If you become sick or injured while traveling in Japan, you may be unsure where to go or how to see a doctor.
Should you visit a clinic or a hospital? Do you need an appointment? Can you receive medical care without Japanese health insurance? And what should you bring with you?
This guide walks you through the practical steps for seeing a doctor in Japan as an international visitor, from finding the right medical facility to understanding what to expect during your visit.
Where should I go for medical care?
In Japan, you do not always need to go to a large hospital when you feel unwell.
For common illnesses and minor injuries, a local clinic is often the most practical place to start. Clinics usually specialize in a particular area of medicine, such as internal medicine, dermatology, orthopedics, or ENT (ear, nose and throat).
Larger hospitals are generally more appropriate when you need emergency care, specialized examinations or treatment that cannot be provided at a clinic.
If you are seriously ill or injured and need immediate medical attention, call 119 for an ambulance.
Choosing the right type of clinic
Clinics in Japan are usually organized by medical specialty. Choosing the right type of clinic can help you get the care you need more efficiently.
| If you have… | Look for… |
| Fever, cough, stomach problems or general illness | Internal Medicine (Naika, 内科) |
| Injury, joint pain, back pain or a sprain | Orthopedics (Seikei Geka, 整形外科) |
| Skin rash or other skin problems | Dermatology (Hifuka, 皮膚科) |
| Ear, nose or throat problems | ENT (Jibi Inkoka, 耳鼻咽喉科) |
| Eye problems | Ophthalmology (Ganka, 眼科) |
| Dental pain or a broken tooth | Dental Clinic (Shika, 歯科) |
If you are not sure which specialty you need, an internal medicine clinic is often a useful starting point for general symptoms.
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