Medical and health information columns for international visitors in Japan
Coming down with a cold or flu during a trip to Japan is disruptive but manageable. Japan has an extensive network of drugstores stocked with effective OTC medicines, and clinics can test and treat influenza rapidly. This guide explains the seasonal patterns, the best OTC options, when to seek a doctor, and how Japan's flu treatment system works.
Japan's pharmacy system can be confusing for first-time visitors. This guide explains the difference between dispensing pharmacies and drugstores, what over-the-counter medicines are available, where to find them, and the rules on importing medication.
Japan's telemedicine sector has expanded significantly since 2020, with several platforms now offering online consultations in English. This guide explains how foreigners can access online doctor services in Japan, what conditions can be treated remotely, and how to book your first appointment.
Japan's pharmacies stock effective OTC treatments for most common skin conditions. This guide covers ringworm medicine, cold sore cream, mouth ulcer patches, skin allergy creams, and insect bite treatments available in Japan — with Japanese product names and where to buy them.
Japan's pain relief patch market is one of the most sophisticated in the world. From Salonpas menthol patches to prescription-strength Loxonin tape, this guide helps you find the right patch for foot pain, back pain, muscle soreness, and more — and where to buy them.
Getting emergency contraception in Japan requires knowing the right steps. This guide explains how to access the morning-after pill, what it costs, the 72-hour and 120-hour windows, and how to find an English-friendly gynecology clinic.
Japan has some of the world's safest tap water, meeting strict national standards in virtually every city and town. This guide covers water quality by city, hotel tap water, and when you might prefer bottled water during your trip.
Japan's eye drop market is one of the most sophisticated in the world, and it has a global fanbase among beauty travelers and contact lens wearers. From the famous cooling tingle of Rohto to the gentle moisture of Lion's Smile series, this guide explains every product type, the top brands, how to choose for your specific symptoms, and when an eye doctor is the right call.
Stomach problems are one of the most common travel health issues, and Japan's rich food culture — from rich ramen to raw fish to strong sake — can challenge even the most seasoned traveler's digestive system. Japan's pharmacies are excellently stocked for all types of gastric complaints. This guide covers every product category with specific brand names and practical purchase advice.
Fever during a Japan trip is unsettling — especially when you're not sure which medicine to choose and the packaging is all in Japanese. This guide explains your OTC options clearly, including Japan's famous fever-cooling patches, children's formulations, and how to read the Celsius thermometer readings you'll encounter.
Japan has some of Asia's most effective OTC painkillers — including loxoprofen (Loxonin S), which is not sold OTC in most Western countries. But choosing between EVE, Bufferin, Loxonin, and Norshin is confusing without knowing the active ingredients. This guide explains each one clearly, compares them side by side, and tells you exactly where to buy each type.
Coughing during a Japan trip can be confusing to treat because Japanese pharmacy shelves are largely in Japanese, and cough medicine varies significantly depending on whether your cough is dry or productive. This guide tells you exactly what to buy, where to find it, and how to communicate at the pharmacy.