VisitDoctorJapan

How to make a medical appointment in Japan (clinic & hospital)

In Japan, many clinics still book appointments by phone, and language support varies by facility.
This guide shows how to find a clinic or hospital, how to book (step-by-step), and what to say—especially if you don’t speak Japanese.

If this feels urgent or life-threatening, call 119 for an ambulance.
If you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency, consider calling #7119 (availability varies by area).

Step 1: Choose a clinic or a hospital?

If your condition is mild or familiar, start with a clinic.
If symptoms are severe, unusual, or worsening, go to a hospital.

Many large hospitals prefer (or require) a referral letter, and you may be charged an additional fee if you visit without one. Starting at a clinic first can help—if needed, the doctor may write a referral letter to a hospital.

Step 2: How to find a clinic or hospital in Japan

Option A (best for travelers): Use an official medical institution search

  • JNTO “Guide for when you are feeling ill” includes a Medical Institution Search that lets you filter by area and language.

Option B (Tokyo): Use “Himawari” for language filters and opening hours

Tokyo Metropolitan Government recommends the Himawari medical institution information service and notes that language support and consultation hours differ by facility—check before going.

Option C (anywhere): Use Google Maps with the right keywords

Try searching in English and Japanese terms:

  • Internal medicine clinic: 内科 (naika)
  • ENT: 耳鼻咽喉科 (jibiinkōka)
  • Dermatology: 皮膚科 (hifuka)
  • Orthopedics: 整形外科 (seikeigeka)
  • Pediatrics: 小児科 (shōnika)
  • Emergency/after-hours: 救急 (kyūkyū) / 休日診療 (kyūjitsu shinryō)

Tip: prioritize places with a website that shows hours, appointment rules, and language support.

Tip: Check the facility’s website for booking options.
Look for “予約 / Web予約 / オンライン予約 (online booking)” and an English page (e.g., “English / EN”).

Step 3: Before you call—prepare these (saves stress)

Have this ready in front of you:

  • Your name (as on passport)
  • Your phone number
  • Your location (hotel name / nearest station)
  • Main symptom + when it started
  • Preferred date/time windows
  • Insurance (if any): Japanese insurance card or travel insurance details

Calling during business hours is easiest. Some facilities offer online booking and provide information in English on their websites. If available, this can be the smoothest option.

Step 4: How to book by phone (with scripts)

A) The shortest “basic” script (works even with limited Japanese)

Japanese (say this if possible):
もしもし。予約を取りたいんですが。
Romaji: Moshi moshi. Yoyaku o toritai n desu ga.
Meaning: Hello, I’d like to make an appointment.

Then add one symptom + timing:

  • 熱があります（きのうから）
    Netsu ga arimasu (kinō kara). = I have a fever (since yesterday).
  • のどが痛いです
    Nodo ga itai desu. = My throat hurts.
  • お腹が痛いです
    Onaka ga itai desu. = I have stomach pain.

B) Ask if English is available (polite, direct)

英語でお願いできますか。
Eigo de onegai dekimasu ka?
= Could we do this in English?

If that fails:
日本語が話せません。ゆっくりお願いします。
Nihongo ga hanasemasen. Yukkuri onegai shimasu.
= I don’t speak Japanese. Please speak slowly.

C) What they may ask you (common questions)

  • お名前は？ (Onamae wa?) = Your name?
  • 初めてですか？ (Hajimete desu ka?) = First time?
  • 症状は？ (Shōjō wa?) = Symptoms?
  • いつから？ (Itsu kara?) = Since when?
  • 保険証はありますか？ (Hokenshō wa arimasu ka?) = Do you have an insurance card?

If you don’t speak Japanese: realistic options that actually work

1) Ask your hotel or host to call for you

This is often the smoothest solution—especially for clinics that do not handle English.

2) Use a medical information helpline (region-dependent)

Tokyo provides resources such as Himawari and related multilingual support. Availability and languages vary by service and location.

3) Use a translation app—set it up like this

  • Write a one-sentence summary first (your symptom + since when).
  • Hand the phone over and let staff read it.
  • Keep questions “yes/no” when possible.

Copy/paste template (Japanese):
予約をお願いします。
症状：＿＿＿＿（いつから：＿＿＿＿）
希望：できれば早い時間（午前／午後）
日本語が苦手です。
= I would like an appointment.
Symptom: __ (since __).
Prefer: earlier if possible (AM/PM).
I’m not good at Japanese.

Can I visit without an appointment?

Sometimes yes—but expect trade-offs:

  • Longer waiting times
  • They may ask you to come back
  • For certain symptoms, they may ask you to call first

If you try walk-in, go early and be ready to wait.

Useful phrase:
本日受診できますか？
Honjitsu jushin dekimasu ka?
= Can I be seen today?

Hospitals and referral letters (why clinics can be the smarter first step)

Many large hospitals charge an extra fee for first visits without a referral letter. Some public guidance notes a “special fee” (e.g., 7,000 yen or more) at large hospitals without referral, and major hospitals publish their own additional fee policies.

Practical approach:

  1. Start at a clinic
  2. If needed, the doctor can write a referral letter
  3. Bring the letter to the hospital