If you feel unwell from the heat during your Japan trip

Heat illness refers to various symptoms that occur when the body fails to regulate heat properly. In Japan it is called 「熱中症」. It can occur not only under the sun but also when staying still in a hot, humid room.

Also watch for heavy sweating or weakness in the hands and feet. Do not decide on a diagnosis or assume you are fine based only on body temperature or whether you are sweating. Check together whether consciousness is clear, whether answers and walking are normal, and whether the person can drink water on their own. If anything is wrong, cool the body right away and get help.

Before departure and before going out at your destination, check the issued time, target dates, and areas. The heat index is not the same number as the temperature in weather apps or body temperature. Look at the nearest observation point, but sunlight and wind where you actually stay may differ — also watch your surroundings and condition.

The regular heat illness alert 「熱中症警戒アラート」 is issued when the highest WBGT of the day is predicted to reach 33 or above at any point in the target area. This 33 does not mean an air temperature of 33°C. Even without an alert, heat illness can occur depending on your condition, activity, and surroundings.

「熱中症特別警戒アラート」 is a special alert meaning dangerous heat is expected across many areas with a risk of serious health harm. Stay in cool places and check on your companions too. If you plan to attend an event, first check whether the organizer cancelled it or changed the date or venue before setting out.

On hot days, minimize going out at midday as much as possible. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare also advises resting often in shade and avoiding heat. Indoors too, control temperature with air conditioning and replenish fluids often.

It is good to cut first the plans that involve long walks or waiting in outdoor lines. After touring one place, add rest time at your accommodation or an air-conditioned room. Even if you shift plans to morning or evening, check the heat index and your condition at that time before moving.

Children and older adults need extra care as their ability to regulate body heat differs. Ask your companions whether they feel too hot or unwell. If someone seems less energetic than usual or responds differently, stop activities. If the resting place is a long walk away, consider shortening the plan.

Cooling shelters are air-conditioned facilities designated by local governments as places to escape heat, called 「クーリングシェルター」 in Japanese. When a special heat illness alert is issued, they are to open at set hours. Details like available dates and hours are announced by the area city or ward office.

Even if listed, check separately whether you can enter now. Check the available dates and hours in the facility guidance, and when you arrive ask staff where you can rest. If you can already stay in an air-conditioned place, you do not need to move to a cooling shelter.

Rather than walking far on hot roads to find a specific facility, ask for help nearby first. When consciousness or walking is abnormal, or the person cannot drink water on their own, do not spend time searching for facilities — call 119 and cool the body.

Entering the room does not remove the heat danger. Heat illness can occur indoors too, so control temperature with air conditioning. If dizziness or headache continues, get medical care. If unconscious or unable to drink water on their own, call 119.

If the air conditioning is broken or there is a power outage, ask staff whether there is a cool place to rest, whether you can move to another room, and when air conditioning will be available again. If you must move to another accommodation, ask your accommodation and the booking company each about change fees and conditions. Do not assume you can change rooms or cancel for free.

Even when evacuated for an earthquake, shelters may have no air conditioning or be unable to use it due to power outages. If you feel unwell from the heat, tell staff right away and ask for help resting in a cool place.

The Ministry of the Environment first aid materials also advise resting and taking it easy after feeling better. If you cannot drink water due to nausea or vomiting, or your condition worsens, call 119.

While recovering, drop plans with long walks or outdoor waiting, and first decide with your companions where you can rest. Do not push yourself to travel while unwell just to catch a booked train or flight.

When you can move, check separately whether trains and buses from your accommodation to the station or airport run, and whether your booked flight operates. Transport may still be stopped even after you feel better. If you need to change bookings, ask the operator, airline, or booking company about how to change and the fees. A heat alert does not make every booking free to change or cancel.

Show people nearby 「救急車を呼んでください。」 It means "Please call an ambulance." Also tell them your facility name and location. In emergencies, do not wait for English-language consultation to connect — call 119 first.

The JNTO Japan Visitor Hotline is a line that guides foreign travelers in Japan who face difficulties from illness or disaster. It is available 24 hours daily in Korean, English, and Chinese. Call 050-3816-2787 within Japan, or +81-50-3816-2787 from abroad. If you need an ambulance, call 119 before this line.

If it is not an emergency and you need to find a hospital, use the JNTO medical institution search (in Korean) to select your area and language. Contact the hospital to ask about available hours, whether they can explain in your language, and whether you can be seen now. As a rule, JNTO does not interpret between patient and hospital or book on your behalf. Receiving guidance does not guarantee interpretation, treatment, or booking.