Insect repellent (DEET, picaridin)
DEET / icaridin (insect repellent)
Japan has mosquito-borne dengue (rare) and tick-borne SFTS and Japanese spotted fever in rural areas, so repellent matters for hikers. Since 2016 Japan allows DEET up to 30% and picaridin up to 15%, sold as Class 2 medicines (Saratect, Skin Vape); the 50–100% DEET sold abroad is not available. Bring your own if you prefer higher strength.
- Prescription status
- OTC only
- Over the counter
- Class 2
- Bringing it into Japan
- ✓ 1 month Rx / 2 months OTC
- Names abroad
- OFF! Deep Woods · Jungle Formula
Over the counter
DEET 30% and picaridin 15% products are OTC Class 2 medicines in Japan; weaker sprays are quasi-drugs sold anywhere.
- Look for this on the package
- 虫よけ（ディート・イカリジン）
- DEET / icaridin (insect repellent)
- Common product names
- サラテクトスキンベープムシペール
- Category printed on the package
- Class 2
- Sold at any drugstore or pharmacy, and online.
Show this page to the pharmacist or staff. Prices and packaging vary by store, so look for the Japanese ingredient name.
Shows drugstores around your current location. We have no commercial relationship with any store. Open in Apple Maps
Prescription products in Japan
0 productsProducts on Japan's national drug price list. Prescription only: a clinic visit is needed, and pharmacies may substitute a generic with the same ingredient.
| Dosage forms |
|---|
Product names are shown in Japanese, exactly as printed on the package and the prescription. Show this page at the pharmacy.
All listed products (0) · Drug price list as of 2026-08-12
Bringing it into Japan
Up to a 1-month supply of prescription medicine, or 2 months of OTC medicine, without any paperwork. For more, apply for a Yakkan Shoumei (import confirmation) before travel.
Names abroad
| US | OFF! Deep Woods, Sawyer Picaridin |
|---|---|
| UK | Jungle Formula |
| Korea | 버물리, 오프 |
| China | 欧护, 避蚊胺 |
| Taiwan | 歐護 |
Sources
- Health Insurance Claims Review & Reimbursement Services — Drug master (NHI drug price list) shinryohoshu.mhlw.go.jp — 2026-08-12
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — Bringing medicines for personal use into Japan mhlw.go.jp
This page describes how a medicine is regulated and sold in Japan. It is not medical advice and does not cover dosing for your situation; follow your doctor's and pharmacist's instructions.