How to See a Doctor in Japan as a Tourist
- Hiro Hayashi
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
You've spent months planning your dream vacation—booking hotels, arranging transportation between cities, and preparing for every possible travel hiccup. Then you arrive in Japan only to realize you've forgotten your prescription medications at home. Or perhaps you suddenly develop a fever in the middle of the night.
No matter how well you prepare, unexpected health issues can happen. Navigating the healthcare system can be stressful even in your home country, and doing so in a foreign country with a language barrier can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we answer some of the most common questions from visitors to help you access medical care in Japan with as little stress as possible.
How do I see an English-speaking doctor in Japan?
Fortunately, there are several resources available to help you find an English-friendly clinic or hospital. Websites such as HealthTomo and the online medical provider list published by the U.S. Embassy can help you locate healthcare providers that offer services in English.
The level of English proficiency varies between providers. Many clinics can communicate in basic English, while native English-speaking physicians are less common.
For non-emergency medical concerns, it is generally best to visit a clinic rather than going directly to a hospital. Many hospitals require a referral letter from another physician and may decline to see patients who do not have one.
Once you've found a clinic, it's a good idea to call ahead to confirm availability unless the clinic specifically accepts walk-in patients. Clinics with busy schedules may prioritize appointments, resulting in long wait times for walk-in visitors. Calling in advance also gives you an opportunity to gauge how comfortable the staff are communicating in English.
What do I do in case of a medical emergency?
If you have a medical emergency, call 119 from any phone, including mobile phones, landlines, or public pay phones, to request an ambulance.
Emergency dispatch operators can assist callers in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, and Korean. Once an ambulance is dispatched, emergency personnel will locate an appropriate hospital for your condition.
Ambulance transportation for medical emergencies is provided free of charge in Japan.
For more information, visit:
How much does it cost to see a doctor in Japan?
Residents of Japan are covered by the national health insurance system, which standardizes medical fees. However, short-term visitors are generally responsible for the full cost of their care, and clinics and hospitals set their own prices.
At international clinics with English-speaking physicians and staff, an initial consultation typically costs ¥10,000–20,000 (approximately USD $70–140). Additional charges apply for laboratory tests, medications, imaging, medical certificates, and insurance paperwork. Depending on the services provided, the total cost of a visit is commonly ¥25,000–50,000 (approximately USD $150–300).
Most clinics require payment in full at the time of your visit. They can usually provide itemized receipts and medical documentation that you can submit to your travel insurance provider for reimbursement.
How do I get prescription medications in Japan? Do I need to see a doctor to get antibiotics?
Unlike in some countries where certain medications—including antibiotics—may be available over the counter, prescription medications in Japan require a consultation with a licensed physician. This applies even if you have been taking the medication for years without any changes to your prescription.
After your consultation, some clinics dispense medications directly on-site. More commonly, however, the clinic will provide you with a paper prescription, which you can take to a nearby prescription pharmacy (調剤薬局, chozai yakkyoku). Prescription medications are paid for separately at the pharmacy.
Need Medical Care During Your Trip?
At Cedar Medical Clinic Tokyo, we provide prompt, convenient medical care for international visitors so you can get back to enjoying your trip as quickly as possible.
Our team is fluent in English, and our physician is a native English speaker with many years of clinical experience practicing in the United States.
We offer:
Same-day appointments
In-house medication dispensing (no need to visit a separate pharmacy for many prescriptions)
Transparent pricing
Itemized English receipts for travel insurance reimbursement
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call +81-3-6303-3113 (or 03-6303-3113 when calling from within Japan) or email info@cedarmedicaltokyo.com.
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