Traveling with Chronic Illness to Japan? Is It Even Safe?
Tourism in Japan has increased rapidly in recent years, and the country is accessible to any type of traveler. However, if you’re traveling with a chronic illness, it’s crucial to consider whether or not Japan is travel-friendly for those with health concerns.
The good news is that Japan’s tech-friendly and advanced systems facilitate safe traveling for foreigners with various medical needs. You can even travel to Japan in a wheelchair and enjoy every activity and tourist attraction. But where to begin? What are some of the most important things to bear in mind when traveling to Japan while managing a chronic illness? Not to worry. We’ll guide you through what to know before you go.
A lady in her wheelchair enjoying a close moment with a loved one. (Image credit: Shutterstock)
Understand healthcare in Japan for senior travelers
Before you get too far into planning your trip, here’s some core information to keep in mind:
Japan’s healthcare system quality
Japan has a high-standard healthcare system that uses advanced medical technology and employs highly skilled professionals to provide the best possible care to its people.
Although tourists cannot access Japan’s national healthcare insurance, the quality of service is impressive. Doctors are well-equipped to handle different medical needs, even in urgent situations, so you won’t have to worry about medical emergencies or assistance in Japan. The country will have all the appropriate facilities to help with your health needs.
Have travel insurance that covers medical expenses abroad
Medical treatment is expensive for tourists in Japan. For this reason, you must have travel insurance covering medical expenses abroad. It will provide you with the following benefits:
Provide a safety net against unexpected medical emergencies.
Cover the costs of treatments and hospital stays.
Help in medical evacuation if necessary.
Pro Tip: Before traveling, check if your travel insurance policy has direct billing agreements with hospitals in Japan to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.
It’s also highly recommended that you review the CDC travel guidelines and get all necessary vaccinations before visiting Japan. As long as you are fully vaccinated, there would be no CDC travel restrictions, and you won’t require any additional tests.
If you purchase insurance through TokudAw, our driver or tour chaperone can help you contact medical facilities in times of emergency. Our private car guests can also avail of transportation support to the hospital.
Find and use medical facilities
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has provided many smart and accessible ways for travelers to access its medical facilities.
Here are some things to remember if you’re traveling with chronic illness:
You can find healthcare facilities through a hotline (03-5285-8181). It provides information on English-speaking healthcare services.
Larger hospitals are more likely to have English-speaking staff, so you won’t have to worry about a language barrier.
Japan’s hospitals work 24/7 to handle emergency cases. Dial 119 for emergency services.
Many hotels also have a list of nearby medical facilities and can arrange a visit.
For less urgent medical issues, visiting a clinic can often be more convenient.
Pharmacies are marked by a green cross sign.
If you're visiting a local hospital where English is not spoken, it’s helpful to bring a translator or use a translation app.
An accessible travel guide can address your medical worries
If you’re planning a holiday trip to Japan but have some medical issues, don’t worry. We have a complete travel guide for people with health needs, old-age concerns, or disabilities.
1) Rules to bring medications if you’re traveling with chronic illness
Japan has strict rules on how much medication you can bring into the country without special permission. Generally, you can bring up to a one-month supply of prescription medicine and a two-month supply of over-the-counter medication (drugs bought without the need for a medical prescription).
Medications containing stimulants or narcotics, even if prescribed for ADHD or pain management in other countries, are not allowed in Japan without prior approval. To bring medications that exceed the allowed quantity or contain restricted substances, you must apply for a Yunyu Kakunin-sho, a type of import certificate.
Additionally, while over-the-counter medication is available, some foreign medications might not be readily accessible in Japan without a prescription. It is wise to bring your own supply of such rarer medicines.
2) Japanese government and local authorities' efforts
2,688,100 overseas residents visited Japan in January 2024—an 89.3% increase from 2023.
Have you wondered what’s so amazing about Japan that tourism is increasing at such an extraordinary rate? One reason is the level of easy accessibility that the Japanese government provides tourists.
The government and local authorities have implemented various measures to make transportation, public spaces, and tourist attractions accessible to everyone. Here are a couple of examples:
Installed elevators and ramps in public areas for the elderly/disabled people.
Public areas provide rental services for wheelchairs.
Japan's top tourist sites—including the Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temple—have ramps and convenient pathways for elderly people.
3) Kidney dialysis services
Many travelers require dialysis services. Japan has convenient and accessible options to ensure peace of mind during their visit.
Tokyo Dialysis Frontier Ikebukuro Station North Clinic provides hemodialysis services and is just a 5-minute walk from Ikebukuro station's north exit. Ideal for travelers not covered by Japanese health insurance, the clinic offers treatment in private rooms for 45,000 yen and an additional fee for other treatments.
The University of Tokyo Hospital is also renowned for its Department of Hemodialysis and Apheresis, which delivers advanced renal replacement therapy and apheresis for various conditions (including chronic and acute kidney disease).
Shirota Clinic uses the latest medical equipment for dialysis and plasmapheresis. This clinic ensures tourists receive quality care with all the comforts expected of a leading medical facility. So don’t worry if you have any severe kidney diseases because you can still enjoy your tour in Japan without worrying about emergencies.
4) Accommodations and tourist attractions
If you want to make the most of your tour, stay in an accommodation that gives you total comfort and is accessible. Here are some tips to make sure you stay ahead of everything:
Research accessibility of hotels and sightseeing locations in advance.
Contact hotels directly to inquire about accessible room features.
Consider WHILL’s wheelchair because it is motorized, can travel over different terrains, and is lightweight at 27 kg.
Use trains for accessible transportation and book wheelchair spaces in advance.
Be aware of accessibility limitations with buses and taxis, and plan accordingly.
Prepare for limited sidewalk accessibility in rural areas and steps at shop entrances.
Engage with online communities for support and advice on accessible travel in Japan.
5) Safety for older travelers
For those traveling with wheelchairs or other medical devices, there are helpful tips for using a wheelchair at popular destinations like Tokyo Disneyland. Japan's airports and train stations provide extensive assistance services catering to mobility-impaired, vision-impaired, and hearing-impaired customers.
Japan uses advanced technology, such as automated ticketing machines, digital signage with multilingual support and smartphone apps to make travelers' stays more comfortable.
For more detailed information on accessible services, Tokyo Haneda Airport's barrier-free information page is a great resource.
Traditional ryokans, Japanese-style inns, cater specifically to the needs of senior guests. These accommodations feature spacious rooms, thoughtfully designed with comfort in mind, and provide amenities tailored to enhance their stay and provide an additional level of comfort and support.
Here are some of the most accessible Ryokans for older travelers:
6) Hire a licensed travel assistant — a travel chaperone with nursing helper qualifications
Have you heard of the occupation: licensed travel assistant? This is a new occupation in Japan. A travel assistant refers to someone who may be either of the following: an individual who has undergone nursing care worker training, care worker practical training, a care worker, a nurse, physical Therapist , occupational therapist. They usually have experience in assisting people who require care or the elderly, and have also completed the Japanese tour chaperone training programe. They are able to provide assistance in a variety of things such as: wheelchair assistance, walking assistance, bathing assistance, going to the toilet, changing clothes, companionship, meal assistance, etc. The travel assistance can be with you every day, or just on special days where the guest would like a day off taking care of their family member, as we have registered helpers all over Japan, and can join the tour from any location.
Enjoy an accessible trip to Japan free from worry
If you’re nervous about making the most of your next tour to Japan, we’re here to help.
Tokudaw is dedicated to ensuring that every traveler can experience Japan's beauty freely. Our chartered vehicles are designed for easy access, featuring small steps for seniors or those with disabilities. We also provide wheelchair-compatible vehicles with slopes and secure attachments for wheelchair users.
Our private tours guarantee inclusivity, comfort, and flexibility, so you can create unforgettable memories in Japan even when traveling with chronic illness. We handle the details so you can enjoy a hassle-free journey with your loved ones.
