Introduction
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s busiest shopping districts, packed with drugstores that cater to both locals and international visitors.
From skincare and medicine to Japanese cosmetics and daily goods, these shops offer convenience and value for every traveler.
Here are five trusted drugstores in Shinjuku as of 2025, all offering tax-free services, multilingual support, and cashless payment options.
Best Drugstores in Shinjuku
Matsumoto Kiyoshi
Japan’s most famous drugstore chain, known for its huge selection of cosmetics, medicine, and supplements.
The Shinjuku East Exit branch is just one minute from the station and offers English signage, multilingual staff, and tax-free checkout.
- Store: Matsumoto Kiyoshi Shinjuku East Exit (3-25-10 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku)
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Features: Tax-free / Multilingual POP / Cashless payment
💡 Tip: Perfect stop between shopping at Isetan and visiting Shinjuku ALTA.
Cocokara Fine
A well-organized pharmacy offering everything from healthcare products to Japanese skincare and vitamins.
The Shinjuku West Exit branch is especially convenient for travelers, with English and Chinese signage throughout the store.
- Store: Cocokara Fine Shinjuku West Exit (1-12-9 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku)
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Features: Tax-free counter / English & Chinese-speaking staff
💡 Tip: Great location for travelers staying near Shinjuku Station hotels.
Sundrug
A popular chain known for affordable prices and an excellent variety of Japanese cosmetics and medicines.
The Sundrug Shinjuku Central East Exit branch is open 24 hours, making it perfect for late-night shopping.
- Store: Sundrug Shinjuku Central East Exit (3-24-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku)
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Features: Tax-free / Cashless / Open all night
💡 Tip: Ideal for travelers who need essentials after a night out in Kabukicho.
Welcia
Welcia is a pharmacy chain trusted by locals for its reliable service and knowledgeable staff.
The Shinjuku 3-chome branch includes a prescription counter and sells medicine, snacks, and cosmetics.
- Store: Welcia Shinjuku 3-chome (3-4-8 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku)
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Features: Prescription pharmacy / Cashless / Bilingual support
💡 Tip: Recommended for visitors who need medical advice or over-the-counter medicine.
Tsuruha Drug
Originating from Hokkaido, Tsuruha Drug is loved for its friendly service and wide selection of Japanese brands.
The Shinjuku Yasukuni-dori branch offers tax-free checkout, multilingual staff, and supports mobile payments.
- Store: Tsuruha Drug Shinjuku Yasukuni-dori (1-5-4 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku)
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Features: Tax-free / WeChat Pay & Alipay / Multilingual service
💡 Tip: Conveniently located near Kabukicho and Seibu-Shinjuku Station.
Tourist-Friendly Services
| Service | Availability |
|---|---|
| Tax-Free Shopping | Available in most stores (for purchases over ¥5,000) |
| Multilingual Support | English, Chinese, and Korean signage |
| Cashless Payment | Credit cards, Suica, PayPay, WeChat Pay |
| 24-Hour Stores | Sundrug Shinjuku Central East Exit and others |
| Pharmacist Consultation | Available at Welcia branches |
Summary
Shinjuku’s drugstores offer a convenient mix of affordability, variety, and tourist-friendly services.
Whether you’re shopping for skincare, medicine, or Japanese souvenirs,
you’ll find everything you need at Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Cocokara Fine, Sundrug, Welcia, or Tsuruha Drug.
Make the most of your Tokyo trip with a quick and easy shopping stop at one of Shinjuku’s top pharmacies.
Looking for the original article in Japanese?
Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku：https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/
