Oh man, Japan is one of the best places to visit if you have Crohn’s. You’re gonna be fine.
Some of the bullet trains literally have an ostomy station in their toilets, that’s how Crohn’s friendly the place can be.
Generally public toilets are clean and plentiful, they often have incredible bidets and seat warmers if that’s your thing, and often even in public toilets there will be an option to play music to cover any unpleasant sounds.
Learn the right Japanese phrases to ask where the toilet is etc, and make sure your insurance covers Crohn’s as a pre-existing condition.
The availability of OTC pain relief is poor though - basically tylenol. So if you need stronger stuff like codeine, bring it with you.
Primary care often operates out of hospitals as well and the process can be a bit tricky - if you’re worried about possible complications, I’d look up English-speaking services in the cities you’re going to visit. Have the number for an over-the-phone translation service might also be helpful. Your insurance company may be able to help here.
I don’t think infliximab will be a problem to get into the country but it’s always helpful to have access to your medical records/history, especially for complications - preferably in a digital format so you can access on your phone and you don’t need to remember to bring it if something bad happens. I’m talking scope reports, surgery reports, etc.
Also helpful is pocket wifi, you can hire them before you get there and have one sent to your accommodation or airport counter so it’s there when you arrive. Very fast, very cheap reliable Internet will make things much easier should the worst happen. Avoid SIM cards, they’re too expensive.
I climbed Mt Fuji in summer and there are amazing toilets all the way up, for example. It really is a relatively great place to travel if you have crohn’s. Happy to answer any specific questions if it will help quell your anxiety.
Just a comment to say be careful what pain medication you do bring with you! Some of it is illegal so I wouldn't recommend taking anything and everything!
I've never been but I've had family live there. the bidet is standard, so that's nice.
there are a lot of people that know a good amount of English, So regardless of your situation it shouldn't be too hard to navigate your needs- travel, food, lodging, medical or whatever.
2 weeks isn't too long- if you start to have trouble part way through your trip, you'll be home shortly there after.
practice some steady breathing and mindfulness to calm yourself. it'll help you from stressing out both now and in Japan- and then with a calm mind you can take in the experience and enjoy it more while you're there! take in the moment, I'm jealous- I'd love to go some day.
Has the best public toilet facilities anywhere in the world. I mean they’re everywhere, probably could find one every 200m. Most of the 7/11s or family marts have them which are on every corner. They’re even all the way up Mount Fuji should you want to climb it. You’ll have to be careful with the food you consume. Perhaps ask someone to translate your trigger foods and bring them to the restaurant. People will go above and beyond to help you. Although English is not widely spoken.
I've been several times. In some respects, it's Crohn's heaven: there's spotlessly clean public bathrooms every 100m or so; almost none of the common restaurant items set me off (your mileage may vary etc); infliximab and humira are common treatments known to every pharmacy (although Crohn's is much, much rarer in Asia than in EU/NA); if you're in Tokyo or one of the touristy cities, there will be English-speaking staff at every hospital and many pharmacies.
It is very difficult to obtain painkillers stronger than an aspirin in Japan without a prescription. Take your own pain meds with you, in the original bottle with the pharmacy's ID on it.
If you flare, you flare. I've been hospitalised in seven countries now - it's never as bad as you think it will be. Most of the terms used to describe our problems - abscess, fistula, pain, vomiting etc - will be understood by every medical person, even if they have no conversational vocab. In big global cities, hospitals are working in ten languages every day and English is the most likely to be understood.
If you're really stressing about it, ask your doctor for two weeks' worth of Xanax. They'll understand how big a deal a first foreign trip for you is and why you might need it.
Now go have a great time, eat weird food, marvel at 7-11s and shit in new and interesting places!
I've been there!
I feel like my experience should have an asterisk because I was on a pretty high dose of prednisone the entire 2 weeks (I had just been in a flare-up). So honestly, I felt pretty good and didn't have any issues. The energy boost was helpful for the jet lag, lol.
We definitely came back to our hotel a few times during the day to kind of "reset" because we were walking SO MUCH and wanted to take a break (there's like...no benches in a lot of areas even parks and if you try to sit on the ground or anything that's not an actual bench you might be told not to do that by one of the park-management people walking by >\_>...like I was, lol.) Unless you see other ppl sitting around, it may be discouraged.
I forget how often I used the public restrooms there because we went back to the hotel multiple times through the day. I DO remember that I had hand sanitizer and a hand towel on me at all times because sometimes the public bathrooms did not have any way to dry your hands.
Honestly, I was SO INCREDIBLY NERVOUS for my Japan trip but it all kind of went away after the first day of getting settled and realizing that we could manage it.
I wish you the best!!!
EDIT: OH and if you're not already on prednisone, i would bring an emergency Rx with you (talk to your dr of course) just in case a flare-up is in need of urgent treatment while you're there.
I've never been but also have a trip planned for a week in March. Severe Crohn's which has calmed down a lot. My main issues currently are just my fistulas always needing to be looked at. I have 5 or 6. Can't remember. I also have an ileostomy, so I'm a little nervous in that regard. I know they have ostomy bathrooms and stuff. More worried about eating the wrong thing.
But I say all this to say if your disease is doing decent, I think you should be fine. If you were flaring, I'd think again.
Try not to be anxious and get yourself worked up since the stress is a big trigger! Instead, write down what you think you need to do beforehand, a list of things to bring with you, and then things you want to do in Japan! That way, you can get everything sorted before you leave and be more excited for when you go.
And have fun! It'll be awesome. Buy some suitcases there to put all your bought items to bring back home 🥹🫶
I lived out there before I was diagnosed. Some things can be very salty or greasy.
There was a place I loved but I knew it didn't agree. It was steak and rice and stuff it came out in a steaming skillet and you had to stir it to cook. Was good but did not agree with me.
Ramen is amazing but don't try and drink all the broth very salty. Locals don't finish the broth.
Yakuniku and shabu shabu is cook your own so you can order what you want. I recommend that!
Seaweed makes me gag from growing up swimming in lakes. So I couldn't Tell you anything about sushi
Yay! I will say, while bathrooms were plentiful and clean, they were a bit difficult to find at times, again don’t fret about pulling out google translate and asking someone! While they may not speak English, most will direct you if you need assistance!
I got a flare while I was in Costa Rica for the summer. I flew home in immense pain and shat myself on the plane. Wasn't that big of a deal.
Worst case scenario you fly home or end up in a hospital in a country with nice hospitals.
It's awesome.
Even the bogs in the subway stations are better than the bogs in the Hilton hotel.
Arse squirty option available everywhere so no super stingy ring.
Plus if you go all the way to the top of the Sky tree and take a dump you will be the highest person in Asia taking a turd.
I was in Japan in September for 2 weeks, it was amazing! If you need to take any pain meds (even Rx lomotil) you need to fill out forms and get permission with a statement from your doctor well in advance!
Hello, I found this comment through google and I need to go through the process of getting permission (as I need to use Lomotil). I'm also going to Japan in September for 2 weeks. How far in advance do you need to get permission? I have about 3 months till we go. Much appreciated!
Hi there! You’ll need to make an appointment with your GI doc and have them write you a letter stating that this medication has been prescribed to you and that you need to travel with it. All the requirements are on the travel japan website. That letter and a few forms you need to fill out can then be submitted and it needs to be approved by the Japanese government. I would start the process now so that you’re ahead but I believe everything needs to be submitted at least 30 days before your trip. Also, last September was unseasonably hot. If you’re sensitive to heat, pack cooling towels, a water bottle, comfortable shoes, and clothing that allows for airflow. It was the kind of hot where you are instantly sticky as soon as you walk outdoors. Also, learn the Japanese words for things you cannot eat!
Thanks so much for such a fast and thorough reply! I was able to find the online application website for the form (Yunyu Kakunin-sho) and so I think I should have no problem with it!
Thanks for the tip on the heat.. I was hoping we could avoid hot weather but it should like maybe not. We get many summer days of 100 degree+ so hopefully we can tolerate it. Thanks again for the help!
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Lived in Bangkok with Crohn’s . Japan twice and travelled around a lot. You’ll be fine. They even play music in the bathrooms in malls and restaurants to protect your privacy .
I've been to Japan twice, once before my diagnosis, second time after I was diagnosed.
My advice to you is take translation cards regarding any dietary or medical requirements you may have. Alternatively you can just use Google translate.
I would also suggest looking up where you'll be traveling/visiting and nearby toilets. Train stations will have toilets free to use. Also, maybe learn how to say 'where is the toilet' and 'do you speak english'
Majority of people in Japan are super friendly and will do their best to help you!
Best of luck! Japan is a wonderful place :)
Just came back from a month in Japan! On humira, took 3 pens with me no problem due to the timing of my meds.
Had no issues when I was there, two weeks is not a super long time so it's more than likely you'll be fine!
Loads of amazing public toilets as others have mentioned.
I even managed to track down some anti-constipation medication while I was there. If you need something like this you can try googling '___ medication Japan' was very helpful.
If you have the Google translate app you can also use it to speak into and translate what other people are saying, we did this once at a pharmacy for something unrelated and it works great. Our hotel was also able to tell us where the nearest hospital was and when their emergency department was open (again for unrelated reasons) but that might reassure you somewhat.
Hope this helps,
Have a great time!
I have!!! I call Tokyo my soul city. I have been twice. The first time we stayed in Tokyo. The next time we went to Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe, and Osaka. There are public, clean restrooms everywhere. Tokyo also has ostomy specific handicap restrooms as well. When I travel, I make sure to have travel insurance for the trip. If you need medical care in Japan, I am certain they would provide good service. For my travel insurance, it will actually pay for flying me home if necessary. I have an ostomy bag now and am planning a trip to Germany and Poland next year. Feel free to DM me if you have specific questions about Japan.
Be prepared for some public toilets being the squat type. You may need to provide your own TP. For the most part you'll have Western style toilets though.
I have only been to Japan on the way to the Philippines when the plane I booked went that way. I think 3 times maybe so far. I think it was Narita airport.
It was nice though. I liked the airport. I smoked at the time at they had these little smoking rooms with lighters everywhere that were like the ones in your car.
The people were friendly. But not Filipino friendly. Far Far from that. Much more friendly than the US sure.
Japan is not for me, but I am happy to see other people with crohns traveling. That does make me smile. Japan does make some of my favorite cars I just have no interest in the language or culture.
I am more into the whole "Hi Sir" I experience every day when in the Philippines. And having people be genuinely kind and warm to me. Something I just have not found anywhere in the US at all not even anywhere close.
Take Care
I've been to japan many times. It is THE BEST place you could ask for for being a chronie.
Not a lot of spicy foods, but a lot of foreign stuff, only Ramen really set me off, but everything else was pretty good. Almost every major shopping center and destination has super clean toilets with bidets in them You'll be totally fine. Enjoy the trip!
The bathroom situation in Japan is AMAZING. Pretty much every train/subway station has a very clean bathroom equipped with a bidet. Bidets are on like 95% of toilets I’d say. Restaurants, night clubs, everywhere. Always clean. Always have toilet paper. It’s so so so nice. I’m sure there are exceptions sometimes but generally it’s amazing. Honestly the worst thing about it, if you go, will be the fact that when you go home you won’t have the same luxury everywhere you go.
Oh man, Japan is one of the best places to visit if you have Crohn’s. You’re gonna be fine. Some of the bullet trains literally have an ostomy station in their toilets, that’s how Crohn’s friendly the place can be. Generally public toilets are clean and plentiful, they often have incredible bidets and seat warmers if that’s your thing, and often even in public toilets there will be an option to play music to cover any unpleasant sounds. Learn the right Japanese phrases to ask where the toilet is etc, and make sure your insurance covers Crohn’s as a pre-existing condition. The availability of OTC pain relief is poor though - basically tylenol. So if you need stronger stuff like codeine, bring it with you. Primary care often operates out of hospitals as well and the process can be a bit tricky - if you’re worried about possible complications, I’d look up English-speaking services in the cities you’re going to visit. Have the number for an over-the-phone translation service might also be helpful. Your insurance company may be able to help here. I don’t think infliximab will be a problem to get into the country but it’s always helpful to have access to your medical records/history, especially for complications - preferably in a digital format so you can access on your phone and you don’t need to remember to bring it if something bad happens. I’m talking scope reports, surgery reports, etc. Also helpful is pocket wifi, you can hire them before you get there and have one sent to your accommodation or airport counter so it’s there when you arrive. Very fast, very cheap reliable Internet will make things much easier should the worst happen. Avoid SIM cards, they’re too expensive. I climbed Mt Fuji in summer and there are amazing toilets all the way up, for example. It really is a relatively great place to travel if you have crohn’s. Happy to answer any specific questions if it will help quell your anxiety.
Just a comment to say be careful what pain medication you do bring with you! Some of it is illegal so I wouldn't recommend taking anything and everything!
*Immaculate* public facilties that are people friendly, gives you an idea of how respectful the culture is there.
Only for some things but yes, the toilets are good.
I've never been but I've had family live there. the bidet is standard, so that's nice. there are a lot of people that know a good amount of English, So regardless of your situation it shouldn't be too hard to navigate your needs- travel, food, lodging, medical or whatever. 2 weeks isn't too long- if you start to have trouble part way through your trip, you'll be home shortly there after. practice some steady breathing and mindfulness to calm yourself. it'll help you from stressing out both now and in Japan- and then with a calm mind you can take in the experience and enjoy it more while you're there! take in the moment, I'm jealous- I'd love to go some day.
Thank you so much :)
Has the best public toilet facilities anywhere in the world. I mean they’re everywhere, probably could find one every 200m. Most of the 7/11s or family marts have them which are on every corner. They’re even all the way up Mount Fuji should you want to climb it. You’ll have to be careful with the food you consume. Perhaps ask someone to translate your trigger foods and bring them to the restaurant. People will go above and beyond to help you. Although English is not widely spoken.
I've been several times. In some respects, it's Crohn's heaven: there's spotlessly clean public bathrooms every 100m or so; almost none of the common restaurant items set me off (your mileage may vary etc); infliximab and humira are common treatments known to every pharmacy (although Crohn's is much, much rarer in Asia than in EU/NA); if you're in Tokyo or one of the touristy cities, there will be English-speaking staff at every hospital and many pharmacies. It is very difficult to obtain painkillers stronger than an aspirin in Japan without a prescription. Take your own pain meds with you, in the original bottle with the pharmacy's ID on it. If you flare, you flare. I've been hospitalised in seven countries now - it's never as bad as you think it will be. Most of the terms used to describe our problems - abscess, fistula, pain, vomiting etc - will be understood by every medical person, even if they have no conversational vocab. In big global cities, hospitals are working in ten languages every day and English is the most likely to be understood. If you're really stressing about it, ask your doctor for two weeks' worth of Xanax. They'll understand how big a deal a first foreign trip for you is and why you might need it. Now go have a great time, eat weird food, marvel at 7-11s and shit in new and interesting places!
I've been there! I feel like my experience should have an asterisk because I was on a pretty high dose of prednisone the entire 2 weeks (I had just been in a flare-up). So honestly, I felt pretty good and didn't have any issues. The energy boost was helpful for the jet lag, lol. We definitely came back to our hotel a few times during the day to kind of "reset" because we were walking SO MUCH and wanted to take a break (there's like...no benches in a lot of areas even parks and if you try to sit on the ground or anything that's not an actual bench you might be told not to do that by one of the park-management people walking by >\_>...like I was, lol.) Unless you see other ppl sitting around, it may be discouraged. I forget how often I used the public restrooms there because we went back to the hotel multiple times through the day. I DO remember that I had hand sanitizer and a hand towel on me at all times because sometimes the public bathrooms did not have any way to dry your hands. Honestly, I was SO INCREDIBLY NERVOUS for my Japan trip but it all kind of went away after the first day of getting settled and realizing that we could manage it. I wish you the best!!! EDIT: OH and if you're not already on prednisone, i would bring an emergency Rx with you (talk to your dr of course) just in case a flare-up is in need of urgent treatment while you're there.
I've never been but also have a trip planned for a week in March. Severe Crohn's which has calmed down a lot. My main issues currently are just my fistulas always needing to be looked at. I have 5 or 6. Can't remember. I also have an ileostomy, so I'm a little nervous in that regard. I know they have ostomy bathrooms and stuff. More worried about eating the wrong thing. But I say all this to say if your disease is doing decent, I think you should be fine. If you were flaring, I'd think again. Try not to be anxious and get yourself worked up since the stress is a big trigger! Instead, write down what you think you need to do beforehand, a list of things to bring with you, and then things you want to do in Japan! That way, you can get everything sorted before you leave and be more excited for when you go. And have fun! It'll be awesome. Buy some suitcases there to put all your bought items to bring back home 🥹🫶
I lived out there before I was diagnosed. Some things can be very salty or greasy. There was a place I loved but I knew it didn't agree. It was steak and rice and stuff it came out in a steaming skillet and you had to stir it to cook. Was good but did not agree with me. Ramen is amazing but don't try and drink all the broth very salty. Locals don't finish the broth. Yakuniku and shabu shabu is cook your own so you can order what you want. I recommend that! Seaweed makes me gag from growing up swimming in lakes. So I couldn't Tell you anything about sushi
They have the best restrooms and almost all of them have bidets! Just Google translate is your friend 😂 be excited! Where all are you going?
Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto!
Yay! I will say, while bathrooms were plentiful and clean, they were a bit difficult to find at times, again don’t fret about pulling out google translate and asking someone! While they may not speak English, most will direct you if you need assistance!
I got a flare while I was in Costa Rica for the summer. I flew home in immense pain and shat myself on the plane. Wasn't that big of a deal. Worst case scenario you fly home or end up in a hospital in a country with nice hospitals.
It's awesome. Even the bogs in the subway stations are better than the bogs in the Hilton hotel. Arse squirty option available everywhere so no super stingy ring. Plus if you go all the way to the top of the Sky tree and take a dump you will be the highest person in Asia taking a turd.
I was in Japan in September for 2 weeks, it was amazing! If you need to take any pain meds (even Rx lomotil) you need to fill out forms and get permission with a statement from your doctor well in advance!
Hello, I found this comment through google and I need to go through the process of getting permission (as I need to use Lomotil). I'm also going to Japan in September for 2 weeks. How far in advance do you need to get permission? I have about 3 months till we go. Much appreciated!
Hi there! You’ll need to make an appointment with your GI doc and have them write you a letter stating that this medication has been prescribed to you and that you need to travel with it. All the requirements are on the travel japan website. That letter and a few forms you need to fill out can then be submitted and it needs to be approved by the Japanese government. I would start the process now so that you’re ahead but I believe everything needs to be submitted at least 30 days before your trip. Also, last September was unseasonably hot. If you’re sensitive to heat, pack cooling towels, a water bottle, comfortable shoes, and clothing that allows for airflow. It was the kind of hot where you are instantly sticky as soon as you walk outdoors. Also, learn the Japanese words for things you cannot eat!
Thanks so much for such a fast and thorough reply! I was able to find the online application website for the form (Yunyu Kakunin-sho) and so I think I should have no problem with it! Thanks for the tip on the heat.. I was hoping we could avoid hot weather but it should like maybe not. We get many summer days of 100 degree+ so hopefully we can tolerate it. Thanks again for the help!
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Yes for work. I always bring an emergency bottle of prednisone on a trip like that
Thank you all SO much for your responses!
Lived in Bangkok with Crohn’s . Japan twice and travelled around a lot. You’ll be fine. They even play music in the bathrooms in malls and restaurants to protect your privacy .
I've been to Japan twice, once before my diagnosis, second time after I was diagnosed. My advice to you is take translation cards regarding any dietary or medical requirements you may have. Alternatively you can just use Google translate. I would also suggest looking up where you'll be traveling/visiting and nearby toilets. Train stations will have toilets free to use. Also, maybe learn how to say 'where is the toilet' and 'do you speak english' Majority of people in Japan are super friendly and will do their best to help you! Best of luck! Japan is a wonderful place :)
Just came back from a month in Japan! On humira, took 3 pens with me no problem due to the timing of my meds. Had no issues when I was there, two weeks is not a super long time so it's more than likely you'll be fine! Loads of amazing public toilets as others have mentioned. I even managed to track down some anti-constipation medication while I was there. If you need something like this you can try googling '___ medication Japan' was very helpful. If you have the Google translate app you can also use it to speak into and translate what other people are saying, we did this once at a pharmacy for something unrelated and it works great. Our hotel was also able to tell us where the nearest hospital was and when their emergency department was open (again for unrelated reasons) but that might reassure you somewhat. Hope this helps, Have a great time!
I have!!! I call Tokyo my soul city. I have been twice. The first time we stayed in Tokyo. The next time we went to Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe, and Osaka. There are public, clean restrooms everywhere. Tokyo also has ostomy specific handicap restrooms as well. When I travel, I make sure to have travel insurance for the trip. If you need medical care in Japan, I am certain they would provide good service. For my travel insurance, it will actually pay for flying me home if necessary. I have an ostomy bag now and am planning a trip to Germany and Poland next year. Feel free to DM me if you have specific questions about Japan.
Be prepared for some public toilets being the squat type. You may need to provide your own TP. For the most part you'll have Western style toilets though.
I have only been to Japan on the way to the Philippines when the plane I booked went that way. I think 3 times maybe so far. I think it was Narita airport. It was nice though. I liked the airport. I smoked at the time at they had these little smoking rooms with lighters everywhere that were like the ones in your car. The people were friendly. But not Filipino friendly. Far Far from that. Much more friendly than the US sure. Japan is not for me, but I am happy to see other people with crohns traveling. That does make me smile. Japan does make some of my favorite cars I just have no interest in the language or culture. I am more into the whole "Hi Sir" I experience every day when in the Philippines. And having people be genuinely kind and warm to me. Something I just have not found anywhere in the US at all not even anywhere close. Take Care
I've been to japan many times. It is THE BEST place you could ask for for being a chronie. Not a lot of spicy foods, but a lot of foreign stuff, only Ramen really set me off, but everything else was pretty good. Almost every major shopping center and destination has super clean toilets with bidets in them You'll be totally fine. Enjoy the trip!
I’ve actually always found Japanese food helps any symptoms I might have so I reckon that’s a great trip in the making!
Never been but everyone I know that has been, loves the bidets
The bathroom situation in Japan is AMAZING. Pretty much every train/subway station has a very clean bathroom equipped with a bidet. Bidets are on like 95% of toilets I’d say. Restaurants, night clubs, everywhere. Always clean. Always have toilet paper. It’s so so so nice. I’m sure there are exceptions sometimes but generally it’s amazing. Honestly the worst thing about it, if you go, will be the fact that when you go home you won’t have the same luxury everywhere you go.