Japan has strict regulations on medications that are allowed into the country, with many over-the-counter medications that are legal in other countries banned or restricted. If you have a prescription for medication, you may be able to bring it with you to Japan, but you must follow certain procedures and obtain a Yakkan Shoumei certificate from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Some medications require special permission from the Japanese government before they can be brought into the country. It is important to declare any medication that you are carrying with you when entering Japan and keep it in your carry-on luggage. If you run out of medication while in Japan or need additional medication for any reason, it is possible to purchase some types of medication at pharmacies.