Getting sick in Tokyo can feel confusing at first

For first-time visitors, short-term residents, or people newly living in Japan, the most stressful part of getting sick is often not the illness itself.

It is not knowing what to do.

Common questions include:

Where should I go?

Do I need an appointment?

What if I do not speak Japanese?

Can I go directly to a large hospital?

Do I receive medicine at the hospital or at a pharmacy?

Japan’s healthcare system may be different from what many visitors are used to.

Understanding the basic flow in advance can make fever, allergies, stomach problems, skin issues, or routine follow-up care much easier to handle.

Step 1: Determine whether it is an emergency

If symptoms are severe, do not spend time deciding which clinic to visit.

For situations such as:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe injury
• Heavy bleeding
• Severe abdominal pain
• Stroke-like symptoms

Call Japan’s emergency number:

119

This connects you to emergency and ambulance services.

If it is not an emergency, you can decide whether a clinic or hospital is more appropriate.

Clinics and hospitals: what is the difference?

Clinics

Clinics are usually smaller and suitable for common health problems.

Examples include:

• Colds
• Fever
• Cough
• Allergies
• Digestive discomfort
• Skin problems
• Routine chronic disease follow-up

Clinics are often easier to book and may involve shorter waiting times.

General hospitals

General hospitals are more suitable for complex conditions.

Examples include:

• Specialist examinations
• Surgery
• More serious illness
• CT or MRI testing
• Referral from a clinic

Some large hospitals may require a referral letter.

Even if you can visit without one, the cost, workflow, and waiting time may differ.

Step 2: Choose the right department

Japan has many medical specialties.

Common options include:

Internal Medicine

Suitable for:

• Colds
• Fever
• Cough
• Digestive symptoms
• Blood pressure or blood sugar issues

ENT

Suitable for:

• Sore throat
• Rhinitis
• Ear infection
• Nasal congestion
• Pollen allergy

Dermatology

Suitable for:

• Eczema
• Dermatitis
• Acne
• Allergic rash

Orthopedics

In Japan, orthopedics is not cosmetic surgery.

It usually covers:

• Sprains
• Fractures
• Lower back pain
• Joint pain

Gynecology

Suitable for women’s health concerns.

Ophthalmology

Suitable for eye discomfort, conjunctivitis, and vision-related problems.

Step 3: Make an appointment

Many clinics in Tokyo accept appointments.

Common booking methods include:

• Phone reservation
• Website reservation
• LINE reservation
• Online booking platforms

Some clinics also accept walk-ins.

If you do not speak Japanese, it is better to confirm language support before visiting.

Do not wait until arrival to discover that communication is difficult.

Step 4: Prepare your information

First-time visitors usually complete a medical questionnaire.

Prepare:

• Passport
• Residence card if applicable
• Japanese health insurance card if applicable
• Current medications
• Allergies
• Medical history
• When symptoms started
• Fever status
• Pregnancy status if relevant
• Chronic diseases

Tourists without Japanese health insurance can still receive medical care, but costs are usually self-paid.

Step 5: Consultation and testing

Doctors usually begin by asking about symptoms.

It helps to prepare simple information:

• When did it start?
• Where is the discomfort?
• Do you have a fever?
• Have you taken any medication?
• Do you have allergies?
• Do you have existing medical conditions?

Depending on the situation, the doctor may order:

• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• X-rays
• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI scan

Not every patient needs testing.

The doctor decides based on symptoms and medical judgment.

Step 6: Receive a prescription

Japan commonly uses a separation system between prescribing and dispensing.

Doctors prescribe medication.

Pharmacies dispense medication.

After the consultation, you may receive a prescription form.

You then take it to a nearby dispensing pharmacy.

Step 7: Visit a pharmacy

A dispensing pharmacy is not the same as a general drugstore.

It provides prescription medications according to the doctor’s prescription.

The pharmacist may explain:

• How many times per day to take the medicine
• Whether to take it before or after meals
• Possible side effects
• Precautions
• Interactions with other medications

If you are taking other medications, tell the pharmacist.

What if you do not speak Japanese?

Tokyo has many international clinics and multilingual medical facilities.

You can look for:

• English-speaking clinics
• Chinese-speaking clinics
• International medical centers
• Hospitals with interpreter support

For simple symptoms, prepared translation notes may help.

However, for prescription medications, chronic disease, allergies, pregnancy, or severe symptoms, professional language support is strongly recommended.

Is medical care expensive for foreign visitors?

Cost depends on:

• Whether you have Japanese health insurance
• Type of medical facility
• Required tests
• Medication
• Interpreter or support services

Visitors without Japanese health insurance usually pay out of pocket.

If you have travel insurance, keep receipts, diagnosis documents, and payment records.

How to avoid stress when seeing a doctor

Prepare a simple medical information card before traveling.

Include:

• Name
• Age
• Nationality
• Allergies
• Chronic diseases
• Current medications
• Emergency contact
• Insurance information

If Japanese is difficult, prepare an English or Japanese version.