Getting sick while traveling in Japan doesn't have to be stressful. Japan has excellent healthcare, and foreigners can access it — you just need to know how. This guide walks you through every step, from finding the right clinic to picking up your medication.
Being prepared before you need medical care makes everything easier. Keep these items accessible during your trip:
Save this information on your phone or print it out:
Having this ready in advance can save critical time at the reception desk.
Clinic (クリニック) | Hospital (病院) | |
|---|---|---|
Best for | Common illnesses, minor injuries, follow-ups | Serious conditions, surgery, emergencies |
Wait time | 15-45 minutes | 1-3 hours |
Referral needed | No | Recommended (extra fee without one) |
English support | Limited | More likely at large hospitals |
Cost | Lower | Higher |
Payment | Usually cash only | Credit cards often accepted |
Rule of thumb: For cold, flu, stomach problems, minor injuries, or skin issues — go to a clinic. For emergencies, severe pain, or serious conditions — go to a hospital.
Filter by your location, language needs, and department. You can find clinics that accept credit cards, have English-speaking staff, or are open on weekends.
Option 2: Ask your hotel concierge
Hotel staff often have a list of nearby clinics that accept foreign patients. Many tourist-area hotels have partnerships with multilingual clinics.
Option 3: JNTO Medical Guide
Japan National Tourism Organization maintains a medical institution search tool.
Option 4: Call AMDA Hotline
The Association of Medical Doctors of Asia operates a multilingual phone consultation service: 03-6233-9266 (English, Chinese, Korean, and more).
Not sure which department you need?
Symptoms | Department | Japanese |
|---|---|---|
Cold, fever, cough | Internal Medicine | 内科 (naika) |
Stomach pain, diarrhea | Internal Medicine / Gastroenterology | 内科 / 消化器科 |
Injury, fracture, sprain | Orthopedics | 整形外科 (seikeigeka) |
Skin rash, bug bites | Dermatology | 皮膚科 (hifuka) |
Eye problems | Ophthalmology | 眼科 (ganka) |
Ear/nose/throat | ENT | 耳鼻科 (jibika) |
Toothache | Dental | 歯科 (shika) |
Child's illness | Pediatrics | 小児科 (shounika) |
Psychiatry | 精神科 (seishinka) | |
Women's health | OB/GYN | 産婦人科 (sanfujinka) |
Book an English-speaking doctor — online, in-person, or hotel visit.
Book NowWalk in and approach the reception desk. You'll need to:
The questionnaire asks about:
Many clinics in tourist areas have multilingual questionnaire forms. If not, use your phone's camera translation.
Wait in the waiting room (待合室) until your name or number is called. Typical wait times:
Tip: Arrive early. Many clinics don't take appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Morning visits (right when they open) tend to have shorter waits.
The doctor will:
Japanese consultations are typically short — 5-10 minutes. Don't be alarmed; this is normal. Doctors in Japan see many patients per day and are efficient.
Communication tips:
If the doctor orders tests, they're often done on-site. Results may come within 30 minutes to a few hours. Some tests require you to return another day.
After your consultation:
Take your prescription to a nearby pharmacy. There's almost always one within walking distance of the clinic.
At the pharmacy:
Note: Japanese pharmacies often dispense medications in individual dose packets (not bottles), which is different from many countries.
Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
Consultation only | 3,000-5,000 yen |
Consultation + simple tests | 5,000-15,000 yen |
Consultation + blood test | 8,000-20,000 yen |
X-ray | 2,000-7,000 yen |
Prescription medication (at pharmacy) | 1,000-5,000 yen |
Typical total for a cold/flu visit | 5,000-10,000 yen |
*Without insurance, you pay 100% of costs. With Japanese NHI, you'd pay 30%.*
Keep these documents:
Most insurance companies allow online claims within 30-90 days of treatment.
Many hospitals in major cities have:
Find hospitals with language support
Situation | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
I'd like to see a doctor | 診察をお願いします | Shinsatsu wo onegai shimasu |
I have a fever | 熱があります | Netsu ga arimasu |
Since yesterday | 昨日からです | Kinou kara desu |
It hurts here (point) | ここが痛いです | Koko ga itai desu |
I'm allergic to [medicine] | [薬]にアレルギーです |
If the doctor recommends a follow-up:
If you run out of medication:
The largest selection of English-speaking doctors in Japan. Many international clinics in Minato, Shibuya, and Shinjuku.
Good international medical facilities, especially in the Namba and Umeda areas.
Fewer English-speaking options than Tokyo/Osaka, but major hospitals offer multilingual support.
Tourist-friendly medical facilities near resort areas. Limited options outside Naha.
Growing number of international clinics serving foreign residents and tourists.
Q: Do I need an appointment?
A: Most clinics accept walk-ins. Some may offer appointments by phone. Arrive early for shorter wait times.
Q: What are clinic hours?
A: Typically 9:00-12:00 and 14:00-18:00, Monday to Saturday. Many are closed on Sundays and national holidays. Some offer evening hours until 19:00-20:00.
Q: Can I get medication without seeing a doctor?
A: For prescription medication, no. But many over-the-counter medicines are available at pharmacies (薬局) and drugstores (ドラッグストア) like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sugi Pharmacy, and Welcia.
Q: What if it's a weekend or holiday?
A: Search for clinics open on weekends: Saturday clinics | Sunday clinics
Q: Can I bring my own medication into Japan?
A: Most common medications are fine. However, some substances legal in other countries are strictly prohibited in Japan (including some ADHD medications and strong painkillers containing codeine in large quantities). Check Japan Customs regulations before traveling.
Browse by area: Tokyo | Osaka | Kyoto | Okinawa | Fukuoka
Book a consultation with an English-speaking doctor. Online, in-person, or hotel visit available.
Book a Consultation[kusuri] ni arerugi desu
How many times a day? | 1日何回ですか？ | Ichinichi nankai desu ka? |
Can I pay by credit card? | クレジットカードで払えますか？ | Kurejitto kaado de haraemasu ka? |