Healthcare in Japan for Foreigners: How to See a Doctor Without Speaking Japanese (2025 Guide)

TL;DR: You can get quality care in Japan even if you do not speak Japanese. Learn how the system works, what to bring, how to find English-speaking doctors, and what to do in an emergency. Save our doctor directory for fast help. 👉 Find English-speaking doctors in Japan

Introduction

Feeling sick in a new country is stressful. Different clinics. Different forms. Different rules at the pharmacy. The good news is Japan’s healthcare is high quality and organized. With a little prep and the right tools, you can see a doctor quickly without speaking Japanese. This guide explains the system in plain English, shows you where to find English-speaking doctors and clinics, and gives you a simple script to follow when you need care.

Throughout the guide, we link to our directory so you can go straight from reading to booking. 👉 Browse doctors who speak English

The two big ideas to understand first

1. Clinics vs hospitals

   Japan separates everyday care from hospital-level care. A “clinic” is usually a small practice for common problems like colds, rashes, minor injuries, chronic care, and prescriptions. A “hospital” is larger, with beds for inpatients and more equipment. In Japanese law the line is clear. Facilities with 20 or more beds are hospitals. Facilities with 19 or fewer beds or no inpatient beds are clinics. (japanhpn.org)

2. Insurance and payment

   If you live in Japan for 3 months or longer you are expected to enroll in public health insurance. The typical out-of-pocket share for adults is 30 percent at the time of service. That means you show your insurance card and pay your part at the counter after your visit. Tourists pay full price unless they have a plan that pays the clinic directly. (japanhpn.org)

Keep these two ideas in your pocket. They shape the steps you will take next.

Types of places you can visit

Neighborhood clinics

Fast access for common conditions. Many accept walk-ins. They can write prescriptions and refer you to hospitals if you need tests or specialist care.

Specialist clinics

Dermatology, ENT, orthopedics, pediatrics, OB-GYN, mental health, dental. Book these for targeted needs. If you are not sure which one to choose, a general internal medicine clinic can triage you.

General hospitals

Large facilities with many departments. Go here when you need imaging, surgery, or admission. These are often where the emergency departments sit.

University hospitals and tertiary centers

These are referral heavy and handle complex cases. They may need a referral letter for a first visit. Emergency departments at these sites handle serious trauma and intensive care.

Emergency rooms

Japan organizes emergency care by severity. If you are unsure whether you need an ambulance, many prefectures offer nurse hotlines. In Tokyo you can dial #7119 for after-hours guidance. For life-threatening emergencies call 119 for an ambulance anywhere in Japan. (Japan Dev)

Need help choosing a place that speaks English? 👉 Search English-speaking clinics and hospitals

What to do in an emergency

• Call 119 for ambulance and fire. Speak slowly. Give your location and symptoms. Operators in big cities often have English support, but keep it simple. (U.S. Embassy Japan)
• If you are not sure whether to call an ambulance in Tokyo, try #7119 for a nurse consultation line. They can advise you on the next step. (Japan Dev)
• In Tokyo, the Himawari service can point you to hospitals open now and those that have language support: 03-5285-8181 between 9:00 and 20:00 every day. (Tokyo Metro Insurance Information)
• If you want English assistance for non-police emergencies, the Japan Helpline runs 24 hours at 0570-000-911. They can give practical guidance in English. (Go Tokyo)

If it is life-threatening, do not hesitate. Call 119 first.

How to see a doctor without speaking Japanese

Step 1: Pick the right type of clinic

• Cold, fever, stomach issues, prescription refills, chronic conditions

  Internal medicine clinic.

• Skin rashes, acne, eczema

  Dermatology clinic.

• Sore throat, ear pain, allergies, snoring

  ENT clinic.

• Sprains, fractures, sports injuries

  Orthopedics clinic.

• Women’s health

  OB-GYN clinic.

• Kids

  Pediatrics clinic.

• Stress, anxiety, counseling, psychiatry

  Book a mental health clinic that offers English.

Use our directory filters to jump straight to generalists or specialists who advertise English. 👉 Find English-speaking doctors

Step 2: Check language and booking

Look for these signals on a clinic page:

• “English OK” or “English support available.”
• Staff profiles that list study abroad or international departments.
• Online booking in English.
• Notes about overseas insurance handling or cashless services.

If the site is only in Japanese, paste the URL into your browser’s translation. Then call or email with a short, clear message. Many reception desks can handle basic English or will ask a staff member to reply.

Step 3: Prepare your mini medical packet

Print or save digital copies of:

• Passport or residence card
• Insurance card, if you have one
• Medication list and doses
• Allergy list
• Brief symptom note in English
• Past diagnoses or test results

Bring cash or a card. Some smaller clinics prefer cash. JNTO notes that card payments are common in large hospitals, while many small clinics still only accept cash. (Japan National Tourism Organization)

Step 4: Use phone interpretation when needed

If language is a barrier, ask the clinic to use AMDA International Medical Information Center for phone interpretation during your visit. AMDA offers free telephone interpretation at medical sites during daytime hours in multiple languages, including English. Hours and languages vary by day. (iad.titech.ac.jp)

If you are in Tokyo and just need help finding a clinic with language support, call Himawari at 03-5285-8181 between 9:00 and 20:00. (Tokyo Metro Insurance Information)

Step 5: At the reception desk

Say this slowly:

Hello. I have an appointment. I do not speak Japanese. Do you have English support?

Show your insurance card. If you do not have one, say:

I will pay myself today.

The staff will give you a simple form. If you cannot read it, point to the English items you prepared. Receptionists are patient and used to helping.

Step 6: After the exam

The doctor will give you a paper prescription. Take it to a nearby pharmacy. You will be asked for your insurance card and may be asked for your Okusuri Techō if you have one. It is a small booklet that keeps your medication history across pharmacies. It speeds things up next time. (Semi Sapporo)

If you need an English-friendly pharmacy in Tokyo, you can find options, but most pharmacists can manage simple English if you show the prescription and point to notes on allergies. (Japan Living Guide)

How payment works in simple terms

Residents with public insurance

Show your card and pay your share at checkout. For most adults it is 30 percent of the official fee schedule. No claim forms later. The clinic bills the insurer for the rest. (日本留学情報サイト Study in Japan)

Tourists and short-term visitors

Expect to pay the full amount and claim from your travel insurer if you have one. Many clinics and some hospitals can accept credit cards, but smaller clinics may ask for cash. Some hospitals may request deposits or upfront estimates for uninsured patients. (Japan National Tourism Organization)

Company or private international insurance

If your plan offers cashless benefits, bring your assistance company contact details. Some major hospitals can accept a guarantee of payment so you do not pay cash at the counter. Policies vary by hospital. (Omura University Hospital)

City snapshots: where English support is easiest to find

Tokyo

Huge choice. Many clinics list English explicitly. If you are stuck, call Himawari at 03-5285-8181 between 9:00 and 20:00 for language-capable clinics, weekend hours, and night care. Keep #7119 for after-hours nurse advice. (Tokyo Metro Insurance Information)

Osaka

Large hospitals and university hospitals often have international desks. Private clinics with English are spread across central wards. Our directory filters help you target Namba, Umeda, Tennoji, and the Midosuji Line. 👉 Search Osaka-area doctors

Sapporo

Compact and friendly. You will find English in central wards and near universities. Check clinic pages for winter hours and snow season notices. The city also lists interpretation resources and welfare links for residents. 👉 See Sapporo listings (Sapporo Life)

Common scenarios and exact playbooks

You wake up with a sore throat and fever.

• Search “internal medicine” or “ENT” near your station in our directory.
• Book the earliest slot.
• Bring ID, insurance card, and a mask.
• Ask for a doctor’s note if work requires it. 👉 Find a nearby clinic

Your child has a rash.

• Book a pediatric clinic or dermatology clinic.
• Bring a photo timeline of the rash and list of soaps or foods used.
• If the child has a fever and seems lethargic, consider a hospital with pediatrics.

You twist your ankle.

• Visit an orthopedics clinic for X-ray and treatment.
• If your foot looks deformed or you cannot bear weight, go straight to a hospital ER and call 119 if needed. (U.S. Embassy Japan

You need a refill of a regular medication.

• Book an internal medicine clinic.
• Bring a previous prescription or empty box with the generic name.
• Some drugs used overseas are restricted in Japan. Check rules before importing medication. (U.S. Embassy Japan)

You need mental health support in English.

• Use our directory to find English-speaking psychiatrists and counselors.
• For urgent emotional support, TELL Lifeline provides English counseling by phone. The Japan Helpline also connects you with English assistance 24 hours. (esolia.com)

How referrals work

Clinics are the front door. If you need imaging, surgery, or more complex work-ups, the clinic will write a referral letter to a hospital. Some large hospitals charge an extra fee if you walk in without a referral. If you already know you need a specific department, ask our listed clinics to refer you to the right hospital and attach your notes.

How prescriptions work

The doctor prints or transmits a prescription to a pharmacy. You usually have a short window to fill it. At the pharmacy, show your prescription, insurance card, and Okusuri Techō if you have one. Keep the receipt and medicine instructions. If your label is only in Japanese, ask the pharmacist to highlight the dose. Many labels include pictograms that are easy to follow. (Semi Sapporo

Insurance basics in one page

• Who must enroll: Residents who stay 3 months or longer. Students and workers usually join National Health Insurance or Social Health Insurance through their employer. (japanhpn.org)
• What it covers: Most medically necessary care, hospital stays, surgeries, prescriptions, and emergency care at participating facilities. (Housing Japan | Home)
• What you pay: Usually 30 percent at the counter for adults. Some children and seniors have reduced shares. (日本留学情報サイト Study in Japan)
• How you pay: Present your card and pay your share. No claim forms later in typical cases. (Housing Japan | Home)
• Visitors: Pay full cost and claim from travel insurance unless your plan has a direct billing partner at a hospital. (Japan National Tourism Organization)

If you truly cannot find English support

• Ask the clinic to use AMDA phone interpretation. It is designed for this situation. (iad.titech.ac.jp)
• In Tokyo, call Himawari and ask for a clinic with language support in your area. (Tokyo Metro Insurance Information)
• Use simple written English. Short sentences work best. Bring symptom timelines and photos.
• Use a translation app for key phrases. Show the screen rather than trying to pronounce everything.
• Bring a friend or colleague who speaks Japanese if that is possible and appropriate.

Quick vocabulary for the reception desk

• Hospital: Byōin
• Clinic: Kurinikku or Iin
• Internal medicine: Naika
• Dermatology: Hifuka
• ENT: Jibiinka
• Orthopedics: Seikeigeka
• Pediatrics: Shōnika
• Obstetrics-gynecology: Sanfujinka
• Pharmacy: Yakkyoku
• Prescription: Shohōsen
• Allergy: Arerugī

Write these in your notes app. Show them if you get stuck.

FAQs

Q: Can I just go to a hospital without a referral?

A: Sometimes yes, but large hospitals often prefer referrals for non-emergencies. It is faster and cheaper to start at a clinic. For true emergencies, go straight to the ER or call 119. (U.S. Embassy Japan)

Q: What number do I dial for an ambulance?

A: Dial 119 anywhere in Japan. In Tokyo, call #7119 if you need advice about whether to go in. (U.S. Embassy Japan)

Q: I live in Japan. Do I have to buy public insurance?

A: Residents who stay for 3 months or longer are expected to enroll in public health insurance. (japanhpn.org)

Q: How much do I pay at the clinic?

A: Most adults with public insurance pay 30 percent at checkout. Tourists usually pay the full amount. (日本留学情報サイト Study in Japan)

Q: What if I need an interpreter?

A: Ask the clinic to use AMDA telephone interpretation. It is free during posted hours and available in several languages. (iad.titech.ac.jp)

Q: Do small clinics take credit cards?

A: Some do, but not all. JNTO notes that major hospitals usually accept cards while many clinics still prefer cash. Bring both. (Japan National Tourism Organization)

Q: Where can I find an English-speaking doctor right now?

A: Start here. 👉 Directory of English-speaking doctors in Japan

Conclusion

You do not need perfect Japanese to get great care in Japan. Decide whether you need a clinic or a hospital. Keep your documents ready. Use AMDA and Himawari when language gets in the way. Call 119 in a real emergency. And when you want to skip the guesswork altogether, pick from doctors who already serve international patients every day.

👉 Find a doctor who speaks English: foreignerok.com/categories/doctors