Is This You?
\n\n\n\nYou spent last night along the Sumida River watching Tokyo’s spectacular fireworks display — but this morning, your arms and legs are covered in angry red mosquito bites. One of them has ballooned to the size of a golf ball and feels hot to the touch. Or maybe you explored Kamakura’s temples without sunscreen, and now your shoulders are bright red, blistering, and too painful to touch. Perhaps you soaked in a milky-white sulfur onsen in Hakone, and hours later a burning rash erupted across your chest. Whatever brought you here, you’re itchy, uncomfortable, and unsure what to do next. We see these cases every day — and we can help.
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What Could Be Causing Your Skin Problem?
\n\n\n\nTokyo and the surrounding areas present a unique set of skin challenges for international visitors. Here are the most common causes we treat at our clinic:
\n\n\n\nMosquito Bites (蚊 / Ka)
\n\n\n\nJapan’s mosquito season runs from June through October. The primary species is the Asian tiger mosquito (ヒトスジシマカ) — a daytime biter that thrives near parks, temple grounds, and riverside walkways. Foreign visitors often react more severely than locals because their immune systems haven’t encountered this species before. A single bite can swell dramatically and stay itchy for a week.
\n\n\n\nDust Mites (ダニ / Dani)
\n\n\n\nClusters of small, itchy red bumps after sleeping in a tatami-floored ryokan or budget guesthouse usually point to dust mites. Tatami mats and futon bedding provide ideal breeding grounds, particularly in older accommodations.
\n\n\n\nCentipede Bites (ムカデ / Mukade)
\n\n\n\nJapan’s giant centipede is found in rural areas, onsen ryokans, and older buildings. A bite causes immediate, intense pain followed by swelling. Uncommon in central Tokyo but regular at countryside accommodations.
\n\n\n\nSunburn (日焼け / Hiyake)
\n\n\n\nTokyo’s UV index reaches 8–11 during summer (June–August) — “very high” to “extreme.” Many tourists underestimate the intensity because overcast skies create a false sense of safety. Days at outdoor festivals, beach trips, or walking between temples can result in serious burns.
\n\n\n\nOnsen Dermatitis (温泉皮膚炎)
\n\n\n\nSulfur springs (硫黄泉) and acidic springs (酸性泉) — common in Hakone, Kusatsu, and Beppu — can cause irritation and rashes in visitors with sensitive skin. The reaction may appear hours after bathing.
\n\n\n\nContact Dermatitis, Heat Rash & Athlete’s Foot
\n\n\n\nContact dermatitis from unfamiliar cosmetics, sunscreens, or hotel laundry detergent. Heat rash (あせも) is common in Tokyo’s summer humidity — blocked sweat glands produce itchy red bumps. Athlete’s foot (水虫) can be picked up from shared mats at onsen and public baths.
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What You Can Do Right Now: Pharmacy First Aid
\n\n\n\nJapanese pharmacies (ドラッグストア) carry excellent over-the-counter options. We’ve included the Japanese names so you can show them to the pharmacist:
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- Insect bites: Muhi Alpha EX (ムヒアルファEX) — anti-itch plus mild steroid. Una Kowa (ウナコーワ) offers cooling menthol relief. \n\n\n\n
- Sunburn: Aloe vera gel or Oronine (オロナイン), Japan’s all-purpose ointment. Take ibuprofen (Eve / イブ) for pain. \n\n\n\n
- General itching: Restamin (レスタミン) oral antihistamine (causes drowsiness). Full Kort (フルコート) topical steroid for stubborn rashes. \n\n\n\n
- Heat rash: Siccarol (シッカロール) or baby powder to keep skin dry. \n\n\n\n
- Insect repellent: Mushiyoke Spray (虫よけスプレー) at any convenience store. Mosquito coils — Katori Senko (蚊取り線香) — for your room. \n\n
Tip: Look for the green cross sign (薬) outside pharmacies. Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sugi Pharmacy, and Welcia usually have English-labeled sections.
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When Should You See a Doctor?
\n\n\n\nMild — Monitor at Home
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- A few small mosquito bites with normal swelling \n\n\n\n
- Mild sunburn with redness only (no blistering) \n\n\n\n
- Minor heat rash that improves with cooling \n\n
Moderate — Visit Our Clinic
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- An insect bite that is abnormally swollen, hot, or spreading \n\n\n\n
- A bite wound that appears infected (pus, red streaks) \n\n\n\n
- Widespread sunburn with blisters over a large area \n\n\n\n
- A rash after visiting an onsen that hasn’t improved in 24 hours \n\n\n\n
- An unexplained rash of unknown cause \n\n\n\n
- A centipede bite with significant pain and swelling \n\n
Severe — Call Us Immediately
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- Bee or wasp sting followed by difficulty breathing, dizziness, or full-body hives (anaphylaxis) \n\n\n\n
- Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat after any insect sting \n\n\n\n
- Rapid heartbeat, confusion, or loss of consciousness \n\n
Important: Anaphylaxis is life-threatening. If you or someone near you shows these signs, call us (Japan’s emergency number) immediately.
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What to Expect at Our Clinic
\n\n\n\nWe’ve designed our process to be simple and stress-free for international patients:
\n\n\n\nStep 1: Contact Us
\n\n\n\nReach out via WhatsApp on WhatsApp or walk in directly. No Japanese required — our staff respond in English, Chinese, Korean, or Japanese.
\n\n\n\nStep 2: Visit the Clinic
\n\n\n\nWe’re 1 minute on foot from Asakusa Station. Open every day 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, including weekends and holidays. Walk-ins welcome.
\n\n\n\nStep 3: Examination
\n\n\n\nOur English-speaking doctor examines your skin, identifies the cause, and explains your options. For bites, we check for infection or allergic reaction. For sunburn, we evaluate severity and check for dehydration.
\n\n\n\nStep 4: Treatment
\n\n\n\nPrescription medications on the spot — no separate pharmacy visit. This may include topical steroids, oral antihistamines, antibiotics for infected bites, or burn dressings. Wound care instructions provided in English.
\n\n\n\nStep 5: Documentation
\n\n\n\nWe provide a complete English-language medical certificate — exactly what your travel insurance needs for reimbursement. Referral letters available for +¥11,000.
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Travel Insurance & Payment
\n\n\n\nOur fee is ¥55,000 (tax included), all-inclusive — consultation, examination, prescription medications, basic procedures, and English medical certificate. No hidden fees.
\n\n\n\nMost travel insurance policies cover this visit in full. We provide all documentation for your claim: detailed medical report, itemized receipt, and diagnosis certificate. We accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, JCB), cash, and electronic payments.
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A Visitor’s Guide to Insects in Japan
\n\n\n\nJapan is home to a surprising variety of biting and stinging creatures. Here’s what to know:
\n\n\n\nMosquitoes (蚊 / Ka)
\n\n\n\nActive June to October, most common near water — rivers, temple ponds, and park lakes. The Asian tiger mosquito bites during the day, not just at night. Japan’s insect repellent products are among the best in the world: portable clip-on devices, repellent wristbands, and long-lasting sprays are widely available and highly effective.
\n\n\n\nJapanese Giant Hornets (スズメバチ / Suzumebachi)
\n\n\n\nThe insect to take most seriously. Danger peaks in autumn (September–October) when colonies are largest. Roughly 20 people die in Japan each year from hornet stings. When hiking in autumn: avoid black clothing (hornets associate it with predators), skip sweet-smelling perfumes, and don’t swat — move away calmly.
\n\n\n\nTicks (マダニ / Madani)
\n\n\n\nFound in mountainous and grassy areas. The primary risk is SFTS (Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome), a serious tick-borne disease. If a tick attaches to your skin, do not pull it out yourself — visit a clinic for proper removal. Always do a full body check after hiking.
\n\n\n\nCentipedes (ムカデ / Mukade)
\n\n\n\nSometimes 15–20 cm long, found in older buildings and forested areas. Japanese first aid: run hot water (43°C / 109°F) over the bite for 20 minutes — heat denatures the protein-based venom and reduces pain significantly. Apply ice afterward.
\n\n\n\nJellyfish (クラゲ / Kurage)
\n\n\n\nCommon at beaches in August–September. Japanese first aid: pour vinegar on the sting to neutralize nematocysts, then carefully remove tentacles. Don’t rinse with fresh water — it triggers un-fired stinging cells.
\n\n\n\nPrevention Tips
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- Use Japanese insect repellent (DEET or icaridin) from pharmacies or convenience stores \n\n\n\n
- Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking or visiting temple grounds in summer \n\n\n\n
- Request a mosquito net (蚊帳 / kaya) at traditional ryokans \n\n\n\n
- Avoid perfumes and bright colors during autumn hikes \n\n\n\n
- Check shoes before putting them on at rural accommodations \n\n
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Sunburn Prevention & Onsen Skin Care
\n\n\n\nJapan’s World-Class Sunscreen
\n\n\n\nJapan produces some of the best sunscreen in the world. Japanese sunscreens routinely achieve SPF 50+ / PA++++ — the highest UVA protection rating, rarely seen in Western products. Top brands: Anessa (アネッサ) by Shiseido (water-resistant), Biore UV Aqua Rich (lightweight, ideal for city walking), and Skin Aqua (budget-friendly). All available at drugstores for ¥800–¥2,500.
\n\n\n\nSmart Sun Protection
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- Reapply every 2 hours — Tokyo’s humidity means constant sweating \n\n\n\n
- UV peaks 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM — schedule outdoor sightseeing for early morning or late afternoon \n\n\n\n
- A UV parasol (日傘 / higasa) is commonly used in Japan for portable shade \n\n\n\n
- Cloudy days still deliver up to 80% of UV rays \n\n
Onsen & Your Skin
\n\n\n\nBefore soaking: Check the spring type. Acidic springs (酸性泉) like Kusatsu (pH 2.0) and sulfur springs (硫黄泉) in Hakone are most likely to irritate. After soaking: Rinse thoroughly with clean water, apply moisturizer, and avoid scrubbing. If a rash appears and persists beyond 24 hours, visit our clinic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
\n\n\n\nShould I see a doctor for a mosquito bite?
\nMost mosquito bites heal on their own within a week with OTC cream. Visit our clinic if a bite becomes abnormally swollen (larger than a coin), feels hot, shows signs of infection (pus, red streaks), or if you develop a fever. Foreign visitors often react more strongly to Japanese mosquito species, and prescription treatment speeds recovery significantly.
\nI have blisters from sunburn. What should I do?
\nBlistering sunburn is a second-degree burn. Don’t pop the blisters. Cool the area with lukewarm water, apply aloe vera gel, take ibuprofen, and drink plenty of fluids. Visit our clinic for prescription burn treatment and to rule out sun poisoning (nausea, fever, chills alongside the burn).
\nI developed a rash after visiting an onsen. Is it an allergy?
\nLikely an irritant reaction rather than a true allergy. Sulfur and acidic springs can cause contact irritant dermatitis in sensitive skin. If mild, rinse thoroughly and apply moisturizer — it should resolve in 24–48 hours. If it spreads or worsens, visit our clinic for prescription treatment.
\nI was stung by a bee or wasp. Should I come in immediately?
\nIf you have difficulty breathing, dizziness, or full-body hives — call 119 immediately. For localized pain and swelling only, apply ice and take an antihistamine, then visit our clinic — especially if this is your second or subsequent sting, as allergic reaction risk increases with repeated stings. Giant hornet (スズメバチ) stings warrant medical attention even without systemic symptoms.
\nHow much does a visit cost?
\nOur all-inclusive fee is ¥55,000 (tax included) — consultation, skin examination, prescription medications, basic procedures, and English medical certificate for insurance. Referral letters are an additional ¥11,000. Most travel insurance reimburses in full — we provide all claim documentation.
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Get Relief Today
\n\n\n\nDon’t let insect bites, sunburn, or skin problems ruin your time in Tokyo. SAKURA International Clinic Asakusa provides fast, English-speaking medical care — no appointment necessary.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLocation: 1-minute walk from Asakusa Station
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, open every day (year-round)
Languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese
Fee: ¥55,000 all-inclusive (tax included)
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Related Pages
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- Allergy Treatment in Tokyo \n\n\n\n
- Dermatology & Skin Rash \n\n\n\n
- Fever & Infection Treatment \n\n\n\n
- Travel Insurance Guide \n\n\n\n
- About SAKURA International Clinic Asakusa \n\n