Japan guide

If something goes wrong

Heatstroke

Japanese summers are hot and humid. Heatstroke can come on fast, even in the city — feeling dizzy, sick or stopping sweating are warning signs.

7 steps · 2 common mistakes· Show in Japanese (3)

If someone feels unwell

Step by step

  1. Move them to somewhere cool: an air-conditioned shop, station or the shade.

  2. Loosen their clothes and cool the neck, armpits and groin with cold drinks or wet towels.

  3. Give water or a sports drink if they can drink on their own.

  4. Call 119 if they can't drink by themselves, are confused or lose consciousness.

Common mistakes

  • Waiting to see if it passes when the person can't drink.

Heat alerts

From late April to late October, Japan issues a Heatstroke Alert (熱中症警戒アラート) on very hot days, and a Special Heatstroke Alert when it's extreme. On those days stay in air conditioning in the afternoon and keep drinking.

Staying cool

Step by step

  1. Drink before you feel thirsty — vending machines are everywhere.

  2. Wear a hat, take breaks in shops and stations.

  3. Plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning or evening.

Common mistakes

  • Long walks between shrines in the midday sun without water.

Find one near you

Opens your map app and searches around where you are. The Japanese is there to show someone if you need directions.

Official help

On HAKOBUNE Spot

Cool down: cafés and sweet shops where you can sit inside.

See all places

Sources

Sources (checked 2026-11-04). Facts, numbers and prices on this page come from these official pages.

  1. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare熱中症が疑われる人を見かけたらJapanese(opens in a new tab)Ministry of Health: what to do if someone may have heatstroke
  2. Ministry of the EnvironmentHeat Stroke Alert(opens in a new tab)Ministry of the Environment: heatstroke alerts
  3. Japan Tourism AgencyInformation on illnesses, injuries, and disasters(opens in a new tab)Japan Tourism Agency: help with illness, injury and disasters
  4. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)Japan Visitor Hotline(opens in a new tab)JNTO: the 24-hour Japan Visitor Hotline for travellers
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