Plan B in Japan: Where and How to Get the Morning-After Pill

Overview
Looking for Plan B in Japan?
This guide explains how pharmacies, hospitals, and online clinics work, including 72h/120h options, costs, and English support.

Which would you like to know: the ‘What’ or the ‘How’ about the Morning-After Pill in Japan? You can jump to the section using the buttons below or select a topic from the Table of Contents.

How to Get Plan B in Japan?

Need the morning-after pill in Japan?
Traveling or living in Japan is exciting ー but navigating the medical system can be difficult. This article explains the 3 ways to get emergency contraceptive pills: at pharmacies, hospitals, and online clinics. We’ll help you compare the pros and cons so you can act fast and with confidence. Don’t wait — find your best option here!

Quick Comparison

Pharmacies, Hospitals, or Online Clinics?
Here is a quick comparison to help you decide. Find the option that suits you best, then scroll down to read on for more details!

Method	Speed	English Support	Access	Shipping	Cost	Availability of 120h	Privacy	Follow- up
Pharmacies					¥6,930 – 7,480
Hospitals					¥8,000 – 25,000
Online Clinics					¥8,800 – 15,000

Use the table above to quickly compare the pros and cons of each option!

The best choice depends on your needs…

Now that you know the basics, let’s go over the step-by-step instructions and things to watch out for with each option.

Option 1: Getting at a Pharmacy

Now, let’s learn more about purchasing at a pharmacy. First, let’s go through the step-by-step process.

Step	Action	Details
Step 1	Find a Store	Not all pharmacies carry the pill. Check the official list of authorized stores near you.
Step 2	Call Ahead	Crucial: Confirm if they have “Stock” and an “Authorized Pharmacist” on-duty before going.
Step 3	Visit with ID	Bring your ID (Passport/Residence Card). The price is usually fixed at 6,930 or 7,480 yen.
Step 4	Checklist	Fill out a simple questionnaire about your health and the timing of intercourse.
Step 5	Consultation	Consult with the pharmacist about the pill.
Step 6	Take the Pill	You must take the pill inside the pharmacy in front of the pharmacist (Rule in Japan).

Pros and Cons: Buying at a Pharmacy

Next, let’s look at the pros and cons of pharchasing at a pharmacy. This is the fastest way to get the pill, if you are comfortable communicating in basic Japanese.

PROS
Immediate Access: You can get the pill and take it right away once you find a store.
Fixed & Clear Price: The cost is usually fixed (¥6,930 or 7,480), so there are no hidden medical fees.
No Appointment Needed: You don’t need to book a doctor’s visit or wait for a consultation.

CONS
72-Hour Limit Only: Pharmacies do not stock the more effective 120-hour pill (Ella/Josei).
The Phone Hurdle: You must call in Japanese to check stock and pharmacist availability first.
No Privacy for Intake: Regulations require you to swallow the pill in front of the pharmacist.

【 Verdict 】 
Best for speed, if you meet the requirements.
This method is best suited for people who are already familiar with the medication and feel comfortable navigating a local Japanese pharmacy. Because of the requirements involved, it may not be the right option for everyone.

This map will help you to serch your near by store which sells the morning after pill.

https://map2.daiichisankyo-hc.co.jp/

Option 2: Getting at a Hospital

Now, let’s learn more about purchasing at a hospital. First, let’s go through the step-by-step process.

Step	Action	Details
Step 1	Find a Clinic	Search for “Gynecology” (婦人科). Look for clinics that offer “Emergency Contraception.”
Step 2	Make an Appt.	Call or book online. Some clinics allow walk-ins, but an appointment is faster.
Step 3	Consultation	A doctor will ask about your cycle and may offer the 120h pill for higher success.
Step 4	Payment	Total cost = Consultation fee + Medication. Expect around 10,000 – 20,000 yen.

Pros and Cons: Buying at a Hospital

Next, let’s look at the pros and cons of visiting a hospital. This is often the most reliable way to get comprehensive medical care.

PROS
120h Pill Available: You can get the highly effective 120-hour pill (Ella/Josei) here.
Professional Support: A doctor can provide a medical exam and answer any health concerns.
Complete Care: You can get tested for STIs or start regular birth control pills at the same time.

CONS
Wait Times: You may have to wait a long time in the clinic, even with an appointment.
Higher Cost: Total fees are higher due to consultation and potential exam costs.
Limited Hours: Many clinics are closed on evenings, Sundays, and national holidays.

【 Verdict 】 
Top choice for face-to-face support. Professional care from doctors and nurses provides great peace of mind. 
As your note, be prepared for higher costs and longer wait times compared to other methods

This website will help you to serch your near by hospital which treats the morning after pill.

https://byoinnavi.jp/tokyo/english_speakers/027

Option 3: Using an Online Clinic

Now, let’s learn more about purchasing at a hospital. First, let’s go through the step-by-step process.

Step	Action	Details
Step 1	Register	Access the clinic’s website or app. Some offer full English support.
Step 2	Consultation Online	Have a video call or chat with a doctor via your smartphone.
Step 3	Payment	Pay via Credit Card. Cost includes the pill, consultation, and express shipping.
Step 4	Delivery	The pill is shipped in a discreet package to your home.

Pros and Cons: Buying at a Hospital

Next, let’s look at the pros and cons of visiting a hospital. This is often the most reliable way to get comprehensive medical care.

PROS
120h Pill Available: You can get the highly effective 120-hour pill (Ella/Josei) here.
Professional Support: A doctor can provide a medical exam and answer any health concerns.
Complete Care: You can get tested for STIs or start regular birth control at the same time.

CONS
Wait Times: You may have to wait a long time in the clinic, even with an appointment.
Higher Cost: Total fees are higher due to consultation and potential exam costs.
Limited Hours: Many clinics are closed on evenings, Sundays, and national holidays.

【 Verdict 】 
Top choice for face-to-face support. Professional care from doctors and nurses provides great peace of mind. 
As your note, be prepared for higher costs and longer wait times compared to other methods

This website will help you to serch your near by hospital which treats the morning after pill.

https://byoinnavi.jp/tokyo/english_speakers/027

Which Option Is Best for You?

We have explored three ways to get the morning-after pill in Japan.

Here is a quick summary:

Which option do you think is best for your situation?

Whichever path you choose, it’s completely natural to feel nervous about taking the morning-after pill. We recommend discussing your options with someone you trust, such as your partner, and proceeding calmly once you’ve decided on a method. Please also be aware that you might feel a bit unwell after taking the medication. Take good care of yourself.

And here we are!

We are an international clinic in Akihabara. While we operate as an online clinic, we are able to provide same-day pickup, full English support, and offer options for 120h.

If you feel comfortable with us, we are here to support you.

What Is the Morning-After Pill?

Now, let’s look at the facts about emergency contraceptive medication in Japan.

The morning-after pill is an emergency contraceptive medication taken after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy. It is important to understand that it is not intended for use before intercourse; taking it in advance will not provide protection. Around the world, it is referred to by various names such as Plan B, the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP), 紧急避妊药, or 긴급피임약.

72-Hour Pill vs 120-Hour Pill

There are two main types of emergency contraceptive pills used in Japan. When choosing the right one for you, the key factors to consider are the time window, effectiveness, and cost.

1. The 72-Hour Pill (Levonorgestrel)
Window: Must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected intercourse.
Common Brand Names: NorLevo, Levonorgestrel, PlanB

2. The 120-Hour Pill (Ulipristal Acetate)
Window: Must be taken within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected intercourse.
Common Brand Names: Ella, Josei.

While the 120h option typically offers higher efficacy, it is also more expensive. Plan B is classified as a type of 72h emergency contraceptive.

How Effective Is Emergency Contraception?

For the best results,
emergency contraception should be taken as soon as possible after the encounter. Its effectiveness is highly time-sensitive and is known to decrease significantly if the timing of intercourse coincides with your ovulation day. As illustrated in the graph below, the success rate of preventing pregnancy drops as the window between intercourse and medication gets longer.

Next, let’s find out which specific drugs are offered by pharmacies, hospitals, and online clinics.

	Availability of 72h	Price for 72h	Availability of 120h	Price for 120h
Pharmacies		¥7,480 (Fixed)		N/A
Hospitals		¥10,000 – 15,000		¥15,000 – 20,000
Online clinics		¥8,000 – 12,000		¥12,000 – 16,000

Doctor’s Note

Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible, again.

If you prefer the 72h and can find a pharmacy that has it in stock, it can be a practical option for immediate use. However, for the highest possible effectiveness, I generally recommend the 120h pill, which remains effective for a longer window and is available at hospitals and online clinics.

If you are unsure about the timing or your risk of pregnancy, consulting a doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible is strongly recommended.

English Support at Holiday Pill Akihabara Kanda

As you’ve gathered, we are an international clinic dedicated to providing medical consultations in English.

While we operate as an online clinic, we are able to provide same-day pickup and offer options for 120h.

We are here to help！ Our team is ready for you whenever you need us.

Tap the button above to visit our top page. You can message us directly and say, ”I need emergency contraception and need help!”

Frequently Asked Questions

It is completely natural to have questions about emergency care in Japan. Please know that you are not alone, as many others have had the same concerns.

Check our full FAQ page here

Fore more answers, Check our full FAQ page here