Need over-the-counter medicine, contact lens solution, feminine hygiene products, or travel essentials late at night in Shinjuku? Here are 5 24-hour drugstores and convenience stores with addresses, directions, and tips for late-night shopping.
Your flight arrives in Tokyo late at night, or you've finished exploring Kabukicho only to realize you've forgotten your toothbrush, feminine hygiene products, or contact lens solution? Shinjuku does have several stores where you can pick up essentials in the middle of the night, but "24-hour store operation" doesn't mean all medications are available around the clock.
Below is a list of 5 stores located in Shinjuku Ward that operate 24 hours and sell cosmetics, daily necessities, or some over-the-counter medications. If you need Class 1 medications, prescription drugs, or pharmacist consultation, you'll need to visit during the pharmacist's or registered seller's working hours.
First, the conclusion: Which restaurant for late night?
| Shop | Location | Perfect Match | Open 24 Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcia O-GUARD Shinjuku Store | West Shinjuku | Over-the-counter Medicines, Hygiene Products, General Cosmetics | Yes, the pharmacy counter has separate operating hours |
| Don Quijote Shinjuku Store | Okubo | Everything you need in the Shin-Okubo and Higashi-Shinjuku area | Yes |
| Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho Store | Kabukicho | Emergency Restocking After Night Out | Yes |
| Don Quijote Shinjuku East-South Exit Store | Shinjuku Station Southeast Exit | Just Arrived or Getting Ready to Depart | Yes |
| Don Quijote Shinjuku Meiji-dori Store | Nishi-Waseda | Located in Nishi-Waseda and Waseda area | Yes |
When you truly need medicine late at night rather than cosmetics or daily necessities, prioritize Welcia. Don Quijote is a general discount store that sells cosmetics and some over-the-counter medicines, but available medicines are limited by pharmacist or registered sales staff working hours.
01|Welcia O-GUARD Shinjuku: Your Go-To for Late-Night Pharmacy Needs
If your late-night mission is to pick up stomach medicine, painkillers, cold remedies, or hygiene products, Welcia O-GUARD Shinjuku is the closest thing on this list to what most people understand as a "24-hour drugstore." The store carries daily essentials, cosmetics, and over-the-counter medications, and also offers pharmacy services.
- Address: 7-10-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo
- Hours: Store 24 hours
- Access: Walk west from Shinjuku Station West Exit towards Nishi-Shinjuku; near Shinjuku West Exit Station
- Good for purchasing: Over-the-counter medicines, masks, feminine hygiene products, skincare products, travel essentials
- View on Google Maps
The pharmacy counter is not open 24/7 and closes during certain late-night hours. If you need prescription medications, Category 1 drugs, or emergency contraception, we recommend calling the store in advance to confirm that a pharmacist is available.
02|Don Quijote Shinjuku Store: Most Convenient for Okubo and Shin-Okubo Areas
Don Quijote Shinjuku Store is located in Okubo, offering convenient access from I GO HOTEL, Shin-Okubo, and the Higashi-Shinjuku area. With a large store space, you'll find cosmetics, face masks, and health supplements, as well as snacks, beverages, charging cables, toiletries, and miscellaneous items that travelers often forget to bring.
- Address: 1-12-6 Okubo, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo
- Hours: 24 hours, open year-round
- Transportation: Close to Shin-Okubo Station, Higashi-Shinjuku Station, and Seibu-Shinjuku Station
- Great for: Drugstore items, souvenirs, food, electronics, and travel essentials
- View on Google Maps
This is the most convenient late-night shopping spot for guests staying in the Okubo area. While the store is open 24 hours, pharmaceutical products are only sold when qualified staff are on duty in accordance with regulations.
03|Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho Store: Convenient Restocking After Exploring Kabukicho
Located near the entrance of Kabukicho, the distinctive yellow signage is easy to spot. After a night out, it's the most convenient place to pick up makeup removers, beverages, pain relief patches, or souvenirs—though expect crowds during peak hours and potential checkout queues.
- Address:1-16-5 Kabukicho, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo
- Hours:24 hours, open year-round
- Access:Convenient from Shinjuku Station East Exit and Seibu-Shinjuku Station
- Best for:Cosmetics, daily essentials, snacks, souvenirs, and select over-the-counter medicines
- View on Google Maps
04|Don Quijote Shinjuku Southeast Exit: Fastest Access from Shinjuku Station
Just a 1-minute walk from the JR Shinjuku Station Southeast Exit, this location is perfect for travelers who have just arrived, are catching a night bus, or staying near Shinjuku 3-chome. The store carries pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, alcohol, and daily essentials—ideal for those who don't want to carry luggage far from the station.
- Address: 3-36-16 Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo
- Hours: 24 hours, open year-round
- Access: 1-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station Southeast Exit
- Best for: Travel essentials, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, food, souvenirs, and general over-the-counter medicines
- View on Google Maps
05|Don Quijote Shinjuku Meiji-dori: 24-Hour Shopping Near Nishi-Waseda Station
Located on Meiji-dori, this store is just a 1-minute walk from Exit 3 of Nishi-Waseda Station on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line. While it's farther from Shinjuku Station's core area, it's the nearest 24-hour large-scale shopping destination for guests staying in Nishi-Waseda, Toyama, or the southern side of Takadanobaba.
- Address: 3-16-6 Toyama, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo
- Hours: 24 hours, open year-round
- Access: 1-minute walk from Exit 3 of Nishi-Waseda Station
- Best for: Daily essentials, cosmetics, food, and travel accessories
- View on Google Maps
3 Things to Remember Before Buying Medicine Late at Night
- 24-hour operation does not mean you can buy all medicines at any time.Some Japanese pharmaceuticals can only be sold when a pharmacist or registered sales staff member is present.
- Prescription drugs are different from over-the-counter medicines.Don Quijote cannot replace a hospital or pharmacy; Welcia's pharmacy counter also has independent service hours.
- Don't rely solely on over-the-counter medicine when symptoms are severe.If you experience difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, loss of consciousness, or severe allergic reactions, please call Japan's emergency number 119.
Which I GO HOTEL location should you choose?
When staying in the Okubo area, Don Quijote Shinjuku is typically the most convenient option for purchasing toiletries, snacks, cosmetics, and travel accessories. For a more comprehensive selection of over-the-counter medications, visit Welcia O-GUARD Shinjuku in West Shinjuku, though we recommend confirming in advance whether qualified staff are available during late-night hours.
Store hours, services, and pharmaceutical sales times may change without notice. Please check the official store page or in-store announcements before your visit.
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