You will not be able to fully enjoy your trip if you have stiff shoulders, back pain, or aching joints, especially if you walk too much during your trip or if your shoulders are stiff from heavy luggage. This is where compresses are recommended. This article introduces eight compresses that can be purchased at drugstores and discount stores in Japan. Both stick-on and application types are introduced here, so please choose the one that suits you best and make your trip more comfortable.
Nichiban|Roihi Tsubo Ointment RT156 156 sheets
Although not so familiar to Japanese people, Loihi Tsubo Ointment is a hidden popular product that is often purchased in large quantities by foreigners. It is effective for stiff shoulders, back pain, joint pain, bruises, and sprains. It is characterized by a stimulating, tingling effect caused by an ingredient similar to Capsicum annuum. It comes in the form of round stickers and can be used by simply applying it to the trunk. 156 sheets are available in large quantities, so you can share it with your family and friends.
<Basic Information＞
Name: Roihi Tsubo Ointment
Distributor: Nichiban Corporation
Suggested Retail Price: 1,200 yen (excluding tax)
Kowa|Bantelin-coated pad EX 14 sheets
BANTERIN KOWA PAT EX is a 7cm x 10cm size poultice. It is effective for stiff shoulders, lower back pain, tendonitis, elbow pain, etc. Three painkillers are formulated to quickly relieve pain. It has a gentle adhesion to the skin and does not tingle when peeling off. It is also available in a large size, so if the affected area is large, it is recommended to purchase a larger size.
<Basic Information＞
Name: BANTERIN KOWA PAD EX
Distributor: Kowa Company, Ltd.
Suggested retail price: 1,320 yen (tax included)
Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical|Faytas 5.0 50 sheets
Feitas is a poultice containing ingredients that work directly on pain. It firmly suppresses pain and inflammation. It is slightly fragrant and has no strong scent, making it easy to use in public, and is recommended for chronic daily stiff shoulders and back pain. Also available in packs of 10 or 20.
＜Basic Information＞
Name: Feitas® 5.0 50 sheets
Distributor: Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co.
Suggested Retail Price: 3,630 yen (tax included)
Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical|Salonpas 80 sheets
Salonpas is a small sized compress measuring 4.6cm x 7.2cm. They are useful when you want to control minor everyday aches and pains such as stiff shoulders, back pain, and muscle aches, etc. Also available in packs of 40 and 120 sheets. They are more compact in size than other compresses, making them easy to carry around.
<Basic Information＞
Name: Salonpas® 80 sheets
Sales company: Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co.
Suggested Retail Price: 1,040 yen (tax included)
Pip|Pip Elektroban MAX 200 24 grains
Pip Elekiban is a product that relieves pain by stimulating blood circulation through the power of magnetism. It has a round beige sticker with a cone-shaped magnet. It has no odor and can even be bathed with it applied. Since there is no tingling or cold sensation like a compress, it is easy to use even for those who do not like irritation to the skin.
<Basic Information＞
Name: Pip ELECHIBAN MAX 200 24 capsules
Distributor: Pip Corporation
Suggested Retail Price: 1,680 yen (tax included)
Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare|Loxonin EX Tape 21
Loxonin is well known as a headache medicine, but this is Loxonin as a poultice. It has excellent pain-suppressing effects and quickly relieves pain in the shoulders, lower back, joints, etc. Apply once a day for long-lasting effects. It measures 7 cm x 10 cm and is also available in packs of 7 or 14 sheets.
<Basic Information＞
Name: Loxonin EX Tape 21 sheets
Distributor: Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare Co.
Suggested Retail Price: 2,618 yen (tax included)
Kowa|Bantelin Kowa Creamy Gel Alpha 60g
BANTERIN KOWA Creamy Gel Alpha is a painkiller that can be applied. It is effective for muscle pain, stiff shoulders, pain associated with stiff shoulders, and back pain. It is also available in a small size (10 g), so you can try it out for yourself. It is suitable not only for chronic pain, but also for sudden muscle pain while traveling.
<Basic Information＞
Name: BANTERIN KOWA Creamy Gel Alpha
Distributor: Kowa Company, Ltd.
Suggested Retail Price: ¥2020 (tax included)
Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical|Salonpas Lotion 85mL
Salonpas Lotion is another type of painkiller that can be applied. It is characterized by its shape, which makes it easy to apply to the shoulders and lower back, and by its slight fragrance, which makes it easy to use even when going out in public. It is recommended when it is troublesome to apply a compress or when you want to reduce muscle aches and stiff shoulders when traveling alone.
<Basic Information＞
Name: Salonpas® Lotion 85ml
Distributor: Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co.
Suggested Retail Price: 908 yen (tax included)
Summary
While traveling, you may have to walk a lot and carry a lot of bags weighed down by souvenirs and other items. If you neglect the pain of stiff shoulders, sore backs, and aching muscles in your legs, it may affect you not only during your trip but also after you return to your home country. It is best to treat them as much as possible while you are in Japan. Please use the compresses introduced in this article to relieve the pain and enjoy your trip.
