Japan guide

If something goes wrong

Hospitals & clinics

For serious illness or injury, call 119. For anything else, a small clinic (kurinikku or iin) is usually quicker than a big hospital. The JNTO search below lists places that speak your language.

10 steps · 4 common mistakes· Show in Japanese (3)
The covered entrance of a large hospital, with taxis and cars waiting in front.

Photo: Tomio344456 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Before you travel

Step by step

  1. Buy travel insurance that covers medical costs in Japan — ideally one that pays the hospital directly (cashless).

  2. Save the insurer's 24-hour phone number and your policy number on your phone.

  3. Write down any allergies and the names of medicines you take, in English.

Common mistakes

  • Travelling without medical cover and paying a hospital bill in full.

Finding a doctor

Step by step

  1. Search the JNTO medical guide (linked below) — filter by language, department and card payment.

  2. Or ask your hotel to call a nearby clinic for you.

  3. The Japan Visitor Hotline (050-3816-2787) can also help in English, Chinese or Korean, 24 hours.

Common mistakes

  • Going straight to a big university hospital for a cold.

At the clinic

At a clinic's reception desk marked 受付, a patient hands over their passport to the receptionist.

Step by step

  1. Bring your passport, travel insurance details and enough cash.

  2. At reception (受付, uketsuke), show your passport and the line below.

  3. Fill in the form about your symptoms. Ask for an English form if there is one.

  4. Ask for an estimate of the cost before treatment if you're worried.

Common mistakes

  • Arriving at lunchtime or just before closing — many clinics close for a break.

Costs

Visitors pay the full price unless their insurance pays the hospital directly. Big hospitals often take cards; small clinics are often cash only. Large hospitals also add an extra fee if you come without a referral letter.

Common mistakes

  • Throwing away receipts and medical certificates — your insurer will ask for them.

Find one near you

Opens your map app and searches around where you are. The Japanese is there to show someone if you need directions.

Official help

Sources

Sources (checked 2026-11-04). Facts, numbers and prices on this page come from these official pages.

  1. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)Guide for when you are feeling ill(opens in a new tab)JNTO: guide to getting medical care when you feel ill
  2. Japan Tourism AgencyInformation on illnesses, injuries, and disasters(opens in a new tab)Japan Tourism Agency: help with illness, injury and disasters
  3. Tokyo Metropolitan Police DepartmentFor Visitors to Tokyo(opens in a new tab)Tokyo Metropolitan Police: crime safety advice for visitors
  4. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)Japan Visitor Hotline(opens in a new tab)JNTO: the 24-hour Japan Visitor Hotline for travellers
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