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Wearing a face mask is part of Japanese culture. Even before the pandemic struck the country, locals have been wearing masks for a variety of reasons. Today, both locals and immigrants wear masks to prevent the spread of viruses from nasal and oral droplets.
There are different types of masks available, including disposable surgical masks, fashion masks, and reusable cloth masks. In Kyoto, you can readily find facial masks in various places.
Below are some of the best places where you can buy face masks in Kyoto City:
Convenience Stores
The easiest and most convenient way to buy a facial mask is by going to a nearby convenience store. They’re open 24/7 and they have a ton of products that you can choose from.
Here are some of the convenience shops you can check out in Kyoto:
7-Eleven Kyoto-Oishibashi Store
2-2 Higashikujo Minamikarasumacho, Minami Ward
7-Eleven Kyoto Station Hachijoguchi Store
31-1 Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyō-ku
Lawson - Shimogoyo Ward
558‐8 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward
Lawson Kyoto-Kinkakuji-mae
12 Kinugasa Kaidocho, Kita Ward
Lawson Store 100 Murasakino Sendo
16 Murasakino Nishisendocho, Kita Ward
FamilyMart Kyoto Tower
730 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward
Yamazaki Y-Shop
25-1 Saiinoiwakecho, Ukyo Ward
Ministop Kyoto-Toji-Station-mae
119 Nishikujo Hieijocho, Minami Ward
Ministop Kyoto-Muromachidori-Manjuji
218-3-2 Naginatagiricho, Shimogyo Ward
Drugstores
Surgical masks are among the top commodities you can find in drugstores. You can find plenty of budget-friendly options as well as high-end anti-viral ones.
However, due to the high demand for hospital-grade masks, it’s quite difficult to find drugstores that still have available stocks. You can try checking out the following pharmacies in Kyoto for your much-needed face mask supply:
Matsumoto Kiyoshi Kyōto Station Hachijō Gate Store
1F, 8-3 Higashishiokoji Takakuracho, Shimogyo Ward
Store hours: Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm.
Matsumoto Kiyoshi Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
103-2 Hashimotocho, Shimogyo Ward
Store hours: Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm.
Drug Hikari
54 Hirano Kamihatchoyanagicho, Kita Ward
Store hours: Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm.
Japan Kyoto Jujo
6 Nishikujo Nishiyanaginouchicho, Minami Ward
Store hours: Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 11 pm.
Welcia Kyoto Oike
68 Shinmeicho, Nakagyo Ward
Store hours: Open 24 hours
Sun Drug Kyoto Sanjo
瓦師町７０エステート三条ビル１階, Nakagyo Ward
Store hours: Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm.
Sugi Pharmacy Nijo
1-4 Nishinokyo Koboricho, Nakagyo Ward
Store hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 10 pm.
OS Drug Sanjo
59-2 河原町通三条下る大黒町 Nakagyo Ward
Store hours: Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm.
Drug Yutaka
12 Daigominamisatocho, Fushimi Ward
Store hours: Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 12 am.
Drug Yutaka Yamashina
73 Takehanatakenokaidocho, Yamashina Ward
Store hours: Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 11:30 pm.
Kokumin
2-3 Yamatechuo, Kyotanabe
Store hours: Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm.
V Drug
Motoyashiki-156 Makishimacho, Uji
Store hours: Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 10 pm.
Other Options
Besides drugstores and convenience stores, you can also check out hardware stores or malls in Kyoto. Because the supply for disposable masks is incredibly low, you can look for washable cloth masks instead. Japanese crafters also suggest creating DIY masks, if you can’t source them from any of the options enumerated above. When making DIY masks or using washable cloth masks, be sure to check the layers. Ideally, it should have multiple layers. You can also look for mask filters.
Companies such as Yamashin have started manufacturing nanofiber mask filters that can be reused a number of times. It would be wise to look out for updates from these companies so you know when they’ll start distributing their products.
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