Japan
Country · Asia
Japan strictly regulates medications. Notably, several stimulant medications common elsewhere — including Adderall and other amphetamine-based ADHD drugs — are completely banned, even with a prescription. Other medicines may require an import certificate (Yakkan Shoumei) when carried in larger quantities.
Traveler warnings
Adderall, Vyvanse and other amphetamine-based ADHD medicines are banned outright — do not bring them. Some cold and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine are also prohibited.
Legal status by substance category
11 categories documented for Japan.
ADHD Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse)
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Limit: Prohibited
Amphetamine and methamphetamine-based stimulants — including Adderall and Vyvanse — are STRICTLY PROHIBITED with no exceptions, even with a foreign prescription. Methylphenidate (Concerta/Ritalin) is only available through restricted domestic programs. Bringing banned stimulants can lead to arrest.
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin)
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Limit: ≤1 month without Yakkan Shoumei
Benzodiazepines are permitted for personal use; quantities beyond about one month require a Yakkan Shoumei import certificate obtained in advance.
CBD Products (hemp-derived)
CBD Products
Only CBD products that are completely THC-free (no controlled cannabinoids) may be permitted; any detectable THC makes the product illegal. Risk of seizure is high.
General Prescription Medications
General Prescription Medications
Limit: 1-month supply; Yakkan Shoumei beyond
Up to one month's supply of most medicines is allowed; larger quantities require a Yakkan Shoumei import certificate obtained in advance.
Penalty: Some common medicines (e.g. certain cold remedies) are banned regardless of quantity.
Kratom
Kratom
Limit: None
Mitragynine (kratom) is a designated controlled substance in Japan.
Penalty: Possession and importation are criminal offenses.
Medical Cannabis / THC
Cannabis / Marijuana
Limit: Prohibited
Cannabis is illegal and enforcement is severe, including for foreigners. Any cannabis or THC product is prohibited.
Opioids / Pain Medications (oxycodone, tramadol, codeine)
Opioids / Pain Medications
Limit: Advance permission required
Narcotic opioids require advance permission from MHLW; codeine and stronger opioids are tightly controlled. Apply before travel.
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Psilocybin / Magic Mushrooms
Limit: None
Psilocybin mushrooms are illegal narcotics in Japan.
Penalty: Possession and supply carry significant prison sentences.
Psychiatric Medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics)
Psychiatric Medications
Limit: ≤1 month without Yakkan Shoumei
Most antidepressants and antipsychotics are permitted; some psychotropics and stimulant-like medicines may require a Yakkan Shoumei or be restricted.
THC Vapes / Concentrates
THC Vapes / Concentrates
Limit: None
THC vapes and concentrates are illegal cannabis products and strictly enforced.
Penalty: Imprisonment under the Cannabis Control Act / Narcotics laws.
Testosterone / TRT (Schedule III)
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Limit: ≤1 month without Yakkan Shoumei
Testosterone is permitted for personal medical use; larger quantities require a Yakkan Shoumei.
Prescription policy
Up to one month's supply of most prescription medicines may be brought in for personal use without prior approval. Larger quantities, or any controlled or injectable medicine, require a Yakkan Shoumei import certificate obtained in advance.
Controlled substances
Stimulant drugs containing amphetamine or methamphetamine (including Adderall and Vyvanse) are strictly prohibited with no exceptions. Certain narcotics and psychotropics require advance permission from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
Customs & border guidance
Carry medicines in original packaging with your prescription. Apply for a Yakkan Shoumei certificate by email well before travel if you exceed personal-use limits or carry controlled/psychotropic medicines.
Penalties
Bringing banned stimulants such as Adderall into Japan can lead to arrest, detention and deportation even for travelers with a valid foreign prescription. Narcotics offences carry severe prison sentences.
Live Alerts
Japan: Adderall and amphetamine-based ADHD medication remain banned
CriticalTravelers to Japan are reminded that Adderall, Vyvanse and other amphetamine-based stimulants are completely prohibited, even with a valid foreign prescription. Carrying them can result in arrest and detention at the airport. If you take these medications, consult your doctor about alternatives and the Yakkan Shoumei process well before travel.
Documentation required
Yakkan Shoumei import certificate (where required), original prescription, doctor's letter, medicines in original packaging.
For informational purposes only. This profile is not legal or medical advice. Laws change frequently; always verify with the official government, embassy, customs, or health authority before you travel.