Guide
Visiting a Doctor in Japan: Hospital & Clinic Guide for Foreigners
Last updated: March 2026
Getting sick in a foreign country is stressful, especially when the medical system works differently from what you're used to. Japan's healthcare is excellent — high quality, affordable with insurance, and widely accessible. But the walk-in system, language barrier, and separated pharmacy model can confuse newcomers.
This guide walks you through exactly what to do when you need to see a doctor in Japan.
Clinic vs. Hospital: Where to Go
Clinic (クリニック / 診療所)
- For: Common illnesses, colds, allergies, minor injuries, checkups
- Wait: 30-90 minutes (walk-in)
- Referral: Not needed
- Cost: ¥1,000-3,000 (with insurance)
- Hours: Usually 9-12, 14-18. Many closed Wed/Sun.
Start here for non-emergencies
Hospital (病院)
- For: Serious conditions, surgery, specialist care, emergencies
- Wait: 1-3+ hours without referral
- Referral: Strongly recommended (紹介状)
- Cost: Higher; extra ¥5,000-7,000 fee without referral
- Hours: Usually 8:30-11:00 for initial reception
Go here if referred by a clinic or for emergencies
Going to a hospital without a referral costs extra
Large hospitals charge an additional ¥5,000-7,000 (選定療養費) if you visit without a referral letter. Always start at a local clinic — the doctor will refer you to a specialist or hospital if needed.
Step-by-Step: Visiting a Clinic
Find a clinic
Search Google Maps for the type of clinic you need: 内科 (internal medicine), 耳鼻科 (ENT), 皮膚科 (dermatology), 眼科 (eye), 歯科 (dental). Check if they're open today — many clinics close on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Walk in and check in at reception
Tell the receptionist: "Hajimete desu" (初めてです — it's my first time). They'll give you a questionnaire (問診票 / monshin-hyō) to fill out.
Fill out the questionnaire
Usually in Japanese — covers symptoms, allergies, current medications, and medical history. Some clinics have English versions. Having symptoms written down in Japanese (use Google Translate) helps enormously.
Wait and see the doctor
Consultations are typically brief (5-10 minutes). The doctor examines you, explains the diagnosis, and writes a prescription if needed. Japanese doctors tend to be direct and efficient.
Pay at the counter
Pay your 30% copay (with insurance). A typical clinic visit costs ¥1,000-3,000. Cash is safest — not all clinics accept cards.
Take your prescription to a pharmacy
The doctor gives you a prescription slip (処方箋 / shohōsen). Take it to a nearby pharmacy (調剤薬局 / chōzai yakkyoku) — usually right next to the clinic. Pay 30% of medication cost. The pharmacist will explain dosage.
What to Bring
- Insurance card (保険証) or My Number Card registered as insurance card
- Cash — many clinics don't accept credit cards
- Residence Card (for first visit identification)
- お薬手帳 (medicine notebook) — if you have one from previous visits
- Symptoms in Japanese — written down or on your phone (see table below)
Describing Symptoms in Japanese
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| I have a fever | 熱があります | Netsu ga arimasu |
| My head hurts | 頭が痛いです | Atama ga itai desu |
| My stomach hurts | お腹が痛いです | Onaka ga itai desu |
| I have a cough | 咳が出ます | Seki ga demasu |
| I feel nauseous | 吐き気がします | Hakike ga shimasu |
| I have diarrhea | 下痢をしています | Geri wo shiteimasu |
| I'm allergic to ___ | ___アレルギーがあります | ___ arerugii ga arimasu |
| It hurts here (pointing) | ここが痛いです | Koko ga itai desu |
| Since when? / 3 days ago | 3日前からです | Mikka mae kara desu |
Clinic Types (科)
| Japanese | English | Go Here For |
|---|---|---|
| 内科 | Internal Medicine | Cold, flu, fever, stomach issues — your default first stop |
| 耳鼻咽喉科 | ENT | Ear, nose, throat, allergies, hay fever |
| 皮膚科 | Dermatology | Skin problems, rashes, acne |
| 眼科 | Ophthalmology | Eye problems, contact lens prescriptions |
| 歯科 | Dental | Dental issues (basic covered by insurance) |
| 整形外科 | Orthopedics | Bone, joint, muscle injuries (not cosmetic surgery) |
| 心療内科 | Psychosomatic / Mental Health | Stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia |
Finding English-Speaking Medical Care
AMDA International Medical Information Center
Free multilingual medical consultation hotline. Helps find hospitals with foreign-language support and provides telephone interpretation.
03-6233-9266 (EN, CN, KR, PT, TH, VI, and more)
JMIP Certified Hospitals
Hospitals certified for accepting international patients. Search at the JMIP website for certified facilities near you.
International Clinics
Tokyo, Osaka, and other major cities have dedicated international clinics with full English service. Higher out-of-pocket costs but smoother experience. Examples: Tokyo Midtown Medical Center, St. Luke's International Hospital.
TELL Lifeline (Mental Health)
English-language counseling and crisis support for foreigners in Japan.
03-5774-0992 (9AM-11PM)
Emergency Medical Care
Call 119 for ambulance (free)
Say "Kyuukyuu desu" (救急です). Give your address. Ambulance service is free in Japan. Average response time is 8-9 minutes. See our emergency guide for more details.
- #7119 — Medical advice line. Not sure if it's an emergency? Call this first (available in Tokyo, Osaka, and expanding).
- Night/holiday clinics (休日・夜間診療) — Most cities operate after-hours clinics. Search "[your city] 休日診療" for locations.
- Emergency rooms (救急外来) — Available 24/7 at major hospitals. Long waits for non-life-threatening cases.
Don't hesitate to call an ambulance
Unlike some countries, ambulances in Japan are free and there is no stigma in calling one for genuine medical concerns. If you're unsure, call #7119 for advice.
Pharmacies & Medicine
Japan has two types of pharmacies:
調剤薬局 (Prescription Pharmacy)
Fills prescriptions from doctors. Usually near clinics/hospitals. Pharmacist explains dosage and interactions. Insurance applies (30% copay).
ドラッグストア (Drugstore)
Over-the-counter medicine, no prescription needed. Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, Sundrug, etc. For cold medicine, pain relievers, allergy pills. Staff can recommend products.
Medicine notebook (お薬手帳)
The pharmacy will offer you a small booklet called お薬手帳 (okusuri techō). It records all medications you're prescribed. Bring it to every pharmacy and doctor visit — it prevents dangerous drug interactions. A smartphone app version is also available.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about visiting medical facilities in Japan. It is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified medical professional for health concerns.
Related Guides
Health Insurance for Foreigners →
NHI vs Employee Insurance — how to enroll and what's covered.
Emergency Numbers & Disaster Prep →
119 ambulance, emergency phrases, and what to do in a crisis.
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