- May 23, 2025
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Visiting Japanese hospitals can be challenging. To help you through the process, here’s a guide on what to prepare before the visit, how to choose the right hospital, and which department to visit based on your symptoms.
Please jump to the relevant area for you from the table of contents.
Table of Contents
If you are interested in other how to guide, you might find this article helpful.
Chapter 1: Emergency Numbers
Firstly, it’s important to know the emergency numbers, even though you hope you won’t need to use them. Memorizing these numbers can be crucial.
119: Use this number for emergencies requiring an ambulance or fire services.
110: Use this number for police assistance.
Chapter 2: Steps for Visiting Japanese Hospitals
1. Before the Visit
Finding a hospital
You can search for Japanese hospitals using the Japan Tourism Agency’s “Search Medical Institutions” tool. Simply choose your area and preferred language to find a hospital that suits your needs.
Check Referral Requirements
Some Japanese hospitals, especially large university or general hospitals, may require a referral from a smaller clinic. It’s common to start at a local clinic, and if your symptoms persist, you may be referred to a larger facility. These hospitals usually ask for a referral letter when you make an appointment, so check this in advance.
| English | Japanese | Definition |
|---|---|---|
|
Referral Requirements
|
紹介状 |
shōkaijō |
Prepare Necessary Documents
Bring the following to your appointment:
Photo ID
Health insurance card
Any relevant medical records or history
Having these documents ready will make the process smoother. For more on health insurance, check the article linked below.
Related Post
2. Upon Arrival at Japanese Hospitals
Check In at Reception
When you arrive at the Japanese hospital, head to the reception desk to register. You’ll need to present your ID and insurance card.
Get a Hospital ID
Once registered, you may receive a hospital ID card or patient number. Keep this with you—it’s used for everything from test results to billing.
3. After the Visit
Payment
At smaller Japanese hospitals, credit cards may not be accepted. It’s a good idea to bring cash to avoid any issues at checkout.
Pharmacy
If you’re prescribed medication, you’ll receive a document called a “処方箋” (shohosen)—a written prescription from the doctor. It includes the name, dosage, and instructions for your medicine.
You can take this prescription to any pharmacy that accepts them, not just the one near the hospital. Look for pharmacies displaying the sign “処方箋”—it means they accept prescriptions.
| English | Japanese | Definition |
|---|---|---|
|
Prescription
|
処方箋 |
shohosen |
Chapter 3: Which Department (科) to Visit Based on Symptoms
You might be wondering which departments to visit based on your symptoms. Please refer to the list below for guidance. The following list shows the appropriate departments for various medical issues.
| Symptom | Department |
|---|---|
|
Abdominal pain |
Internal Medicine (内科) / Surgery (外科) |
|
Acne |
Dermatology (皮膚科) |
|
Age spots |
Plastic Surgery (形成外科) / Dermatology (皮膚科) |
|
Allergies |
Internal Medicine (内科) / Otorhinolaryngology (耳鼻科) / Ophthalmology (眼科) / Dermatology (皮膚科) |
|
Animal bites |
Dermatology (皮膚科) / Surgery (外科) |
|
Anemia |
Internal Medicine (内科) |
|
Asthma |
Internal Medicine (内科) |
|
Bruises |
Orthopedics (整形外科) / Surgery (外科) |
|
Cataracts |
Ophthalmology (眼科) |
|
Constipation |
Internal Medicine (内科) |
|
Cuts |
Plastic Surgery (形成外科) |
|
Dementia |
Memory Clinic (物忘れ外来) / Dementia Clinic (認知症外来) |
|
Dislocated jaw |
Oral Surgery (口腔外科) |
|
Dry throat |
Internal Medicine (内科) |
|
Dizziness |
Internal Medicine (内科) |
|
Drooping eyelids |
Plastic Surgery (形成外科) |
|
Ear ringing |
Otorhinolaryngology (耳鼻咽頭科) |
|
Eczema |
Dermatology (皮膚科) |
|
Fatigue |
Internal Medicine (内科)
|
|
Frequent urination |
Urology (泌尿器科) / Internal Medicine (内科) |
|
Growth disorders |
Pediatrics (小児科) |
|
Gout |
Orthopedics (整形外科) / Internal Medicine (内科) |
|
Head injury |
Neurosurgery (脳神経外科) |
|
Herpes |
Dermatology (皮膚科) / Internal Medicine (内科) |
|
Hernia (neck / back) |
Orthopedics (整形外科) |
|
High blood pressure |
Nephrology / Hypertension Internal Medicine (腎臓・高血圧内科) / Internal Medicine (循環器科) |
|
Ingrown toenail |
Surgery (外科) / Dermatology (皮膚科) / Plastic Surgery (形成外科) |
|
Insomnia |
Psychosomatic Medicine (心療内科) |
|
Keloids |
Plastic Surgery (形成外科) |
|
Knee pain |
Orthopedics (整形外科) |
|
Liver dysfunction |
Internal Medicine (消化器科) |
|
Male-pattern baldness |
Dermatology (皮膚科) |
|
Menopause symptoms |
Gynecology (婦人科) |
|
Menstrual irregularities |
Gynecology (婦人科) |
|
Moles |
Plastic Surgery (形成外科) / Dermatology (皮膚科) |
|
Nausea |
Internal Medicine (内科) |
|
Numbness in limbs |
Neurosurgery (脳神経外科) / Neurology (神経内科) |
|
Obesity |
Internal Medicine (内科) |
|
Painful tongue |
Otorhinolaryngology (耳鼻咽頭科) / Oral Surgery (口腔外科) |
|
Palpitations |
Internal Medicine (循環器科) |
|
Prostate enlargement |
Urology (泌尿器科) |
|
Pregnancy symptoms |
Gynecology (婦人科) |
|
Rashes |
Dermatology (皮膚科) |
|
Sensation of residual urine |
Urology (泌尿器科) / Internal Medicine (内科) |
|
Shortness of breath |
Internal Medicine (呼吸器／循環器) |
|
Sinusitis |
Otorhinolaryngology (耳鼻咽頭科) |
|
Sore throat |
Otorhinolaryngology (耳鼻咽頭科) |
|
Sprain |
Orthopedics (整形外科) |
|
Varicose veins |
Vascular Surgery (血管外科) |
|
Vomiting |
Internal Medicine (内科) |
Source: Ideguchi Hospitals
Chapter 4: Summary
Visiting Japanese hospitals can be a bit challenging if you’re not familiar with the system. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Emergency Numbers
Call 119 for ambulance or fire
Call 110 for police
Finding a Hospital
Use the Japan Tourism Agency’s “Search Medical Institutions” tool to locate hospitals by area and language
What to Bring
ID and insurance information (required at check-in)
Cash, as smaller hospitals may not accept credit cards
At the Hospital
Show your documents at reception
Explain your symptoms and medical history to the doctor
Prescriptions
Can be filled at any pharmacy that accepts prescriptions
Hope this helps you navigate Japan’s healthcare system more smoothly.
