mosquito (123rf)
Editor’s Note: This information is based on interviews with Japanese drugstore employees and available product data as of May 2025. Always read the product packaging and instructions carefully, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions regarding treatment.
Summer in Japan calls for insect repellent for mosquitoes. Fortunately, the risk of contracting a mosquito-borne disease in Japan is very low. However, it is still important to protect yourself from mosquito bites if you want to avoid being disrupted from your daily outdoor activities.
In this article, we round up a list of the best insect repellents in Japan to protect yourself from those pesky bloodsuckers.
Helpful vocabulary when choosing insect repellent in Japan:
Insect repellent – 虫よけ（むしよけ）
Mosquito – 蚊（か）
Tick – ダニ
Flea – ノミ
Bed bug – トコジラミ
Black fly – ブヨ / ユスリカ
Mite – ダニ
Leech – ヒル
Scent / Fragrance – 香り（かおり）
Unscented – 無香料（むこうりょう）
Moisturizing – 保湿（ほしつ）
Water-resistant – 耐水性（たいすいせい）
Reapply – 塗り直す（ぬりなおす）
Shake well – よく振ってから使う（ふってからつかう）
Apply evenly – 均等に塗る（きんとうにぬる）
Avoid eyes and mouth – 目や口に入らないように注意
Safe for children – 子供でも使える（こどもでもつかえる）
Not for infants – 乳児には使用不可（にゅうじにはしようふか）
Face application – 顔への使用（かおへのしよう）
Earth Chemical Saratekuto Unscented (アース製薬 サラテクト 無香料)
Earth Chemical Saratekuto Unscented (Photo by Tabitha Wilders)
Summary: A gentle, powder-in insect repellent spray that feels smooth and non-sticky on the skin. Sweat and water-resistant, it offers all-day protection when applied from morning to evening. With 4 moisturizing ingredients- sodium hyaluronate, collagen, ceramide, and vitamin C- it keeps your skin protected and hydrated.
How to Use: Shake the can well before use. Hold the spray about 10–15 cm away from your skin. Spray evenly onto exposed skin or over clothing. Avoid spraying directly onto the face. Instead, spray onto your hands and gently apply to the face, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
Price: Varies by pharmacy; approximately ¥660 for 200ml
What Pharmacists Say: Pharmacists recommend this insect repellent spray for its gentle formula, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It’s effective against mosquitoes, ticks, black flies, and bed bugs. Reapply often if you sweat or wipe your skin.
Fumakilla Skin Vape Mist (フマキラー スキンベープミスト)
Fumakilla Skin Vape Mist (Photo by Tabitha Wilders)
Summary: This gentle, water-based mosquito repellent is safe for the whole family and protects against mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, black flies, leeches, mites, bedbugs, and more. It contains moisturizing sodium hyaluronate, blends smoothly into the skin, and has a fresh citrus marine scent. Its compact size makes it easy to carry.
How to Use: Shake the plastic spray bottle container well before use. Hold the spray about 10–15 cm away from your skin and apply evenly to areas like the arms, legs, and neck. For the face, spray onto your hands first, then gently apply, avoiding the eyes and mouth. Reapply after sweating, swimming, or wiping the skin with a towel to maintain effectiveness.
Price: Varies by pharmacy; approximately ¥550 for 60ml
What Pharmacists Say: Pharmacists say users love this repellent for its long-lasting effect. It’s safe for daily use, but not for infants under 6 months. For ages 6 months to 2 years, use once a day; for ages 2 to 12, up to three times a day. Apply sunscreen first, let it dry, then use the repellent.
Earth Chemical Hadamamo Mist (アース製薬 はだまも ミスト)
Earth Chemical Hadamamo Mist (Photo by Tabitha Wilders)
Summary: Released this year, this gentle insect repellent mist has a mildly acidic pH similar to human skin and contains moisturizing ingredients like sodium hyaluronate, collagen, ceramide, and vitamin C. It effectively protects against mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and many other pests.
How to Use: Spray an appropriate amount from about 15 cm away onto exposed skin like the arms and legs, as well as on footwear and clothing. For the face and neck, spray into the palm of your hand first, then apply gently to the skin.
Price: Varies by pharmacy; approximately ¥660 for 200ml
What Pharmacists Say: Pharmacists recommend applying this gentle yet effective insect repellent in the morning for all-day protection. It’s safe for daily use but not for infants under 6 months. Use once daily for ages 6 months to 2 years, and up to three times daily for ages 2 to 12.
BONUS: Insect repellent character sticker Chiikawa (虫よけキャラシールちいかわ)
Insect repellent character sticker Chiikawa (Photo by Tabitha Wilders)
Summary: A special shoutout to the Chiikawa bug repellent stickers. Available in 15 cute designs, these stickers are safe for young children and gentle on the skin. Infused with natural lavender oil, they give off a pleasant scent and provide protection for up to 12 hours. Just stick them on your clothes to keep insects away.
How to Use: Carefully peel one sticker from the sheet and apply it to exposed areas of your clothing, such as sleeves, collars, or pant cuffs. Make sure the sticker does not come into direct contact with your skin.
Price: Varies by pharmacy; approximately ¥640 for 45 stickers
What Pharmacists Say: Pharmacists say these stickers are popular with children, helping keep them safe from insects while they enjoy the cute Chiikawa designs. They’re safe for all ages and convenient for parents to carry, thanks to their lightweight and portable size.
This information is based on interviews with Japanese drugstore employees and available product data as of May 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.
