Emergency contraception is now available without a prescription in Japan. However, the pill must be taken at the pharmacy in the presence of a pharmacist.

Japan has eased restrictions on emergency contraception. Travelers should know that the morning-after pill, while now available over-the-counter, has specific purchase conditions.

The pill must be purchased in person at a pharmacy; online sales are prohibited. The cost is approximately ¥7,480. Crucially, the pill must be taken on-site, in the presence of a pharmacist, immediately after purchase.

This change impacts access and privacy. While a step forward, travelers cannot buy the pill in advance to carry with them. For those asking for it in Japanese, kinkyu hininyaku is the term for “emergency contraceptive,” and afuta piru (“after pill”) is the one for “morning-after pill.”