Need to buy medicine, cosmetics, and snacks late at night? Here's a roundup of 5 24-hour or late-night drugstores in Shinjuku Ward, from Don Quijote to Matsumoto Kiyoshi.
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When a flight arrives in the early morning or you find yourself at an izakaya late into the night, you may suddenly need stomach medicine, contact lens solution, or sanitary products. Shinjuku Ward has several 24-hour or late-night drugstores that can come to your rescue.
Editor's Note: Among the stores listed in this article, only Don Quijote (discount variety store) is actually open 24 hours. Matsumotokiyoshi, Sundrug, Taikoku Pharmacy and other stores have varying hours and are not 24-hour operations. Please confirm actual operating hours at each store location.
5 Late-Night Drugstores
01｜Don Quijote Shinjuku East Exit Main Store｜24 Hours
Japan's most famous variety store chain, the Shinjuku East Exit flagship store is open 24 hours. Stocked with pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, snacks, and souvenirs.
Lines still stretch to the checkout counter at 2:00 AM. The tax-free counter operates 24 hours.
02｜Don Quijote Kabukicho Store｜24 Hours
The Kabukicho location is larger in scale with a more diverse product selection. **24 hours** of operation throughout the day, just like the other store.
Late-night checkout crowds are heavier, so we recommend avoiding the peak hours between 0:00–2:00.
03｜Matsumoto Kiyoshi Shinjuku East Exit Store｜Open until 23:30
Japan's largest drugstore chain. Shinjuku East Exit store is open **9:00 AM - 11:30 PM** with the most comprehensive selection of pharmaceuticals (prescription medications available only during pharmacist hours).
Complete Chinese and English signage for the most tourist-friendly experience.
04｜Sundrug Shinjuku West Exit Store｜Open until 22:30
Another major drugstore chain. **9:00 AM - 10:30 PM**, with prices typically slightly lower than Matsumoto Kiyoshi.
A wide variety of cosmetics are available, featuring both Korean and Japanese brands.
05｜Daikoku 藥妝｜Open until 22:00
Local chain with affordable prices. **10:00 AM - 10:00 PM**, multiple locations in Shinjuku Ward.
The selection of pharmaceuticals is smaller than Matsumoto Kiyoshi or Sundrug, but daily necessities are very affordable.
**Don Quijote is the only truly 24-hour store**, while others are just "open late." For emergency late-night shopping, heading straight to Don Quijote is your safest bet.
From IGO HOTEL, it's about a 12-minute walk to Don Quijote.
※ Business hours, prices, addresses, and menus of the shops mentioned in this article are subject to change without notice. Some items are reference examples and not specific shop recommendations. Please check the official website or on-site announcements of each shop before your visit.
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