What actually happens to travelers here.
Japan's controlled-substance list is stricter than most travelers expect. Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin are banned โ no import permit available. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Claritin-D) is also prohibited. Check every medication before you fly.
Japanese hospitals expect full payment at point of service, including at ERs. Carry a credit card with a high limit. Some hospitals refuse treatment without upfront cash or card.
Medical communication is hard outside major cities. Use the Japan National Tourism Organization's multilingual hospital list or call 03-5774-0992 (TELL English crisis line in Tokyo).
Japan has frequent seismic activity. Your hotel's evacuation route + the local tsunami warning signs are worth knowing. NHK World has English emergency broadcasts.
The system.
System: Universal (National Health Insurance โ primarily for residents, tourists pay out-of-pocket)
Quality: โ โ โ โ โ Excellent
World-class healthcare with advanced technology. English availability is limited outside major cities. Most hospitals require upfront payment.
Japan is known for advanced medical technology and excellent cancer treatment. Medical tourism is growing, though costs can be high without insurance.
Where to actually go.
Full international department. Major credit cards accepted.
Walk-in clinic for travelers. Popular among expats.
English-first clinic for tourists and expats.
One of Japan's top-ranked hospitals. International patient services.
Finding what you need.
Access: Easy
Hours: Most pharmacies open 9am-8pm; 24/7 pharmacies available in major cities like Tokyo
Prescription rules: Most medications require a Japanese prescription. Foreign prescriptions are NOT accepted. Bring all medications you may need in their original packaging.
Look for ใใฉใใฐในใ (drugstores) like Matsumoto Kiyoshi or Cocokara Fine. Pharmacists rarely speak English โ bring a translation app. Prescription medicines are dispensed at the pharmacy counter, not sold freely.
Available over the counter
- ibuprofen (often branded as EVE)
- paracetamol/acetaminophen (ใขใปใใขใใใใงใณ)
- cold medicine (้ขจ้ช่ฌ)
- stomach medicine (่่ ธ่ฌ)
- allergy medication (ใขใฌใซใฎใผ่ฌ)
- band-aids and basic first aid
Useful pharmacy phrases
- ้ ญ็ใฎ่ฌใใใ ใใ
- ใ่ นใ็ใใงใ
- โฆใซใขใฌใซใฎใผใใใใพใ
- ไธ็ช่ฟใ่ฌๅฑใฏใฉใใงใใ๏ผ
- ๅป่ ใซ่จบใฆใใใใใใงใ
Chains you'll see
- Matsumoto Kiyoshi โ Yellow and black storefront, ใใใขใใญใจใท signage (Throughout Japan, especially train stations and shopping districts)
- Cocokara Fine โ Blue and white storefront (Major cities)
- Sun Drug โ Yellow and red signage (Cities and suburbs nationwide)
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen โ Tylenol or generic ใขใปใใขใใใใงใณ
Tylenol is sold in most large pharmacies; locals also use the generic katakana name. - ibuprofen โ EVE (ใคใ)
EVE is the dominant Japanese ibuprofen brand โ widely recognized. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) โ Stoppa or Pireena
Available OTC at most drugstores.
What you can't bring in.
Carry a doctor's letter in English listing all medications and their generic names. For quantities exceeding 1 month's supply, obtain a Yakkan Shoumei (import certificate) from Japan's Pharmaceutical Affairs Agency before arrival. Keep medications in original packaging.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: Adderall ยท Sudafed ยท Codeine ยท CBD
Stimulant-based cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine are prohibited. Products like Sudafed, Contac, and similar are illegal to bring into Japan.
Strictly prohibited even with a valid foreign prescription. Includes Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine, and Ritalin/methylphenidate.
Codeine is a controlled substance. Small quantities may be allowed with a doctor's note and Yakkan Shoumei certificate, but many forms are restricted.
Cannabis in any form is illegal in Japan, including CBD products containing any THC.
Some benzodiazepines are controlled. Bring documentation if needed.
If something breaks.
Availability: Excellent dental care available in major cities. Many dental clinics in Tokyo and Osaka have English-speaking dentists.
Cost range: ยฅ3,000-10,000 ($20-70) for a basic consultation; ยฅ10,000-50,000 ($70-350) for fillings or extractions
Japanese dental care is technically excellent. International clinics in Tokyo (Tokyo Dental Clinic, Mori Dental) cater to English speakers.
What you actually need.
๐ก๏ธ Recommended
Average cost: $40-70/week
Japanese hospitals often require upfront payment (cash or credit card). Travel insurance with direct billing and medical evacuation coverage is highly recommended. National Health Insurance does NOT cover tourists.
Filing a claim
Japanese hospitals typically require upfront payment. Keep all receipts (ryoshusho) and ask for an English medical certificate (shindan-sho). Many hospitals can provide documentation in English at international departments. File claims with your insurer within 30 days of treatment.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $60-150 |
| ER visit | $200-700 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $400-1,200 |
| Ambulance | $100-500 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Local treatment is excellent in major cities
Secondary destination: Singapore or Tokyo
Typical cost band: $30,000-100,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Local hospitals handle the vast majority of cases โ air evacuation is rarely needed for tourists. If a condition exceeds local capacity: Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, and major Chinese cities have world-class tertiary hospitals โ Singapore is the regional super-hub for the most specialized cases.
What to get done before you fly.
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Japanese Encephalitis (for rural stays, especially during summer months)
No mandatory vaccinations for travelers from the US or most countries. Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Safe to drink โ Tap water is safe to drink throughout Japan. Bottled water is also widely available.
Food safety
Japan has very high food safety standards. Raw fish (sushi/sashimi) is safe at reputable restaurants. Street food is generally safe. Be cautious with consumption of wild mushrooms or unfamiliar plants.
In crisis abroad.
English / international line: TELL Lifeline: 03-5774-0992 (English-language counseling in Tokyo)
English-speaking therapists: Available in Tokyo and Osaka through TELL (Tokyo English Life Line) and international clinics. Expect ยฅ10,000-25,000 per session.
Mental health services in English are limited outside major cities. TELL offers phone and in-person counseling. Many international clinics in Tokyo have psychiatrists.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com โ crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Japan has good accessibility infrastructure, especially in major cities. Trains, stations, and public buildings are generally wheelchair accessible.
Hospital accessibility: Major hospitals are wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms. International hospitals have multilingual accessibility support.
Accessible transport: JR trains and major subway lines have elevators and priority seating. Accessible taxis (UD taxis) available in Tokyo. Wheelchair ramps at most stations.
Request accessible rooms in advance. The Japan Accessible Tourism Center (accessible-japan.com) provides detailed guides. Sidewalks in older areas may have obstacles.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry as of 2026.
Mask policy: Masks are no longer required but remain common in healthcare settings and crowded trains. Many Japanese people continue to wear masks voluntarily.
Testing availability: PCR tests available at clinics and airports. Cost: ยฅ15,000-30,000 ($100-200) at private clinics.
Japan lifted all COVID entry restrictions in 2023. Healthcare facilities may still require masks.
Japan travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State โ travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- US Embassy Tokyo
- Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
- WHO International Travel and Health