English-Speaking Clinics in Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto (2026)

Most clinics in Japan work in Japanese. The ones below see patients in English. Phone numbers and addresses were checked in October 2026; call before you go, because English-speaking doctors aren't in every day. In an emergency, call 119.

For a longer Tokyo list, by specialty, see English-speaking clinics in Tokyo.

Tokyo

Tokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic (Shiba-koen). Founded in 1951 for Tokyo's foreign residents, opposite Tokyo Tower. Doctors trained in Europe and the US. 3-4-30 Shiba-koen, Minato-ku · 03-3436-3028

Tokyo Midtown Clinic (Roppongi). Midtown Tower 6F. General medicine, specialist clinics, travel vaccines, health checkups. Weekdays. 03-5413-0080 · English line 03-5413-7911

International Clinic (Azabudai). Family and travel medicine, with a wide range of vaccines. 1-5-9 Azabudai, Minato-ku · 03-3582-2646

St. Luke's International Hospital (Akashicho). A full hospital with a 24-hour emergency centre, an international department, and free 24-hour phone interpreting in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish and Portuguese. 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku · 03-5550-7166

For self-pay regenerative medicine, see the clinic comparison in stem cell therapy in Japan.

Osaka

Yodogawa Christian Hospital (Higashiyodogawa-ku). A 581-bed general hospital that Osaka lists as able to see patients in English. Outpatient reception Monday to Saturday, 8:00–11:00. 1-7-50 Hoshima, Higashiyodogawa-ku · 06-6322-2250

Raffles Medical Osaka Clinic (Minamisenba, near Shinsaibashi). Primary care and preventive medicine, run with Singapore's Raffles Medical Group. English and Japanese. 4F ACN Shinsaibashi Garden, 3-8-14 Minamisenba, Chuo-ku · 06-6345-8145

Kyoto

Japan Baptist Hospital (Kitashirakawa, Sakyo-ku). A 156-bed general hospital with a 24-hour emergency department. Outpatient reception weekdays 8:30–12:00 and Saturdays 8:30–11:00. 47 Kitashirakawa Yamanomoto-cho, Sakyo-ku · 075-781-5191

Kyoto Medical Center (Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku). A national hospital with 39 departments and a 24-hour emergency service. Outpatient reception weekdays 8:30–11:00. 1-1 Fukakusa Mukaihata-cho, Fushimi-ku · 075-641-9161

For other cities, see English-speaking hospitals outside Tokyo.

How to Navigate Japanese Healthcare as a Foreigner

Get Japanese National Health Insurance (NHI)

If you're a resident (staying longer than three months with a valid visa), you must enroll in Japanese National Health Insurance. NHI covers 70% of most medical costs, leaving you responsible for 30%.

Register at your local ward office within two weeks of establishing residency. Premiums depend on your income and the city you live in.

International Insurance Coverage

Many international health insurance plans cover treatment in Japan. Check your policy details before seeking treatment.

Some clinics require upfront payment and provide detailed receipts for you to submit to your insurer. Others can bill your insurance directly if they have a partnership agreement.

Making Appointments

Most clinics accept appointments by phone or through online booking systems. It's better to book ahead — walk-ins are accepted but may involve long waits, especially at popular clinics.

When booking, confirm that English-speaking doctors or translators will be available. Some clinics have bilingual staff only on certain days.

What to Bring

• My Number Card or eligibility certificate (資格確認書), if you have Japanese health insurance
• International insurance information
• Passport or residence card
• ¥10,000–¥20,000 cash (some clinics don't accept credit cards)
• List of current medications (generic names, not just brand names)
• Any previous medical records or test results

Understanding Prescriptions

Japanese pharmacies are separate from clinics. You'll receive a prescription (処方箋 / shohōsen) and take it to any pharmacy.

If your prescription is in Japanese, ask the clinic or pharmacist to explain the dosage and side effects before you leave.

Emergency Medical Care in English

If you need urgent care and can communicate the situation, call 119 for an ambulance. English support is available through the Japan Helpline (0570-000-911), which operates 24/7 and can coordinate with emergency services.

For emotional support in English, Tokyo English Lifeline (TELL) runs a lifeline on 03-5774-0992, every day from 9am to 11pm.

Cost

With Japanese health insurance most adults pay 30% of the bill. Without it you pay the full amount, so if you're visiting, check whether your travel insurance pays the clinic directly or you claim afterwards.

Dental and Vision Care

Dental clinics and eye clinics are separate from general medical clinics in Japan. Look for clinics advertising "英語対応" (eigo taiō - English correspondence).

Trust Dental Clinic (Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, 03-3402-1501) has a US-trained director and sees many international patients. Dental insurance through Japanese NHI covers basic procedures but not cosmetics.

For eye care, Kamoshita Eye Clinic (Roppongi, 03-3402-6660) is a minute from Roppongi Station on the Hibiya Line.

Mental Health Services in English

Tokyo English Lifeline (TELL) (03-5774-0992) offers phone, chat, and face-to-face counseling in English — call 03-4550-1146 to schedule a face-to-face appointment. Tokyo Mental Health (03-6441-0969) provides psychiatric care with bilingual doctors.

Specialized Care: Obstetrics and Gynecology

Women's Clinic Minami-Azabu (03-5798-7774) offers English-speaking gynaecology. For childbirth, ask any hospital you're considering whether staff can support labour and delivery in English. Pregnancy and childbirth care in Japan differs from Western practices — find a doctor early who can explain the Japanese system.

Most clinics offer prenatal checkups, but you'll deliver at a hospital. Confirm the hospital has English-speaking staff for labor and delivery.

FAQ

Do I need an appointment? Book if you can. Walk-ins are often possible, but booking means you see a doctor who speaks English that day.

Does Japanese health insurance cover English-speaking clinics? Yes, the same as any clinic: most adults pay 30%. Bring your My Number Card or eligibility certificate.

Can I use international insurance? Sometimes. Ask the clinic before your visit whether it bills your insurer directly; otherwise pay and claim with the receipt.

What do I do in an emergency if I don't speak Japanese? Call 119. For help in English, the Japan Helpline (0570-000-911) runs 24 hours, and JNTO's Japan Visitor Hotline (050-3816-2787) covers English, Chinese and Korean around the clock.

Are there English-speaking doctors outside Tokyo? Yes, mainly in the big cities. See English-speaking hospitals outside Tokyo.