If you feel sick in Japan: how to find a clinic that helps foreign visitors
Call the Japan Visitor Hotline (050-3816-2787, 24 hours) or use the JNTO list of medical institutions that accept foreign visitors. Medical costs can be very high, so travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Start with the hotline
The Japan Visitor Hotline is run by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). The number is 050-3816-2787. It is open 24 hours a day and supports English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese.
It helps with accidents, illness and disasters, and also answers general travel questions.
Find a medical institution
- JNTO publishes a list of medical institutions that accept foreign visitors.
- Guidebooks on how to visit a medical institution in Japan are offered in English, Chinese and Korean. They include a sheet where you can point at your symptoms if language is a problem.
- Ask your hotel front desk. Staff often know a nearby clinic.
Money and insurance
Medical costs for visitors can be very high. The Japan Tourism Agency recommends private medical insurance with enough coverage for emergencies.
Visitors with a history of unpaid medical bills may be refused entry to Japan in the future, so settle the bill.
Before you go
- Save the hotline number in your phone.
- Keep your insurance policy number and the insurer's contact where you can open them offline.
- For a life-threatening emergency, see our emergency guide.
FAQ
Can I just walk into any hospital?
Many places do not have staff who speak English. Use the JNTO list or the hotline to find one that accepts foreign visitors.
Is this medical advice?
No. This page only explains where to find help. For your condition, ask a doctor.
Sources
Related tips
- Emergency numbers in Japan: 110, 119 and the visitor hotlineWho to call in Japan: 110 for the police, 119 for an ambulance or fire, and a 24-hour English hotline for visitors.
- What to do in an earthquake in Japan: official advice for visitorsProtect your head and get under something sturdy. Do not run outside, and do not try to put out a fire. If you are near the sea and feel strong shaking, move to higher ground.
- Safety tips: the disaster alert app for visitors to JapanSafety tips is an app supervised by the Japan Tourism Agency. It sends push alerts for earthquakes, tsunami and severe weather, in 15 languages.
- Lost something in Japan? What to do at a koban (police box)Go to the nearest koban or police station and file a Lost Property Report in person. An English form is available, and an interpreter can help over the phone.
Last checked: 2026-10-30. Rules and prices can change, so please confirm with the official sources above.