Can You Buy Formula in Japan? A Guide for Traveling Parents
Yes—you can buy baby formula in Japan, and it’s generally very safe, high quality, and widely trusted by parents.
However, the types and formats may be a little different from what you’re used to—especially if you normally use Western brands.
General Information About Baby Formula in Japan
Japanese baby formula is produced under strict safety standards, and major brands are trusted by families across the country.
People often ask me:
“What’s the best baby formula in Japan?”
“Which one is most similar to my usual brand (like Kendamil)?”
The honest answer is that all the main Japanese formula brands are well trusted and highly rated, and there isn’t really a single “best” option. It really depends on your baby.
There also isn’t usually an exact one-to-one replacement for Western brands. Formulas can vary slightly between countries in terms of ingredients and taste, so your baby may notice a difference.
The key takeaway is that even if it’s not identical to what you use at home, Japanese formula is safe, nutritionally complete, and widely trusted by parents. That said, if your baby is used to a specific formula, it’s completely understandable that you may prefer to stick with something familiar while traveling. If your baby is lactose intolerant or has other allergies for example, it would be safer to bring your regular formula with you.
Formula Brands in Japan
If you’re buying formula in Japan, you’ll most commonly come across brands such as Meiji (Hohoemi), Morinaga (Hagukumi or E-Akachan), Wakodo (Haihai), and Snow Brand (Beanstalk).
All of these are widely available in drugstores and supermarkets, and they are used daily by families across Japan. Each brand offers a range of formats, so you’ll often see the same formula available as powder, sachets, cubes, or ready-to-drink.
If you’re unsure which to choose, most parents simply go with what’s available and convenient. There isn’t a significant difference in terms of safety or quality between the major brands.
1. Powdered Formula (Cans)
This is the most common and cheapest option in Japan. It comes in large tins and is usually prepared by mixing one scoop with 20ml of boiled water.
It works well if you’re staying in one place and preparing bottles at your accommodation. However, it can feel a bit fiddly when you’re out, as you need to measure carefully and manage hot water and cooling.
2. Sachets (Travel Packs)
Sachets are pre-measured packets, usually designed to make around 100ml of formula. These are what I include in Little Nomads Japan boxes because they’re especially convenient for travel.
They’re lightweight, compact, and very easy to use: just add hot water and you’re ready. When you’re out, you can ask for hot water at a café or use the hot water machines in baby care rooms, which are commonly found in malls and stations.
They are slightly more expensive than tins, but for short trips the difference is usually negligible.
3. Ready-to-Drink Formula (Liquid)
This is the most convenient option available. It comes pre-mixed in small cans or cartons, so there’s no need to measure, mix, or heat.
You can simply open and feed, which makes it ideal for flights, long travel days, or emergencies. Some parents even attach a nipple directly to the container for an even quicker feed.
The downside is that it’s heavier to carry and more expensive than other options.
4. Formula Cubes
Formula cubes are a uniquely Japanese option and a very practical one. Each cube is designed to make around 40ml of formula, so you can easily adjust how much you prepare.
They’re compact, lightweight, and eliminate the need for measuring, which makes them especially useful when your baby’s appetite varies. Like other options, they still require hot water, but they’re a great balance between convenience and flexibility.
What’s the Best Option?
It really depends on how you’re traveling. If you’re mostly staying in one place, powdered formula works well. If you’ll be out sightseeing a lot, sachets or cubes tend to be much easier. For maximum convenience, especially on travel days, ready-to-drink formula can be a lifesaver.
In reality, many parents use a combination of options depending on the situation. As a combo-feeding mum myself, I tend to prefer formula sachets—they’re simply more practical when you’re not getting through a full tin quickly.
I also love the convenience. Being able to just open a sachet and pour it in without mess, sticky fingers, or measuring mistakes makes a big difference, especially when you’re tired or juggling a lot. It’s hard to beat for ease and peace of mind.
How Little Nomads Japan Can Help
If you’d rather not spend your first day in Japan searching for baby supplies or figuring out unfamiliar products, you’re not alone.
At Little Nomads Japan, I help traveling families have everything they need ready from the moment they arrive.
You can have baby formula, diapers, and other essentials delivered directly to your hotel or accommodation, so you don’t have to worry about shopping after a long flight or navigating a new environment with a tired baby.
My boxes include convenient formula sachets, which are ideal for travel and easy to use on the go. If you prefer other options, you can also add ready-to-drink cans or cartons, as well as formula cubes, to your box or order them separately through the site.
Everything is selected to be practical, reliable, and easy to use while traveling.
The goal is simple: to make your trip to Japan feel easier, smoother, and more enjoyable for both you and your baby.