About
VisitDoctorJapan is a practical guide to getting medical care in Japan—what to do, where to go, and what to say.
It is designed for travelers and non-native Japanese speakers who need clear, actionable steps rather than vague advice, especially when time is short, communication is difficult, and stress is high.
About the Author
My name is Tatsu Wakabayashi (若林達).
I am a graduate of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, and I work as a medical translator.
I created this site because, in real life, knowing what to do next often matters just as much as the medical problem itself.
Making an appointment, checking in at reception, filling out forms, understanding prescriptions, finding a pharmacy, paying for care, and preparing insurance documents can all become major obstacles when you are in an unfamiliar country and do not speak the language well.
This site is built to make those steps easier to understand and easier to handle.
What You’ll Find Here
- Step-by-step guidance for visiting clinics and hospitals in Japan, including appointments, reception, consultations, payment, and pharmacy procedures
- Simple Japanese phrases and phone-friendly or paper-ready cards that can be shown to staff
- Travel preparation information, including medicines to bring, non-prescription medicines in Japan, and practical cautions before weekends or holidays
- References to official or public sources whenever possible, including government guidance, hospitals, and other reliable information sources
How This Site Is Different
Many websites about medical care in Japan stay general or abstract.
This site focuses on what actually happens on the ground: what you are likely to be asked, what documents you may receive, what payment or pharmacy steps may follow, and what to do when you do not speak Japanese confidently.
The goal is not just to explain the system, but to help you get through it.
Important Note
This website provides general informational guidance only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
If you believe the situation may be an emergency, call 119 immediately.
If you are unsure whether you need urgent medical attention, you may also consider #7119 where available, although coverage varies by area.
Contact
If you find an error, notice outdated information, or have suggestions that would make this guide more useful, you can contact me here:
X (Twitter): @VisitDoctorJ
Email: medicine@wakabayashi-tatsu.com
Last updated: 2026-03-12