Going to the doctor in Japan for the first time can feel a little overwhelming — but it’s actually pretty painless once you know what to expect. Here’s exactly what to do.
What to Bring Every Time
Always bring:
- Health insurance card (保険証) — reduces your cost to 30%
- My Number Card — now accepted at most hospitals instead of the insurance card
- Residence card — for ID if asked
- Cash — many small clinics don’t accept cards
- List of any medications you take (in Japanese if possible)
That first item is the important one. Without your insurance card, you’re paying 100% upfront. Don’t leave home without it.
Find a Clinic or Hospital
For minor issues — cold, fever, stomach pain: Go to a local clinic (クリニック or 診療所). These are small, fast, and cheap. You’re in and out within an hour most of the time.
For serious issues: Go to a hospital (病院). Larger hospitals have specialist departments for specific conditions.
Finding an English-speaking doctor:
- AMDA International Medical Information Center: 03-5285-8088
- himawari.metro.tokyo.lg.jp — Tokyo medical institution search (English)
- Google Maps: search “English doctor near me Japan”
Honestly, Google Maps has gotten pretty good at surfacing English-friendly clinics in major cities.
Register at Reception
When you arrive, go to the reception desk (受付).
Say:
“初めてです。保険証を持っています。” Hajimete desu. Hokensho wo motte imasu. “This is my first visit. I have my insurance card.”
Hand over your insurance card. You’ll fill in a short form about your symptoms. Staff are used to helping foreigners with this.
Useful words to know:
| English | Japanese |
|---|---|
| Fever | 熱 (Netsu) |
| Headache | 頭痛 (Zutsuu) |
| Stomachache | 腹痛 (Fukutsuu) |
| Cold / flu | 風邪 (Kaze) |
| Cough | 咳 (Seki) |
| Sore throat | 喉の痛み (Nodo no itami) |
| Allergy | アレルギー (Arerugi) |
See the Doctor
The doctor will ask about your symptoms. Use Google Translate on your phone if you need to — most doctors here are patient with this. Point at your phone, point at yourself, they’ve seen it before.
Google Translate and DeepL both work well in real time. Download them before you go, not in the waiting room.
Get Your Prescription
If the doctor prescribes medicine, you’ll get a prescription slip (処方箋).
Take it to any pharmacy (薬局) nearby — there’s usually one right next to the clinic.
Say at the pharmacy:
“処方箋をお願いします。” Shohousen wo onegaishimasu. “I have a prescription.”
Hand over the slip and they’ll handle the rest.
Pay the Bill
After seeing the doctor, pay at reception. With your insurance card, you pay 30% of the total cost.
Typical costs with insurance:
- Basic clinic visit: ¥500–¥1,500
- With blood test: ¥2,000–¥4,000
- Prescription medicine: ¥200–¥2,000
So yeah — a sick day doctor visit in Japan is often cheaper than a co-pay in the US. The system works.
Emergency: Call 119
Japan’s emergency number: 119 (both fire and ambulance)
Ambulances in Japan are free. Don’t hesitate to call if it’s a real emergency.
If you need to explain in English: say “ambulance please” and your address. Most dispatch operators have some English capability.
After-Hours Medical Care
If you get sick outside of clinic hours:
- #7119 — Medical consultation hotline (available in some cities, limited English)
- Search for 夜間救急 (nighttime emergency) near you on Google Maps
- Large hospitals have 24-hour emergency departments (救急)
Mental Health Resources in English
Finding English-language mental health support in Japan is harder but not impossible:
- TELL Japan (telljp.com) — English counseling and support line: 03-5774-0992
- AMDA — Can refer you to English-speaking psychiatrists
- JACS (Japan Association of Collegiate Schools) — Counseling for English speakers
If you’re struggling, these people exist specifically to help. Use them.
Summary
- Bring your insurance card every time
- Go to a local clinic for minor issues
- Use Google Translate to communicate
- Pay 30% of the cost with insurance
- In emergencies call 119