Navigating Tampons in Japan & More: Japanese Menstrual Care

Need help finding the right period pads and tampons in Japan?

This guide will help you to find the right size and thickness.

Where do you buy feminine hygiene products?

Many stores in Japan sell feminine hygiene products, such as pads, tampons, and more. The most accessible store is to visit any drug stores such as Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Cocokarafine. Smaller hygiene product sections can be found at convenience stores and supermarkets.

Look for signs that contain 生理用品せいりようひん (seiri youhinn) for period products.

Additionally, you can buy most of these Japanese products online, as many drugstore chains have websites that can be bought on Amazon. 

Vocabulary for pad and tampons in Japan

Here are a few examples of Japanese vocabulary to look out for when packaging feminine hygiene products.

Knowing what to look out for will help you find the period pad, tampon, etc, much easier. 

Sanitary pads in Japan

Various pads in Japan | Mainichi

Pads in Japan, also called 生理用せいりようナプキン (seiriyou napukinn) or just napukin (ナプキン), are the most popular menstrual products here.

They come in various brands and different sizes ranging from 21 cm to 40 cm in length. Choose the right size depending on your flow.

Additionally, pay attention to the packaging for daytime ( 昼ひるよう, hiruyou) vs nighttime (夜よるよう, yoru you) pads, as nighttime ones are more absorbent and come at a longer size.

So which period pad should I buy?

Many Japanese period pads have simple and easy-to-understand packaging, so you can know what you are looking at without knowing Japanese. In addition, many packaging will have additional information on the size and shape of the pad so you can see which flow best suits the pad. 

Depending on the store, pad samples may even be displayed hanging from the shelf so you can see and feel the particular pad. 

Tampons in Japan

Various tampons in Japan | WanderWeib

タンポン (tannponn) or tampons are a little less popular in Japan, but they are still available here.

You can find regular tampons (レギュラー, regyura) and super tampons(スーパー, suupaa) in most stores. 

Larger drugstores will offer more options in terms of brands, sizes, and flow options, such as light (ライト, raito) and super plus (スーパープラス, supa purchase) tampons.

On the Japanese tampon packaging, you can look for the words such as soft (ソフト, sofuto) or compact (コンパクト, connpakuto) for comfort and portability.

Alternatives to pads and tampons in Japan

While these options are harder to find in stores, they're much easier online, such as on Amazon or Rakuten. 

Menstrual cup

Sofy’s menstrual cup

Menstrual cups, also called gekkei kappu (月経カップ) are a great alternative to pads and tampons if you are looking to reduce overall waste products. They are made from medical-grade silicone or rubber, making them reusable and sustainable.

They act similar to tampons, but they collect the menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it. Depending on your flow, you can wear them for up to 12 hours without emptying, washing, or reinserting.

With proper care, you have used one menstrual cup for many years.

Menstrual sponges

Menstrual sponges, or sponge tampons (スポンジタンポン, suponnji tannponn), are another good choice as a reusable menstrual care option.

It acts similar to a tampon and can be worn for several hours. Menstrual sponges should be thoroughly rinsed and cleaned between uses, and you should follow the cleaning instructions.

Dealing with period pain

When dealing with periods and other menstruation issues such as cramps, headaches, and more, you can find over-the-counter painkillers at every drug store in Japan.

Some popular Japanese medicine include:

• Loxoprofen ロキソプロフェン: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID)

• Ibuprofen イブプロフェン: which contains ibuprofen

Additionally, you can find disposable heat packs (懐炉かいろ) and hot water bottles (湯ゆたんぽ) to help soothe the pain. 

However, if you find yourself taking double or triple doses or bleeding through a large menstruation products, then it's best to see an OBGYN for a more proper health diagnosis.

Frequently asked questions

Where to buy tampons in Japan?

While the section might be small, you can find tampons in Japan at any drugstore here.

Do they sell tampons in Japan?

While tampons are less popular in Japan, many Japanese drugstores still sell a small selection for those who prefer them.

Where to buy sanitary pads in Japan?

Sanitary pads can be bought at Japanese drugstores. Additionally, a small section of feminine hygiene products is available at the conbini or the supermarket.

In closing

Now you have a little more knowledge about period pads and tampons in Japan and an alternative to consider.

While searching for a new period product in another country can be daunting, with a little bit of knowledge beforehand, you can find at least one product that best suits your situation.