Introduction
In a notable collaboration, Tobu Group is set to introduce a trial for an online multilingual medical service, 'Travelers Hospital' (known as ‘とらほす’), at ten of its hotels. This initiative is aimed at addressing the medical needs of international visitors to Japan, who often encounter challenges due to language barriers when seeking medical care. The organization behind this service, Mediengine, specializes in supporting foreign tourists with healthcare access through a robust, multilingual medical platform.
The Initiative
Starting from October 27, 2025, and running until March 31, 2026, the trial will take place across various Tobu hotels, including the famous Asakusa Tobu Hotel and Kanaya Hotel in Nikko. The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of offering real-time, 24-hour online medical consultations and the provision of medications directly to the hotels where guests are staying.
As the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan has surged in recent years, providing adequate healthcare services in multiple languages has become increasingly critical. Many travelers struggle to access medical facilities where English or their native languages are spoken, making this trial an essential step toward improving the healthcare experience for international guests.
Service Features
The 'Travelers Hospital' service will facilitate medical consultations in English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages, significantly easing the process for guests who may feel distressed about their health but struggle to communicate effectively with Japanese-speaking medical professionals.
The operation process of the service is as follows:
1. Upon check-in or when a guest reports health issues, hotel staff will provide information materials containing a QR code linking to the 'Travelers Hospital' service page.
2. Guests experiencing health concerns can scan the QR code, which directs them to the service platform.
3. Through the platform, they can make an appointment for an online consultation and complete payment.
4. Following the consultation, guests will receive a URL via email to access their online appointment.
5. Based on the consultation results, 'Travelers Hospital' will assist with prescription medication, delivery options, or arrange in-person consultations if necessary.
6. After utilizing the service, supplementary information can be provided to the hotel for further assistance if needed.
Benefits for Guests and Staff
The introduction of this online medical service is designed to alleviate pressure on local healthcare systems while ensuring foreign guests receive timely medical assistance, reducing the workload for hotel staff. The convenience and efficiency of the 'Travelers Hospital' will enhance the overall experience for international visitors and provide peace of mind while in Japan.
Future Prospects
This trial underscores Tobu Group's commitment to its long-term vision of enhancing service quality and the value of experiences along its railway lines. Through innovative collaborations like this, Tobu seeks to address the challenges within Japan’s tourism sector while pursuing continuous improvement through initiatives such as the 'TOBU Open Innovation Program', which fosters collaboration with startups and other businesses.
The trial not only marks a significant step toward better healthcare access for foreign tourists but also reflects a broader commitment to evolving and improving the travel experience in alignment with modern demands. Tobu Group looks forward to refining and implementing this service for guests, contributing to a more welcoming and supportive environment for all visitors to Japan.
About Mediengine
Mediengine Inc., the company behind 'Travelers Hospital,' is a leader in providing multilingual medical support for foreign tourists. Their mission is to ensure that international visitors can access the same assurance in medical care during their travels as they would in their home countries. The initiative is expected to promote a positive healthcare infrastructure that significantly resonates with the needs of travelers.
For further inquiries regarding the 'Travelers Hospital' service or participation in the program, please visit
Mediengine's website and the
Travelers Hospital platform.