Drugstore Mori, Chatan, Okinawa

Large drugstore, stocked with the essentials and more, open relatively late

If you’re in need of a drugstore in the Chatan area of Okinawa, Drugstore Mori looks like it might have what you need. Drugstore Mori is a large operation resembling more of a supermarket than a drugstore / pharmacy. The shopping carts are testament to this. As such then, you’re going to find more than just drugs and pharmaceuticals here. Such items include an impressive stock of booze which includes plenty of multipack beer - 24 cans in the 2,500 yen - 4,000 yen range. You can also pick up your bulk bags of rice, those heavy jobs that come it at 10 kg. Come to the drugstore too for snacks and treats, mostly of the Japanese variety. In keeping with the supermarket vibe, there’s also a bank of freezers / refrigerators for your frozen / cooled goods. Of course Drugstore Mori is well-stocked with cosmetics, bathroom amenities, stuff for the toilet, baby products, bits of tech to keep us well groomed, and off-the-shelf pills, lotions, creams, powders, and liquids to keep us from breaking down. If things get really serious, there’s a pharmacy counter here for your prescription medicine. Thankfully, I didn’t have any ailments at the time of visiting so I can’t comment on how smooth the pharmacy operation is here. The Drugstore Mori in Chatan is open from 10:00 - 24:00. This late opening hour is something to be appreciated in an area of Okinawa which shuts up shop frustratingly early. This then could be a good resource for an emergency shop even if you’re not after the typical drugstore fair. Despite the size and the variety of goods sold here, Drugstore Mori isn’t a supermarket is is really not a replacement for the, say, the Aeon about 1 km north in American Village. Despite being brightly lit, large, and with a spacious parking area, Drugstore Mori is on a smaller road off of the large and busy Route 58, so you need to keep you eyes peeled for it. It’s just south of Chatan Park, the other side of the river. Drugstore Mori is a chain operation with around 12 stores in Okinawa.