For many women, oral contraceptives (the “pill”) are a common and convenient choice for birth control and for managing menstrual health. However, Japan has a different medical system compared to many Western countries. If you are living in or traveling to Japan, here is what you need to know about how to get the pill.
The Pill in Japan: Availability and Context
In Japan, the primary method of contraception is condoms, and only a small percentage of women who use contraception rely on the pill on a regular basis. This rate is quite low compared to other developed countries. Concerns about side effects, cultural resistance, and the fact that it is not widely covered by insurance are some of the main reasons.
As a result, unlike in many Western countries, you unfortunately cannot buy the pill freely at a pharmacy in Japan. A doctor’s prescription is always required. Therefore, for foreigners who wish to obtain the pill in Japan, the process looks like this:
The Process of Getting the Pill in Japan
- Visit a gynecologist or women’s clinic
- Foreigners can also visit without issues. If you have Japanese health insurance, bring your insurance card. Short-term visitors without insurance can still receive care, but it will be self-paid.
- During your first consultation, the doctor will ask about your medical history, smoking habits, and check your blood pressure to evaluate risks.
- Get a prescription
- If everything is fine, the doctor will prescribe the pill.
- Usually, only one month’s supply is given for the first time. After confirming no serious side effects, doctors may provide three months or more at once.
- Pick up at a pharmacy
- Take your prescription to a nearby pharmacy (“yakkyoku”) to purchase the pills.
Costs in Japan
- For contraception (non-insurance, self-pay):
- Consultation: ¥2,000–3,000
- Pill: ¥2,000–3,500 per month
- Total: Around ¥3,000–5,000 per month
- For medical reasons (with insurance):
If prescribed for conditions like endometriosis or severe menstrual pain, health insurance may apply. In this case, the monthly cost can be reduced to around ¥1,000–2,000.
Other Medical Reasons for the Pill
In Japan, doctors also prescribe the pill not only for contraception but for:
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
- Endometriosis
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Irregular cycles
- PMS/PMDD symptoms
English-Friendly Gynecology Clinics in Tokyo & Osaka
For foreigners, finding English-speaking clinics is important. Here are some options:
Tokyo
- Kishi Clinica Femina (Shibuya) – Multilingual staff, appointments required
- Women’s Life Clinic Ginza – English-speaking doctors, women’s health focus
- Tokyo Midtown Clinic (Roppongi) – International clinic with gynecology services
- Ebine Women’s Clinic – English-speaking staff, appointments required
Osaka
- Tennoji Chihiro Women’s Clinic – Family planning, English-friendly
- Oak Clinic Group – Multiple branches, English support available
- Bow Clinic International – Specifically caters to foreigners
Online Options
In recent years, telemedicine has become available in Japan. Some services provide online consultations (sometimes in English) and deliver the pill by mail. This can be convenient if you prefer not to visit a clinic in person.
1. Ashiya Women’s Clinic
- Location: Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Features: Provides online consultations in English and Chinese, and ships birth control pills (Favoir) directly to your home.
- Pricing Example:
- First order: ¥2,200 (guidance fee) + ¥1,100 (online consultation fee) + ¥2,200 (language support fee) + ¥2,300 (1 pill sheet) + ¥550 (shipping)
- Subsequent orders: ¥1,100 (online consultation fee) + ¥2,300 (1 pill sheet) + ¥550 (shipping)
- Details: Reservations can be made via LINE or the website. Delivery is handled through Japan Post.
2. Holiday-Pill Akihabara Kanda
- Location: Chiyoda, Tokyo (Akihabara/Kanda)
- Features: English-speaking online consultation available. Pills are shipped directly to your home.
- Pricing Example:
- 1 pill sheet: ¥2,500
- Initial consultation fee: ¥1,000 (first time only)
- Details: Apply via LINE, have a phone consultation, and receive same-day or next-day shipping.
These clinics are convenient for foreigners in Japan, offering both online consultation and mail delivery, especially useful if you are not comfortable with Japanese.
Final Thoughts
Getting the pill in Japan requires visiting a doctor first, but it is accessible to both residents and visitors. While the process may seem more formal compared to Western countries, once you establish care with a clinic, refills are relatively straightforward.
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