Drugstores - Big Surprises at Everyday Drugstores

As its name suggests, a drugstore carries pharmaceuticals. Yet in Japan, this is only the tip of the iceberg -from detergents, cleaning tools, and other articles of everyday use to cosmetics, esthetic and body-care items, and instant food, drugstores are popular destinations for many reasons. In Japan, drugstores are often located inside and around terminal railroad stations and they are popular among people of all ages when the need arises.
Some drugstores frequently sell the most popular brands of cosmetics at some 20 % off the regular prices. For this reason, many tourists from outside Japan have begun to buy souvenirs at these shops. Drugstores come in all sizes and can be found in a surprising number of places. Those located at railroad stations and on commercial streets are typically small and mainly carry pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, while it is more common for suburban drugstores to be larger and carry a greater diversity of items, sometimes even including fresh foods. Some very large drugstores near tourists spots or in major cities employ staff who speak English, Chinese, and other languages, and credit card are usually accepted.