Japanese Drugstores in Akihabara: Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Don Quijote and more
Recently, drugstores are becoming a very popular place to shop among foreign visitors in Japan as various kinds of items can be found at reasonable prices such as cosmetics products, daily household goods, groceries, etc.
Akihabara is one of the most popular areas in Tokyo for shopping, and hundreds of shops are located within this area including several drugstores offering a great shopping option for foreign visitors such as tax-free shopping, a large selection of Japanese souvenirs and multi-language customer services.
In this article, I have curated some of the best drugstores in Akihabara from the most popular one to my personal recommendation, so please check them out!
1. Matsumoto Kiyoshi Akiba Store
Matsumoto Kiyoshi Akiba Store is situated on the main street just off the Electric Town exit of Akihabara Station, and it’s very accessible and easy to spot. Recently, many sightseeing tour buses can be seen in front of the shop and a large number of tourists shop there. It’s open till late (22:00) which is a great benefit.
Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/twbjcbCVQpH2
Access: 3 mins walk from Akihabara Station
Hours: 9:00 am ~ 22:00 pm (Everyday)
Tax Free Shopping: Available
2. Matsumoto Kiyoshi Akiba Electric Town Store
The new branch of Matsumoto Kiyoshi opened right off JR Akihabara Station Electric Town exit last year. It’s located next to the famous anime/game shop, AKIHABARA GAMERS. The shop offers a wide selection of products specially for foreign visitors.
Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/woKsNAjSkFu
Access: 1 mins walk from Akihabara Station
Hours: 9:00 am ~ 22:00 pm (Everyday)
Tax Free Shopping: Available
3. Matsumoto Kiyoshi Iwamotocho Ekimae Store
There are several Matsumoto Koyoshi stores in Akihabara area, but I personally like this branch the most. This spacious store is the only branch in Akihabara that sells prescription medicines and also sells alcohol beverages. It’s slightly distanced from the station, so it’s less busy and you can enjoy shopping comfortably without crowds. If the above two shops are too crowded, I’d recommend you to stop by at this one!
Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/pX5D1aFM43q
Access: 2 mins walk from Iwamotocho Station or 5 mins walk from Akihabara Station
Hours: 10:00 am ~ 21:00 pm (Everyday)
Tax Free Shopping: Available
4. Tomod’s Akihabara Store
Tomod’s Akihabara Store can be accessed about 1 min walk from Akihabara Station Showa-Dori exit. The shop open from 8 am in the morning during week and it’s very convenient to shop before going out or to work. The shop offers a wide selection of daily household products along with cosmetics products. Inside the shops is spacious, and products are displayed by categories so it’s very easy to find the products you look for.
Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/9HswwDDokBG2
Access: 1 mins walk from Akihabara Station
Hours: 8:00 am ~ 22:00 pm (Monday — Friday)
9:00 am ~ 22:00 pm (Sat, Sun, and Holiday)
Tax Free Shopping: Available
5. KoKuMiN Drug Akihabara East Exit Store
This is the drugstore I shop the most often around Akihabara Station. It’s located right outside of the Akihabara Station Showa-Dori exit. The shop is open till 22:30 pm on weekdays, so I really rely on this shop especially when I come home late. The shop itself is not so large, but the appealing point is the regularly held “time sale” offering discounted products such as cup noodles and snacks. When I feel like munching at night, I often stop there and get small bites!
Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/LW4VzPijZZC2
Access: 1 mins walk from Akihabara Station
Hours:
8:00 am ~ 22:30 pm (Monday — Friday)
8:00 am ~ 22:00 pm (Saturday)
9:00 am ~ 21:00 pm (Sunday and Holiday)
Tax Free Shopping: Available
6. KoKuMiN Atre Akihabara 1 Store
The shop is located inside Atre building that is directly connected with Akihabara Station Electric Exit. Atre is a great spot for shopping as it’s very accessible and has a large numbers of shops. This shop is larger than the KoKuMiN store introduced above.
Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/UnNmhLUpxkD2
Access: 2 mins walk from Akihabara Station
Hours: 10:00 am ~ 21:00 pm (Everyday)
Tax Free Shopping: Available
7. Drug In Kimuraya Akihabara Store
Kimuraya is operated by the famous electronic store, Yamada Denki group. The Akihabara branch is situated on the aisle inside the station which connects the Central and Electric Town exits, so you can comfortably shop even on a rainy day. There are McDonald’s and Mizuho Bank nearby. During lunch time, many office workers can be seen there shopping for drinks and snacks as many products are cheaper than in convenience stores. Moreover, if you have a point card of Yamada Denki, you can earn points every time you shop at Kimuraya.
Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/Tyszmw29tH72
Access: 1 mins walk from Akihabara Station
Hours: 7:00 am ~ 23:00 pm (Monday — Friday)
9:00 am ~ 23:00 pm (Saturday)
10:00 am ~ 22:00 pm (Sunday and Holiday)
Tax Free Shopping: Available
8. Don Quijote Akihabara Store
The last drugstore I’m introducing is Don Quijote, which is now the classic shopping spot for tourists. The 8-story shopping complex has a dedicated section for cosmetics and medical products on the 2nd floor. The shop offers a wide variety of products as well as discounted products. You may be able to find many items at cheaper price than other shops. Some of the shop staff at this store speaks multiple language so they may be able to help your shopping if you need an advise! There are unique shops within the building such as an idol goods shop or a maid cafe where you can have unique Akiba experiences!
Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/wy95XdSRHbM2
Access: 5 mins walk from Akihabara Station
Hours: 9:00 am ~ 5:00 am (Next day)
Tax Free Shopping: Available
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoy my list of the best drugstore in Akihabara! There are many types of drugstores in Akihabara, so I’d suggest you to stop by at a few of them depending on your needs and preferences!
For more information about shopping in Japan, please check these articles, too!
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