If you've been trying to get your hands on Tiger Balm but can't find it anywhere, you're not alone. Its availability in Japan has historically been limited, and you may have even come across information online saying it was "discontinued in Japan."
The good news is that such information is outdated. Tiger Balm relaunched in Japan in 2019 and is once again available for purchase.
In this article, we'll cover where to find Tiger Balm and how to buy it.
If you've heard about Tiger Balm's reputation as a wonder drug and want to try it for back pain, stiff shoulders, or other ailments, this guide is for you.
What Is Tiger Balm?
Tiger Balm is a Singapore-made external anti-inflammatory analgesic. It comes in two types — Red (warming) and White (cooling) — and is a versatile herbal ointment used for everything from stiff shoulders and back pain to neuralgia and nasal congestion.
Tiger Balm is an external anti-inflammatory analgesic ointment manufactured and sold by a Singapore-based company.
It comes in two varieties — Red and White — with White being the more familiar option in Japan.
The key difference: Red is the warming type that makes the applied area feel comfortably warm, while White is the cooling type, formulated with menthol for a refreshing, cooling sensation.
Tiger Balm is celebrated as a "wonder drug" in Singapore and is known to help with:
- Stiff shoulders
- Back pain
- Neuralgia
- Nasal congestion
- Sprains
- Muscle fatigue
Apply it to the affected area and massage it in — the active ingredients penetrate the skin and get to work.
Where to Buy Tiger Balm: Stores and Online
No need to travel to Singapore. Tiger Balm is available at physical stores like Don Quijote and major drug store chains, as well as online retailers including Rakuten, Amazon, and Yahoo! Shopping.
Here's a complete guide to where you can purchase Tiger Balm and how to go about buying it.
Tiger Balm's reputation as a wonder drug is enough to make anyone want to try it — but not everyone has plans to visit Singapore or a friend who can bring some back.
If you've been struggling to find Tiger Balm near you, this section will help.
Physical Stores: Where to Find It and How Much It Costs
Here's a roundup of physical stores that carry Tiger Balm along with standard retail pricing. Note that Tiger Balm Red is not available in physical stores in Japan and must be purchased online.
Tiger Balm is most commonly found at drug stores. The following retailers are known to carry it:
- Don Quijote
- Cocokara Fine
- Tsuruha Drug
- Sundrug
- Welcia Pharmacy
- Yodobashi Camera
*Availability may vary by location.
Tiger Balm Red is not sold in Japanese physical stores — you'll need to order it online (see below).
Pricing varies by retailer, but the standard retail prices are:
- 19.4g — 900 yen (990 yen incl. tax)
- 30g — 1,200 yen (1,320 yen incl. tax)
Online Retailers: Where to Buy and What to Expect
If Tiger Balm isn't available at a store near you, ordering online is the hassle-free alternative. You'll save the trip and have it delivered straight to your door.
Online retailers that carry Tiger Balm include:
- LOHACO
- Rakuten Ichiba
- Amazon
- Osaka-do
- Yahoo! Shopping
Just like physical stores, prices can vary between online retailers, so it's worth comparing before you buy.
Tiger Balm Red — unavailable in physical stores — can be found on these online platforms.
Online Shopping Makes Tiger Balm Easy to Get
Even if it's hard to find locally, online retailers give you reliable access to Tiger Balm. It also makes a thoughtful and well-received gift.
Now you know all the places to find Tiger Balm in Japan.
Tiger Balm is a beloved everyday remedy known for helping with back pain and stiff shoulders, among many other conditions.
While it may not be on every shelf in Japan, the stores and online retailers listed here make it easy to get your hands on.
Tiger Balm also makes a great gift — practical, unique, and always appreciated.
Use this guide to find Tiger Balm near you or order it online, and experience its renowned benefits for yourself.
