Go Online Doctor Japan

Blog

Practical guides for travelers who get sick in Japan, medically reviewed by our founding physician.

  • A pharmacist preparing medication near the shelves

    How to Get a Prescription in Japan as a Tourist

    Tourists in Japan can get a prescription through an English-language video consultation and pick up medication at a nearby pharmacy. Here's how the process works, what it costs, and what a doctor can't prescribe online.

    Medically reviewed by Yoshiki Ishizuka, M.D.

    Read more →
  • A traveler checking her phone from a hotel bed

    UTI Treatment in Japan for Travelers

    Getting a UTI while traveling is stressful, especially in a country where you don't speak the language. Here's when an online consultation is a reasonable first step, and when you should go to a clinic or hospital in person.

    Medically reviewed by Yoshiki Ishizuka, M.D.

    Read more →
  • A traveler on a video consultation from her sofa

    Telemedicine in Japan for Visitors: How It Works

    Japan's telemedicine rules were built with residents and chronic-care follow-ups in mind. Here's how the system actually works, how it compares internationally, and what it means if you're a visitor without access to Japan's public insurance.

    Medically reviewed by Yoshiki Ishizuka, M.D.

    Read more →
  • A traveler checking her phone from a hotel bed

    English-Speaking Doctors in Japan: A Guide for Visitors

    Outside major cities, English-friendly clinics can be limited, and "English available" can mean very different things depending on the facility. Here's how to find reliable care, and what to check before you go.

    Medically reviewed by Yoshiki Ishizuka, M.D.

    Read more →
  • An exhausted traveler resting on a hotel bed beside her suitcase

    Home-Visit Doctors in Japan: What Travelers Should Know

    House calls are a familiar option in some countries, but they're rare in Japan and mostly reserved for elderly or terminally ill patients. Here's why, and what that means for a traveler who gets sick at their hotel.

    Medically reviewed by Yoshiki Ishizuka, M.D.

    Read more →
  • A stethoscope and notepad on a clinic desk

    Japan's Medical System vs. Other Countries

    Japan's healthcare is built around universal public insurance, free choice of specialist, and short wait times — a different shape from the US, UK, France, or Germany. Here's how it compares, and what it means if you're visiting without access to that system.

    Medically reviewed by Yoshiki Ishizuka, M.D.

    Read more →
  • A stethoscope and notepad on a clinic desk

    How to Get a Medical Certificate Online in Japan

    A medical certificate is often the missing piece of a travel insurance claim. Here's what one actually documents, how it differs from a receipt, and how to get one in English after an online consultation in Japan.

    Medically reviewed by Yoshiki Ishizuka, M.D.

    Read more →