You woke up in your Tokyo hotel room with a pounding headache, body aches, and a thermometer reading 38.5°C. Your Senso-ji temple visit is in two hours. Your Tsukiji breakfast reservation is tomorrow. And now you can barely get out of bed. Sound familiar? You are not alone — thousands of tourists fall ill in Tokyo every year, and getting medical help in a foreign country can feel overwhelming. This page will walk you through exactly what to do, step by step.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Why You Might Have a Fever in Tokyo
\n\n\n\nTraveling puts your body under stress — and Tokyo has a few specific factors that make catching a cold, the flu, or another fever-causing illness more likely than at home.
\n\n\n\n- \n
- Airplane cabin air: Recirculated, low-humidity air on long-haul flights dries out your nasal passages, weakening your first line of defense against viruses. \n\n\n\n
- Temperature swings: Tokyo’s winters are cold and dry outside, but trains, malls, and restaurants blast the heat. These constant shifts stress your immune system. \n\n\n\n
- Crowded trains: Rush-hour trains in Tokyo are among the most packed in the world. Respiratory viruses spread easily in these conditions. \n\n\n\n
- Japan’s influenza season: Influenza peaks between January and March every year. If you are visiting during winter, the risk is real. \n\n\n\n
- Jet lag + travel fatigue: Sleep deprivation and exhaustion lower your immune response, making you vulnerable right when you are exposed to new environments and pathogens. \n
What You Can Do Right Now (Before Seeing a Doctor)
\n\n\n\nIf your symptoms are mild — a low-grade fever, sniffles, or a scratchy throat — you may be able to manage them with over-the-counter medication from a Japanese pharmacy (yakkyoku, 薬局). Here is what to look for on the shelf:
\n\n\n\nPain & Fever Relievers
\n\n\n\n- \n
- Loxonin S (ロキソニンS) — A popular NSAID pain reliever and fever reducer. Available behind the pharmacist counter; just ask. \n\n\n\n
- Bufferin (バファリン) — Aspirin-based, gentle on the stomach. Sold on open shelves. \n\n\n\n
- Eve (イブ) — Ibuprofen-based. A reliable choice if you are familiar with ibuprofen at home. \n
Cold & Flu Multi-Symptom
\n\n\n\n- \n
- Pabron Gold A (パブロンゴールドA) — Japan’s best-selling cold medicine. Targets cough, runny nose, fever, and sore throat. \n\n\n\n
- Lulu Attack EX (ルルアタックEX) — Another popular multi-symptom cold formula. \n
Sore Throat
\n\n\n\n- \n
- Nodo Spray (のどスプレー) — A throat spray with antiseptic. Look for the blue or pink bottle near the cough drops. \n
Stay Hydrated
\n\n\n\nFever causes dehydration fast. Pick up Pocari Sweat (ポカリスエット) or OS-1 from any convenience store or pharmacy. OS-1 is a medical-grade oral rehydration solution — highly recommended if you are sweating heavily or unable to eat. Rest in your hotel, keep the room humidified if possible, and monitor your temperature.
\n\n\n\nWhen to See a Doctor — Know the Severity Levels
\n\n\n\nNot sure whether your symptoms need medical attention? Use this three-level guide:
\n\n\n\nMild — Rest and Monitor
\n\n\n\n- \n
- Low-grade fever (37.5°C / 99.5°F or below) \n\n\n\n
- Mild runny nose or sneezing \n\n\n\n
- Slight sore throat without difficulty swallowing \n\n\n\n
- General tiredness that improves with rest \n
You can likely manage these with over-the-counter medication and rest. If symptoms persist beyond 2 days, come see us.
\nModerate — Come to Our Clinic
\n\n\n\n- \n
- Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher \n\n\n\n
- Symptoms lasting 3 days or more without improvement \n\n\n\n
- Severe sore throat or difficulty swallowing \n\n\n\n
- Body aches and joint pain that make it hard to move \n\n\n\n
- Fatigue so intense you cannot continue your trip \n\n\n\n
- Persistent cough that disrupts sleep \n\n\n\n
- You are unsure and want professional reassurance \n
This is where we can help. Walk in or contact us — no appointment necessary.
\nSevere — Call 119 (Ambulance) Immediately
\n\n\n\n- \n
- Fever above 40°C (104°F) \n\n\n\n
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath \n\n\n\n
- Confusion, drowsiness, or loss of consciousness \n\n\n\n
- Chest pain or pressure \n\n\n\n
- Inability to keep any fluids down for more than 6 hours \n\n\n\n
- Seizures \n
Dial 119 from any phone in Japan. The operator can connect you to an English interpreter. For non-emergency medical advice in English, call the AMDA Medical Information Center (03-6233-9266).
\nWhat to Expect at SAKURA International Clinic Asakusa
\n\n\n\nWe designed our process to be fast, clear, and stress-free — even if this is your first time seeing a doctor in Japan.
\n\n\n\nStep 1: Contact Us (or Just Walk In)
\n\n\n\nSend us a message on WhatsApp or call us. Let us know your symptoms and we will confirm availability. No appointment is required — walk-ins are always welcome.
\n\n\n\nStep 2: Arrive at the Clinic
\n\n\n\nWe are located 1 minute on foot from Asakusa Station. Take the elevator to the 7th floor. Our reception staff will greet you in English and hand you a simple intake form.
\n\n\n\nStep 3: English-Language Consultation
\n\n\n\nYour entire visit is conducted in English. The doctor will take your history, examine you, and — if indicated — perform rapid diagnostic tests for influenza and COVID-19 on the spot. Results are ready in about 15 minutes. We also perform auscultation (listening to your lungs), check oxygen saturation, and assess overall condition. The consultation typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
\n\n\n\nStep 4: Prescription & Documentation
\n\n\n\nIf medication is needed, we issue a prescription on the spot — for example, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) for influenza, or antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected. You can fill it at a nearby pharmacy within minutes. We also provide:
\n\n\n\n- \n
- An English-language medical certificate (for your travel insurance claim or airline) \n\n\n\n
- An itemized receipt for insurance reimbursement \n\n\n\n
- A fit-to-fly letter if you need clearance to board your flight home \n
Using Travel Insurance for Your Visit
\n\n\n\nMost travel insurance policies cover outpatient medical visits for illness abroad, including fever, flu, and cold symptoms. Here is how it works at our clinic:
\n\n\n\n- \n
- Pay at the time of your visit. We accept all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, JCB) as well as cash. Our clinic is not a cashless-direct-billing facility, so you will pay upfront. \n\n\n\n
- Receive your documentation. We provide an English medical certificate and an itemized receipt — exactly the documents insurance companies require. \n\n\n\n
- File your claim after your trip. Submit the documents to your insurance provider. Most patients receive full reimbursement within 2 to 4 weeks. \n
No travel insurance? No problem. Our all-inclusive fee is ¥55,000 (tax included), which covers the consultation, rapid tests, prescription, and medical certificate. A referral letter, if needed, is an additional ¥11,000.
\n\n\n\nInfluenza in Japan: What Tourists Need to Know
\n\n\n\nJapan takes influenza seriously, and the healthcare system here is exceptionally well-equipped to diagnose and treat it — often faster than what you may be used to at home.
\n\n\n\nThe Season
\n\n\n\nInfluenza season in Japan typically runs from December through March, with the peak usually in late January to mid-February. During this period, millions of people across Japan are infected. Schools close, offices thin out, and you will see masks everywhere. If you are visiting Tokyo in winter, assume that influenza is circulating.
\n\n\n\nJapan’s Rapid Testing Advantage
\n\n\n\nOne of the things that surprises many visitors is how quickly influenza can be diagnosed in Japan. Japanese clinics use rapid antigen test kits that deliver results in approximately 15 minutes using a simple nasal swab. These kits can differentiate between Influenza A and Influenza B, as well as COVID-19, often in a single combined test. At our clinic, we perform these tests during your visit so you leave with a clear diagnosis.
\n\n\n\nTreatment with Antivirals
\n\n\n\nIf you test positive for influenza, early treatment with antiviral medication can shorten the duration of your illness by 1 to 2 days and reduce the severity of symptoms. We commonly prescribe:
\n\n\n\n- \n
- Tamiflu (oseltamivir) — Oral capsules taken twice daily for 5 days. The most widely used antiviral for influenza worldwide. \n\n\n\n
- Relenza (zanamivir) — An inhaled antiviral, useful for patients who prefer not to take oral medication. \n\n\n\n
- Xofluza (baloxavir) — A newer single-dose antiviral available in Japan. One tablet and you are done. \n
Antiviral treatment is most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset, so do not wait if you suspect the flu.
\n\n\n\nFlu Vaccination
\n\n\n\nPlanning a winter trip to Japan? Consider getting a flu shot before you travel. If you have already arrived and have not been vaccinated, we offer influenza vaccinations at our clinic (subject to vaccine availability during flu season). It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective.
\n\n\n\nFrequently Asked Questions
\n\n\n\nCan I visit without an appointment?
\nYes. We welcome walk-in patients during our opening hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, every day including weekends and holidays). That said, sending us a quick WhatsApp message before you come helps us prepare and minimize your wait time.
\nHow long does the influenza test take?
\nOur rapid antigen test produces results in approximately 15 minutes. A simple nasal swab is all that is needed. We can test for both influenza (A and B) and COVID-19 simultaneously.
\nCan I fly with a fever?
\nAirlines generally allow passengers with mild fevers to board, but policies vary — especially if you test positive for COVID-19 or influenza. If you need to fly while recovering, we can provide a fit-to-fly medical certificate confirming that you are safe to travel. We recommend contacting your airline directly for their current policy.
\nDo you treat children with fever?
\nYes. We see patients of all ages, including infants and children. Pediatric dosing for fever reducers and antivirals is available. If your child has a high fever, please do not hesitate to bring them in — we understand how stressful it is when a child falls ill during a trip.
\nHow much does a visit cost?
\nOur all-inclusive fee is ¥55,000 (tax included). This covers the doctor consultation, rapid diagnostic tests (influenza, COVID-19), prescription, basic examination procedures, and an English medical certificate. If you need a referral letter to a specialist or hospital, the additional cost is ¥11,000. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, JCB, and cash.
\n\n\n\n\n
Feeling Sick in Tokyo? We Are Here to Help.
\n\n\n\nNo appointment needed. Walk in or message us on WhatsApp.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSAKURA International Clinic Asakusa
1 min walk from Asakusa Station · 7F
Open every day 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (including weekends & holidays)
Languages: English · 中文 · 한국어 · 日本語
Related Pages
\n\n\n\n- \n
- COVID-19 Testing & Treatment in Tokyo \n\n\n\n
- Stomach Pain & Diarrhea in Tokyo \n\n\n\n
- Health Guide: Sick in Tokyo? \n