Motion sickness or travel sickness medicine in Japan is referred to as 乗り物酔い薬 (norimono yoi kusuri). Many motion sickness medicines in Japan contain antihistamines, which act as a sedative and help relieve symptoms such as nausea and dizziness. Many also include other active ingredients to prevent or alleviate related symptoms.

To help you choose the best motion sickness medicine, we’ve compiled three of the most popular drugstore options. They receive great reviews from both pharmacists and travelers and are widely available.

Most motion sickness medicines in Japan contain a variety of active ingredients to help prevent or alleviate related symptoms. Please keep in mind that this guide is for informational purposes only—be sure to consult a healthcare professional to find the best option for you.

A long-acting motion sickness medication containing five active ingredients, including the antihistamine (pheniramine maleate). This acts as a sedative and helps to alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness. Available at pharmacies and drugstores, a single capsule provides long-lasting relief.

pheniramine maleate (30mg per 1 capsule).

Scopolamine hydrobromide hydrate (0.2 mg per 1 capsule).

Take one capsule once a day with water. To prevent motion sickness, take the medication 30 minutes before boarding transport. Not suitable for children under 15 years old.

Varies by pharmacy. Approximately ¥650 for 6 capsules.

Pharmacists advise against taking this medication in combination with other motion sickness treatments or medications, as the ingredients may overlap. Pharmacists say this is ranked as the number one motion sickness medication and is the best-selling. 

This over-the-counter motion sickness tablet is a chewable type that is easy to take, has a refreshing menthol flavor. It contains meclizine hydrochloride, which blocks the transmission of stimuli to the vomiting center, relieving dizziness and nausea, and scopolamine hydrobromide hydrate, which alleviates the excited state of the autonomic nervous system, further relieving dizziness and nausea. It is highly effective in preventing and relieving dizziness, nausea, and headaches caused by motion sickness.

meclizine hydrochloride(25mg per 2 tablets).

scopolamine hydrobromide hydrate (0.25mg per 2 tablets). 

For adults 15 years and older, take two tablets once a day, 30 minutes before boarding. For children aged 7 to 15 years, take one tablet 30 minutes before boarding. Not suitable for children under 7 years old.

Varies by pharmacy. Approximately ¥550 for 6 tablets.

Drugstore staff also highly recommend this medication. They mentioned that it is popular due to its convenience, as it dissolves quickly in the mouth and can be taken without water. 

Another popular choice, this anti-motion sickness medication for adults is effective in preventing and alleviating the symptoms of motion sickness. Even if you do experience motion sickness, taking Travelmin can help improve symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and headaches, allowing you to enjoy your trip. The active ingredient diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, acts as a sedative and helps to alleviate the symptoms of motion sickness. These small tablets are easy to take and can also help relieve hangover symptoms.

Diphenhydramine salicylate (40mg per 1 tablet). 

Diprophylline(26mg per 1 tablet).   

Take one tablet up to three times a day, with at least four hours between doses. Take the dose with water or hot water 30 minutes before boarding. Not suitable for children under 15 years old.

Varies by pharmacy. Approximately ¥650 for 6 tablets.

Do not use any of the following medicines while taking this medication: cold medicines, sedatives, or internal medications containing antihistamines. Do not drive after taking this medicine, as drowsiness may occur. Failure to follow these instructions may worsen your current symptoms or increase the risk of side effects or accidents.

If you struggle with or dislike taking tablets and pills, this is an alternative motion-sickness medicine in the form of a drink. It contains chlorpheniramine maleate, an antihistamine, which helps suppress dizziness, nausea, and headaches, and comes in a small 20 mL bottle that can be easily taken on the spot when you feel unwell. It has a refreshing grapefruit flavor and can be used by children aged 11 and older.

Varies by pharmacy. Approximately ¥700 for 2 bottles.

To further prevent motion sickness, drugstore staff recommend getting enough sleep the night before your trip. Eat easy-to-digest foods in moderation to keep your stomach in good condition. When riding, choose a seat with minimal motion and sit comfortably in a relaxed position. Finally, look at the scenery in the distance out the window, or chat to distract yourself.

Pharmacists advise taking the medicine 30 minutes before boarding. However, if you forget and start to feel unwell, you should take it immediately, as it will still be effective in relieving symptoms of dizziness, nausea, and headaches.

If you are pregnant, you should consult a doctor before taking any motion sickness medicine. If you are breastfeeding, you should not take any form of motion sickness medication.

This information is based on interviews with Japanese drugstore employees and available product data as of March 2025. Always read the product packaging and instructions carefully, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions regarding treatment. 

For more information, read our full guide to drugstores in Japan.