For many, traveling is one of life’s greatest pleasures. It opens doorways to new opportunities, introduces you to exciting cuisine, and provides a stimulating break from your everyday life.
Japan has become one of the world’s top destinations, captivating travelers with its flavorful eats, rich heritage, and pop culture landmarks. Discovering its wonders is an unforgettable and euphoric experience.
Unfortunately, accidents and unforeseen medical circumstances happen. It is a part of life and can be even more disruptive when you are traveling abroad in an unfamiliar land. Luckily, we are here to help ease your worries. We have done the research, so you can focus on finding must-visit ramen shops, shrines and temples, anime hotspots, and local izakaya for your perfect trip to Japan.
Whether you are reviewing this guide before your trip or seeking guidance for a present concern, this article will detail how you can receive medical care in Japan.
What should you do in an emergency?
Before you travel to Japan, it is important that you are familiar with its emergency numbers.
Emergency contact information in Japan
110 → Call the police (110) for traffic accidents or crimes.
119 → Call the fire department (119) for fire, traffic accidents, or serious sickness/injury. If you are ill or injured, be sure to specify that it is a medical emergency and you need an ambulance.
For both numbers, speaking English is okay. However, be sure to speak slowly and enunciate your words clearly. It is also helpful to have a translation app on hand in case you encounter any language barrier issues. Before traveling to the hospital, be sure to grab your passport, travel insurance information (if applicable), and credit card/cash. Also, be ready to provide a brief summary of your medical history and any medications you may be taking.
Japan is also home to numerous AEDs (automated external defibrillators) in public places, like airports, train stations, shopping malls, university campuses, and government buildings. AEDs restore the heart to its normal rhythm and are typically used when a person is unconscious (not responsive) and not breathing properly. Please use AEDs with caution and only when it is absolutely necessary. Also, it is best practice to call an ambulance before using an AED. Please reference this map of AED locations in Japan if you are in need of an AED.
What should you do if you want to see a doctor?
Knowing where to go and what to do for medical care in a foreign country can feel overwhelming. However, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Japan has numerous resources to help you find the medical support you need without adding stress to an already stressful situation.
First, we recommend reaching out to people in the tourism industry for clinic recommendations, including tour operators, front desk personnel at your hotel, staff at tourist information centers, and your travel insurance provider. These individuals will often have information about nearby clinics that offer multilingual support. If you prefer doing research yourself, you can also look up English-speaking clinics online. This online medical consultation service’s site and JNTO’s medical institutions search are both extremely helpful resources.
Again, when you visit a clinic it is important to wear a face mask to minimize the spread of illness, as well as bring your passport, travel insurance information, and credit card/cash.
For primarily online support, we recommend using the online medical consultation service. This multilingual service is geared towards tourists in Japan and supports several travel insurance plans. The service can issue medical certificates and receipts in English that are required for overseas travel insurance claims.
Guided by a dedicated concierge, the process includes choosing a treatment option, and undergoing an online consultation (in-person consultations are available in Tokyo. Afterwards, you can either pick up the necessary medicine at a nearby pharmacy or have the service send it to your accommodation. The service also includes online payment.
Open on weekdays from 10am–5pm, it covers numerous fields, including internal medicine, dermatology, allergy, and gynecology. You can reach the service’s concierge for free via WhatsApp and email. The entire process is stress-free and easy to follow, leaving you feeling fully supported and cared for.
Please note that the online clinic is closed on weekends and public holidays. It will also be closed from December 27, 2025 to January 4, 2026.
What should you do for minor issues?
If you have a little sniffle or slight discomfort that does not warrant a hospital or clinic visit, Japan’s pharmacies and drug stores will likely have the remedies you seek. While both offer an array of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, the major difference between the two is that pharmacies also handle prescription medication and have pharmacists onsite. Though some drug stores may also have pharmacists available. If you are unsure what product to buy, feel free to consult the store’s staff or pharmacist. Again, it is helpful to have a translation tool to smoothly navigate any language barriers.
Listed below are some of Japan’s major drug stores and pharmacies.
- Matsumoto Kiyoshi (マツモトキヨシ)
- Welcia (ウエルシア)
- Sugi Drug (スギドラッグ)
- Sundrug (サンドラッグ)
- Tsuruha Drug (ツルハドラッグ)
- Don Quijote (ドン・キホーテ)
Should you buy travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for travel in Japan. However, we highly recommend purchasing it since uninsured tourists will have to pay for all medical costs out-of-pocket. If you have any unpaid medical expenses in Japan, you may be refused entry to the country in the future.
Travel insurance typically covers medical expenses, as well as trip cancellations and delays, baggage loss, and more. Be sure to review your policy carefully before traveling. You can purchase travel insurance before or during your Japan trip for peace of mind. Be sure to remember this crucial step when planning your journey!
Find out more: Traveling Japan: Safety Tips & Travel Insurance
Remember, you have support in Japan
If you fall ill or suffer from an injury while traveling in Japan, rest assured that you will be well taken care of. Japan offers numerous medical services and support for tourists, ensuring that everyone has a healthy and safe stay. Review and bookmark this page for easy access in the future, and then get back to planning your Japan adventure.
