For Foreign Travelers visiting Yokohama

If you are a vegetarian or have religious dietary needs, it may be the most inconvenient things to find while traveling in Japan. Even vegetarian menu is very very very rare. Not until the government addressed the inbound policy towards the Tokyo Olympics 2020 few years ago, even the famous high rank hotels and high class restaurants were not conscious about these preferences.

Recently, several large chain stores and hotels and restaurants that focuses on interenational travelers, they are aware of these neeeds but are still slow on developing the additional services. There are just handful even in mid Tokyo.

The situation in Yokohama is more scarce but Yokohama City has created a website regarding Muslim Tourist Information. Not only you can find information about where you can have Halal meal but also where you can shop halal food and facilities that offer prayer mats and compasses. You can also download the Yokohama Muslim Eats & Pray Guidebook (PDF) which is very handy to have on your smartphone while you travel.

For vegetarian travelers, there is no dedicated website but you can download the Yokohama Vegetarian Restaurants Guidebook (PDF). I would recommend to call the restaurant or the facility beforehand just to make sure they still serve those promised services as these can change according to demand.

If you've ever been to Japan during the summer, especially to major cities like Tokyo, you know how the heat and humidity can sometimes be really high and unpleasant. In recent years, due to global warming, days exceeding 30℃ (86℉) has become more frequent and concerns of getting heat stroke is rising. Heat stroke often occurs as a progression from milder heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat syncope (fainting), and heat exhaustion. But it can strike even if you have no previous signs of heat injury.

Heat stroke warning is sent out each day by Japan Meteorological Agency (the national weather service of Japan) and by the town or city to take necessary precautions. When the temperature exceeds 35℃ (95℉), staying indoors and refrain from any sports activities is highly recommeneded. Make sure to drink water frequently and also taking in reasonable amount of sodium is needed. You should be able to intake enough sodium through your daily diet but if you think you need to take in more, there are sports drinks (POCARI SWEAT and AQUARIUS) and special water for dehydration (OS-1) is sold in Japan. You can buy them at any local store.

It is particularly important to replenish your sodium levels if you have been sweating heavily. However, please be careful if you're on medication or restricted the amount of water or salt to ingest. Please make sure to follow your doctors instructions.

When you encounter early stages of heat stroke symptoms, quickly move to a cool place away from direct sunlight and try to cool down the body. Also, take in water and sodium as necessary. If you have difficulty drinking water or if you don't seem to be recovering, you should get medical attention or call an ambulance (call 119) if necessary. You can read more about heat stroke at Heatstroke Zero (Japan Weather Association) and Heat stroke measures (City of Yokohama).

If you happen to become ill during your travel, "guide for when you are feeling ill" website by Japan Tourism Agency has many useful information. You can search for medical institutions near you that may be able to help in your desired language and symptoms. There are instructions on how to use Medical Institutions and also some information about Travel Insurance which may be a great help for your treatment. In case of an emergency you can always dial 119 for an ambulance.