Self-Care vs. When to See a Doctor
First Aid Supplies Available in Japan
Japanese pharmacies and convenience stores are remarkably well-stocked for wound care.
Bandages (バンドエイド, Band-Aid) — individually wrapped adhesive bandages in all sizes. Available at every convenience store.
Gauze and medical tape (ガーゼ + サージカルテープ) — for larger wounds. Available at pharmacies.
Wound closure strips (ステリストリップ, *Steri-Strips*) — available at larger pharmacies; allow closure of small lacerations without stitches.
Povidone-iodine solution (イソジン消毒液) — antiseptic for wound cleaning. Available everywhere.
Chlorhexidine solution (クロルヘキシジン) — gentler antiseptic, preferred for open wounds.
Moist wound dressings (キズパワーパッド, *Kizupawā pado*) — Japan's version of Hydrocolloid bandages. Excellent for promoting moist wound healing in abrasions and small cuts. Available at pharmacies.
Wound irrigation syringe — available at larger pharmacies for thorough cleaning of deep wounds.
Tweezers (毛抜き, *kenuki*) — for removing debris.
Note on hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is not commonly used as a wound antiseptic in Japan, consistent with modern wound care guidelines that show it damages healthy tissue.
Finding a Doctor in Japan
For wounds requiring stitches, X-ray for embedded objects, or signs of infection, visit a surgery clinic (外科, *geka*) or emergency clinic. Plastic surgeons (形成外科, *keisei geka*) are appropriate for facial wounds where cosmetic outcome matters.
Translation devices have limited accuracy in medical contexts. We strongly recommend clinics with English-speaking staff. Search for English-capable surgery clinics at Traveler's Hospital hospital search.
Estimated Costs
Useful Japanese Phrases for Your Doctor Visit
Internal Links
For wounds from insect bites or stings that become infected, see the insect bites guide. For bone injuries alongside cuts from falls, see the sprains and fractures guide. Find surgery clinics at Traveler's Hospital.
FAQ
Q: Is Japan's tap water safe for cleaning wounds?
A: Yes. Japan's tap water quality is among the highest in the world and is safe and appropriate for wound irrigation. Running clean tap water over a wound for at least 5 minutes is one of the most effective ways to clean it.
Q: Do I need a tetanus shot if I get a dirty wound in Japan?
A: Tetanus vaccination is recommended every 10 years. If your last booster was more than 5 years ago and you have a dirty or deep puncture wound, a booster is recommended. Japanese clinics can administer tetanus toxoid (破傷風トキソイド) on the same day.
Q: Are there rabies risks from animal bites in Japan?
A: Japan is officially rabies-free for terrestrial animals — there has been no domestic animal transmission since 1957. However, a bite from any wild animal should still be cleaned thoroughly and evaluated by a doctor, particularly if the animal was behaving unusually. Bats in Japan have been found to carry lyssaviruses related to rabies, so bat bites require immediate medical attention.
Q: Can I get stitches removed at a different hospital in Japan?
A: Generally yes, though it is simpler to have them removed at the same clinic. If you are traveling to a different city, any surgical or general medicine clinic can remove stitches. Bring any discharge documentation from the clinic where you received the stitches.
Q: What is Kizupawā Pado and is it good?
A: Kizupawā Pado (キズパワーパッド) is Bandai/Johnsons's Hydrocolloid wound dressing sold in Japan. It creates a moist healing environment that significantly reduces healing time and scarring compared to dry dressings. It is excellent for abrasions and shallow cuts. Do not use on infected wounds.
Q: How long do stitches stay in?
A: Suture removal timing depends on location: face (3–5 days), scalp (7 days), arms/legs (7–10 days), hands/feet (10–14 days), back/abdomen (10–14 days). The doctor will advise at the time of closure.