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Cool Japan in a Bottle: Why Tourists Love Japanese Eye Drops



It’s a common scene in Japan: a foreign traveler steps out of a drugstore with a tiny bottle of eye drops in hand, looking oddly satisfied. Meanwhile, a local glances over, puzzled—why are these so popular?

The answer lies in Japan’s unique category of “cool” eye drops. Unlike anything found elsewhere, these drops deliver a powerful menthol or eucalyptus-induced cooling sensation that startles first-timers and hooks frequent users. Nearly every brand in Japan has its own version of these “cool” eye drops.

A Cultural Quirk: Eye Drops as Refreshment

In Japan, using eye drops isn’t always about treating a problem—it can be a quick refreshment, much like popping a mint or washing your face. Students before exams, office workers during long shifts, and commuters after a dry train ride might use a drop or two just to feel more awake and alert.

The “Coolness Level” Ranking

Some brands even label their products with a “coolness level” from 1 to 8—or even 10—with higher numbers delivering a more intense icy jolt. It’s a kind of badge of honor for users to test how much they can handle. The strongest ones might make your eyes water for a moment—but many find the effect strangely addictive.

Advertised as “Coooool!”

Japanese eye drop advertising often emphasizes the intense cooling sensation with bold visuals and dramatic language.
You might come across commercials or posters featuring stylized phrases like “COOOOOL!” in English, along with images of ice cubes, splash, or waterfalls.　This kind of promotional imagery turns the initial sting of coolness into a selling point rather than a drawback.

Used by More Than Just Tourists

These eye drops aren’t just for itchy eyes or tired travelers. They’re used by people from all walks of life—including athletes.
Swimmers, martial artists, and beach sports competitors—who often deal with sand, chlorine, or sweat—especially appreciate their refreshing effect.

For exemple ,It’s even been said that some WWE wrestlers from the U.S. make a point of picking up Japanese eye drops during tours in Japan. Wrestlers, after all, frequently press their faces into the mat and are especially cautious about eye irritation and infection. 

Popular Brands

Among the best-known are:

  • Rohto Z! – Known for its strong sting and futuristic packaging.

  • Sante FX – Marketed with business-savvy designs and refreshing power.

Other widely available options like Smile 40EX, Iris CL, and Mytear also offer cooling formulas, including artificial tears safe for contact lens users.
Cooling artificial tears designed for contact lens wearers are something uniquely Japanese—they offer gentle hydration with a subtle but refreshing sensation.

A Word of Caution

While these eye drops are safe and regulated, don’t confuse the cooling sensation with medical efficacy.
The icy feeling may seem effective, but it doesn’t necessarily treat the root cause of your symptoms. It’s a good idea to check the ingredients beforehand—especially if you have allergies or medical concerns.

Unique to Japan

You might find similar-looking bottles abroad, but the intense cooling formulas found in Japan are truly one-of-a-kind.
Due to different consumer preferences and regulations, most foreign-made drops avoid such intensity. That’s why travelers often buy extras—not just for themselves, but also as quirky and memorable gifts.

A tiny bottle, a chilly sting, and a truly cool slice of Japanese culture—are you ready to give it a try?

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