Feeling unwell in Japan can be stressful — especially when you’re far from home and unsure where to turn. This text-based symptom checker will guide you through a simple decision tree so you can quickly determine whether you need emergency services, a clinic visit, or a trip to the pharmacy. Follow each step carefully.
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Step 1: Are You Conscious and Alert?
\n\n\n\nIf the person is unconscious, unresponsive, or confused and unable to speak, this is a medical emergency.
\n\n\n\nCall Us immediately. This is Japan’s emergency number for ambulance and fire services. The operator may speak limited English — say “Kyukyusha onegaishimasu” (ambulance please) and give your location. If you’re at a hotel, ask the front desk to call for you.
\n\n\n\nIf the person is conscious and alert, proceed to Step 2.
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Step 2: Can You Breathe Normally? Do You Have Chest Pain?
\n\n\n\nIf you are experiencing any of the following:
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- Severe difficulty breathing or shortness of breath \n
- Chest pain, tightness, or pressure \n
- Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body \n
- Sudden severe headache with stiff neck \n
- Heavy uncontrolled bleeding \n
Call Us immediately. These symptoms may indicate a heart attack, stroke, or other life-threatening condition. Do not wait — every minute matters.
\n\n\n\nIf none of the above apply, proceed to Step 3.
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Step 3: Do You Have a Very High Fever (40°C / 104°F or Above)?
\n\n\n\nA fever above 40°C (104°F) in an adult can be dangerous, especially if accompanied by:
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- Confusion or delirium \n
- Seizures or convulsions \n
- Severe headache and stiff neck \n
- Rash that doesn’t fade when pressed \n
- Inability to keep fluids down \n
If you have a high fever with any of the above danger signs, call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a high fever but are otherwise stable, you should visit a clinic as soon as possible. Walk-in clinics like ours can evaluate you, run tests, and prescribe medication the same day.
\n\n\n\nIf your fever is below 40°C or you don’t have a fever, proceed to Step 4.
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Step 4: What Are Your Symptoms?
\n\n\n\nSelect the category that best matches what you’re experiencing. Each link leads to a detailed guide covering causes, treatments available in Japan, and what to expect at a clinic visit.
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- Fever, Cold, or Flu — Runny nose, sore throat, body aches, mild to moderate fever \n
- Stomach Problems, Diarrhea, or Vomiting — Nausea, food poisoning, abdominal cramps, traveler’s diarrhea \n
- Allergies, Rash, or Itching — Hives, hay fever, skin reactions, swelling \n
- Cough or Sore Throat — Persistent cough, COVID-19 concerns, bronchitis, respiratory issues \n
- Headache or Dizziness — Migraine, tension headache, lightheadedness, vertigo \n
- Heat-Related Illness — Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, sunburn \n
- Body Pain — Muscle aches, joint pain, back pain, sprains \n
- Insect Bites or Skin Issues — Mosquito bites, tick bites, skin infections, redness and swelling \n
- Jet Lag or Fatigue — Sleep disruption, exhaustion, difficulty adjusting to time zones \n
- Running Out of Medication — Need a prescription refill, lost medication, chronic condition management \n
- Minor Injuries — Cuts, scrapes, bruises, minor burns, twisted ankle \n
- Urinary Problems — Painful urination, frequent urination, UTI symptoms \n
If your symptoms don’t fit any category above, don’t worry — reach out to us directly and we’ll point you in the right direction.
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Step 5: Could a Pharmacy Be Enough?
\n\n\n\nFor very mild symptoms — a slight headache, minor bug bite, or a runny nose — a Japanese pharmacy (called yakkyoku 薬局 or drugstore dorakkusutoa ドラッグストア) may have what you need without a clinic visit.
\n\n\n\nJapanese pharmacies carry a wide range of over-the-counter medicines, but the packaging is entirely in Japanese. Our Japanese Pharmacy Phrase Card can help you communicate your symptoms and find the right product.
\n\n\n\nHowever, keep in mind:
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- Japanese OTC medications are often dosed for smaller body weights and may be less potent than what you’re used to. \n
- Pharmacists cannot diagnose conditions or prescribe antibiotics. \n
- If your symptoms persist for more than 24–48 hours, or if they worsen, you should see a doctor. \n
- Prescription medications (antibiotics, stronger pain relief, anti-nausea drugs) are only available through a clinic visit. \n
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Still Not Sure? Ask Us First.
\n\n\n\nIf you’re unsure whether your symptoms require emergency care, a clinic visit, or just a pharmacy stop, send us a message on WhatsApp. Our multilingual staff (English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese) can help you assess the situation and advise on your next step — before you spend time or money going to the wrong place.
\n\n\n\nYou don’t need to figure this out alone. We help tourists in Japan every single day, and we’ve seen it all — from mild colds to emergency situations. A quick message can save you hours of stress.
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About SAKURA International Clinic Asakusa
\n\n\n\nLocated just a 1-minute walk from Asakusa Station, SAKURA International Clinic Asakusa is open every day of the year from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM — including weekends and national holidays. No appointment is necessary. Just walk in.
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- Languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese \n
- Cost: ¥55,000 all-inclusive (consultation, tests, and medication) \n
- WhatsApp: our clinic \n
- Walk-ins welcome — no appointment needed \n
Related Pages
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- First Visit Guide \n\n\n
- Our Referral Network \n\n\n
- How to Claim Travel Insurance \n\n