer trips, apply for a Yakkan Shoumei.

Related medications

ZopicloneConditional

Zopiclone is a Schedule III psychotropic under Japan's Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law.

TemazepamConditional

Temazepam is a Schedule III psychotropic under Japan's Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law.

TriazolamConditional

Triazolam is a Schedule III psychotropic. The threshold is very low (15 mg) because triazolam is dosed in fractions of a milligram.

Check your full travel kit

Zolpidem is just one medication — most travelers carry several. Our free checker reviews your entire prescription list against Japan’s import rules.

Check all my medications

Source: MHLW Narcotics Control Department — Controlled Substances List (12 Dec 2024). Page last reviewed 2026-05-31 by Dr. Lo and Dr. Lee (PharmD). Regulations change — verify with the MHLW Narcotics Control Department before travel. This page is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your prescribing physician or from a Japanese customs authority.