What to Do If You Feel Unwell During Traveling in Japan? 

Hello! This is BLEZ Pharmacy located on Asakusa International Street! For those visiting Japan, there may be times when you feel unwell during your trip. Especially with the difference in climate and spending long hours in the dry air of an airplane, you might catch a cold and wonder how to deal with it. In this post, we will detail how to handle a cold in Japan, including how to use pharmacies and hospitals.

Catching a cold while traveling can be more inconvenient than usual in an unfamiliar environment. However, there are many pharmacies and drugstores in Japan where you can easily purchase over-the-counter medicines suited to your symptoms. If your symptoms are severe, you can also visit a hospital for a consultation. Let’s look at the specific methods so that you can use both options with peace of mind.

Purchasing Over-the-Counter Medicines at Pharmacies and Drugstores 

Japan has many pharmacies and drugstores nationwide, where you can easily buy cold medicines. When choosing an over-the-counter medicine for your symptoms, it is recommended to consult with a pharmacist or registered seller. Using a translation app can help overcome language barriers and assist in selecting the right medicine. Additionally, clearly stating your symptoms in one word can facilitate smooth communication. This article compares various symptoms in three languages, so feel free to use it as a reference!

At BLEZ Pharmacy, we support multiple languages including English, Chinese, Thai, and Korean, so you can visit with confidence even if you don’t speak Japanese. Asakusa is easily accessible from both Haneda and Narita Airports without changing trains.

Procedure at Pharmacies and Drugstores:

1. Visit a pharmacy or drugstore: There are many stores nationwide, including in large shopping malls and near train stations. No reservation is needed.
2. Consult with a pharmacist or registered seller: First, briefly state your symptoms (e.g., ‘cough’, ‘sore throat’, ‘runny nose’, ‘fever’). Using a translation app can make this smoother.
3. Purchase over-the-counter medicine: After consultation, purchase the medicine suited to your symptoms. Japan has a wide variety of cold medicines, including antipyretics, cough suppressants, and medicines to reduce runny noses. For more details on available over-the-counter medicines, refer to this article.

Visiting a Hospital

If your symptoms are severe or do not improve with over-the-counter medicines, consider visiting a hospital. More hospitals in Japan are accommodating foreign patients, and some have English-speaking doctors.

Procedure for Visiting a Hospital:

1. Make a reservation: Some large hospitals require reservations, which can be made by phone or online.
2. Receive a consultation: Bring your insurance card or, if you have travel insurance, your insurance certificate.
3. Regarding costs: Medical expenses in Japan can be relatively high, but having insurance can reduce your burden. For detailed steps, refer to this article, and for information on costs, see this article.

Summary

If you catch a cold in Japan, first try purchasing OTC medicines from a pharmacy or drugstore. For mild symptoms, this will suffice. If your symptoms are severe or do not improve with over-the-counter medicines, visiting a hospital is recommended. Utilize both options wisely to enjoy your stay in Japan with peace of mind!

Wishing you a healthy and enjoyable trip!