Going to a Hospital in Japan: Simple Steps for Foreign Residents
How to choose a hospital, what to bring, and what to say when Japanese is difficult.
- Choose the Right Place
- What to Bring
- Explain Symptoms Simply
- At the Pharmacy
- Emergency
Choose the Right Place
For mild symptoms, a clinic may be enough. For serious symptoms, emergency or a larger hospital may be needed. Some hospitals require referral letters.
What to Bring
Bring your insurance card, residence card, cash or payment card, medicine notebook, current medicine, and notes about symptoms.
Explain Symptoms Simply
Write when symptoms started, where it hurts, fever, medicine, allergies, pregnancy, and medical history. Simple notes can help even if Japanese is difficult.
At the Pharmacy
After seeing a doctor, you may receive a prescription. Bring it to a pharmacy and ask how to take the medicine.
Emergency
If it is serious, call 119. Try to say your address, what happened, and whether the person can speak or breathe.
This article is based on official public information and is written in simple English. Procedures may differ by person and city. Please check the official page or a consultation office for your own case.
