Best Hospitals in Japan for Expats and Tourists
Expats and visitors in Japan can access world-class medical care at renowned hospitals such as St. Luke’s International, Kameda Medical Center, and Nagoya University Hospital. These facilities offer high-quality treatment, English-language support, and cater to the specific needs of foreign patients. However, navigating Japan’s healthcare system requires some preparation, particularly when it comes to cultural differences and language barriers.
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This Pacific Prime guide explains everything expats and travelers need to know about hospitals in Japan, including how to access care, understand hospital procedures, manage costs, and identify accredited hospitals that welcome international patients across key cities.
You’ll find insights on costs, procedures, and a curated list of top hospitals across major Japanese cities that cater to international patients.
Japan’s Healthcare Standards for Foreigners
Japan is home to some of the world’s most prestigious healthcare institutions. International patients consistently laud these facilities for their exceptional cleanliness and state-of-the-art medical treatments.
Japan has around 8,500 hospitals, with one hospital per 15,000 citizens. However, operational hours are often more limited than in the U.S. or Europe. Many facilities do not offer services on weekends or holidays, and emergency or after-hours care is only sometimes available.
The reputation for high-quality, reliable healthcare has positioned Japan as a prominent destination for medical tourism. Visitors seek various treatments, including cancer diagnostics and therapy, cosmetic procedures, and advanced stem cell therapies.
To facilitate this, the Japanese government has implemented a specialized medical visa, allowing foreign visitors to reside in Japan for up to one year for medical purposes. However, the majority of those seeking treatment utilize standard tourist or business visas.
While foreign patients generally report positive experiences in Japanese hospitals, certain challenges persist. It is standard practice for hospitals to request that foreign patients make prior contact before seeking treatment.
This procedure is necessitated by potential language barriers, as hospital staff may not be proficient in the patient’s language. This may require the arrangement of translation services. Foreign patients should be accompanied by a Japanese-speaking companion when consulting with a new healthcare provider.
To enhance care for international patients, Japan has established several accreditation systems for hospitals serving foreign patients. Notable among these are the Japan Medical Service Accreditation for International Patients (JMIP) and the Joint Commission International Quality Check (JCI).
These accreditations are awarded to hospitals and clinics that demonstrate exceptional support for foreign patients, thereby ensuring a higher standard of care for international visitors seeking medical treatment in Japan.
Top 5 Hospitals in Japan for Expats
The following hospitals meet the rigorous criteria of Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals list and hold international accreditation. All the provided links lead to the English versions of the hospital websites. The listed phone numbers connect to lines offering assistance in English.
9-1 Akashicho, Chuo City, Tokyo
+81 3-3541-5151 or for appointments +81-3-5550-7120
International department email: [email protected]
St. Luke’s in Tokyo offers phone support and emergency services in English. The hospital holds multiple quality accreditations, including JCI and international nursing care certifications.
Center Hospital of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo
1 Chome-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
+81-3-6228-0749
Center Hospital is JMIP-accredited and offers information for international patients on its website. Although they provide emergency care, it’s advisable to contact them beforehand if possible.
929 Higashicho, Kamogawa, Chiba
Emergency +81 4-7092-2211, appointments +81 4-7099-1111
Also JCI-accredited, this hospital offers emergency care along with multilingual translation services. For non-emergency appointments, patients should call or use their Inquiry Form for International Patients.
3 Chome-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka
+81 92-641-1151
Kyushu University Hospital, accredited by JMIP, has been assisting foreign patients through its International Patient Support Center since 2005. They provide a Hospitalization Guide in English (available in PDF format).
〒466-8560 Aichi, Nagoya, Showa Ward, Tsurumaicho
+81 52-741-2111
Nagoya University Hospital, another top-tier facility in Japan, is JCI-accredited. They offer both emergency and standard care. For routine care, they recommend that foreign patients contact them in advance, following the guidelines in their foreign patient guide.
How Foreigners Can Access Hospitals in Japan
In Japan, most healthcare services are centered around hospitals, where specialists—often the preferred choice for effective treatment—are typically located. If you’re staying in Japan long-term, you can register with a GP or family doctor and also sign up with a local hospital.
This can be done even if you have international health insurance. Registering with a local hospital helps expedite your admission in case of an emergency.
Why Call Ahead Before Visiting Hospitals
Japanese hospitals often request that foreigners contact them before seeking medical care, which is crucial. Failing to call or having someone do it for you may lead to delays in treatment, even during emergencies.
If you’re fluent in Japanese or have an interpreter with you, inform the hospital when you call. Some hospitals might also require a letter of reference, which can be obtained from a doctor at a private clinic.
In an emergency, you can call an ambulance, and the ambulance team will contact hospitals on your behalf to find one that is open and able to treat foreign patients. You can also dial 119 for serious medical emergencies.
For minor emergencies or sudden illnesses, many foreigners visit after-hours clinics, where they can receive treatment after a short wait.
Hospital Costs in Japan for Expats and Visitors
In Japan, all hospitals, whether public or private, operate as non-profits, which results in hospital costs that are relatively affordable by global standards.
Ambulance transportation in Japan is also free for everyone, including foreigners. However, if you’re a foreigner without Japanese health insurance, you’ll be charged for the medical care provided by paramedics. These charges are usually modest, typically under USD 75.
Foreign visitors to Japan must pay for hospital and clinic services upfront, including in emergencies, because they are not covered by the Japanese healthcare system. Hospitals will not bill your health insurance directly, so you need to keep your records and manage the reimbursement process yourself.
International patients may also face additional fees, such as an emergency room charge of USD 20 to 100, on top of doctor consultation fees, which typically range from USD 70 to 100. An X-ray usually costs less than USD 10, while a CT or MRI scan is typically priced between USD 35 and 50.
Is staying overnight at a hospital in Japan expensive? That depends on the accommodations you choose. For inpatients, daily bed charges range from USD 100 for a shared room to USD 800 for a luxury private room.
You’ll also be billed for meals, costing between USD 1 to 5 per meal. Inpatient care for foreigners may include a small surcharge of 30 to 50 yen—less than a dollar.
Private after-hours clinics tend to have slightly higher fees, averaging USD 110 to 200 for a doctor’s visit, along with services like x-rays, medical records, and hospital referral letters.
Top Hospitals for Expats by City in Japan
All of these international hospitals in Japan offer English-language versions of their websites. Many also have phone support in English, and most provide emergency or after-hours care.
Tokyo
Tokyo is home to the country’s top medical facilities, including after-hours clinics that cater to foreigners.
Japanese Red Cross Medical Center
4 Chome-1-22 Hiroo, Shibuya City, Tokyo
+81 03-3400-1311
This hospital, affiliated with the Red Cross, offers a user-friendly English-language website and excellent emergency services.
2 Chome-25-1 Wada, Suginami City, Tokyo 166-0012
+81 3-3383-1281
This hospital, accredited by JMIP, provides emergency care along with a wide range of treatments, check-ups, and specialties.
Tokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic
32 Shiba koen Building 2F, 3-4-30 Shiba-koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Daytime appointments: +81 03-3436-3028, after-hours service, + 81 050-5530-9997
While not a hospital, this after-hours clinic is highly recommended for its seven-day-a-week service and English language support. They offer doctor’s visits, hospital referrals, minor surgeries, and appointments for visa and travel-related needs.
Kyoto
Kyoto, known for its beauty, is a favorite destination for travelers. In addition to hospitals and clinics that cater to English speakers, the Kyoto City International Foundation offers medical interpreters to assist foreigners in local hospitals.
841-5 Higashi Shiokoji-cho, Shiokoji-dori
Nishinotoin-higashiiru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
+81 75-361-1351
This Kyoto hospital, accredited by JMIP, offers emergency care, specialist consultations, surgeries, and dialysis. They provide on-site English interpreters six days a week and can arrange interpretation services in 18 different languages.
54 Shogoin Kawaracho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
+81 075･751･3111
Kyoto University Hospital is recognized as an Advanced Treatment Hospital within Japan’s medical system. If you require specialized care while in Japan, it might be worth obtaining a referral letter to receive treatment at Kyoto University Hospital.
Osaka
Osaka is becoming an international hub for medical care, with many of its hospitals specializing in long-term treatment. Its independent clinics, while accommodating foreigners, offer high-end services at higher costs.
Japanese Red Cross Osaka Hospital
5-30 Fudegasakicho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka
+81 06-6774-5111, for a standard appointment call +81 06-6774-5129
This hospital in Osaka offers 24/7 emergency care and strong English-language support.
2-15 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka
Osaka University Hospital, accredited by JMIP, requires you to contact them in advance to schedule an appointment.
1-8-18 Showacho Abenoku Osaka
+81 6-6585-7706
This clinic caters to international travelers with English-language services available six days a week, including emergency and after-hours care. Tokiwa Medical Clinic also offers referrals to hospitals.
Yokohama
Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city, is known for its picturesque waterfront and often serves as the first destination for travelers venturing beyond Tokyo.
Yokohama Municipal Citizens’ Hospital
1-1 Mitsuzawanishimachi Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa
+81-45-316-4580
This hospital, embracing the motto “Yokohama To The World,” provides emergency, inpatient, and outpatient care, all detailed on its English-language website. Be sure to call ahead and mention if you need an interpreter.
Shonan-Fujisawa Tokushukai Hospital
1-5-1, Tsujidokandai, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa
+81-466-35-117
This hospital, recognized as an emergency care facility, is also JMIP accredited. They offer round-the-clock emergency and outpatient services, available 24/7, all year round.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido’s rugged beauty and charming cities attract adventurous travelers. In Sapporo, the island’s largest city, you’ll find an outstanding hospital.
Sapporo Higashi Tokushukai Hospital
+81-11-722-1110
A northern Japan hospital accredited by JMIP and JCI offers emergency care, in-house interpreters, and a dedicated international medical support office.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima, a city once devastated by war, is now a symbol of peace and education, drawing visitors to its Peace Memorial Park.
Kasumi 1-2-3 Minami-ku, Hiroshima
+81 82-257-5555
Hiroshima University Hospital provides a full range of medical services, including emergency care and specialized dental services. The hospital is accredited by both JMIP and Japan International Hospitals. Make sure to review their guidelines for new international patients.
National Hospital Organisation Fukuyama Medical Center
14-17, 4-chome, Okinogami-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima
+81-84-922-0001
This facility, accredited by Japan International Hospitals, offers emergency care, as well as inpatient and outpatient services, with comprehensive support for international patients, including translation services.
Get Health Insurance for Healthcare in Japan
Navigating healthcare in a foreign country can be daunting, but Japan’s world-class medical system offers reassurance to visitors and expats alike. By understanding the aspects of Japanese hospitals, from their operating hours to payment procedures, you can ensure a smoother healthcare experience.
Remember to contact hospitals in advance, especially if language assistance is needed, and consider registering with a local facility for long-term stays. With cutting-edge technology and compassionate care, Japan’s healthcare system stands ready to serve the needs of its international guests.
To access Japan’s world-class healthcare, it’s essential to have international health insurance. This coverage can help you manage the intricacies of Japan’s healthcare system, ensuring peace of mind during your stay in Japan.
With numerous insurance options available, working with a reputable broker like Pacific Prime can significantly simplify the process. With over 20 years of experience, our team of experts is skilled at finding international health insurance plans that align with your unique needs and budgets.
Contact us today to begin your expat journey in Japan, or use our online quote tool for a free, no-obligation quote!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hospital speaks English in Japan?
Sanno Hospital can be found in Akasaka in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, and the hospital has doctors who speak English. In addition, there’s also a translation service between English and Japanese to make sure that there’ll be someone who can understand you every step of the way.
Can foreigners get healthcare in Japan?
Health care in Japan is, generally speaking, provided free for Japanese citizens, expatriates, and foreigners. Medical treatment in Japan is provided through universal health care. This system is available to all citizens, as well as non-Japanese citizens staying in Japan for more than a year.
Is it expensive to go to a hospital in Japan?
The average cost of an emergency room visit: Japan Health Info (JHI) recommends bringing USD 70-104 if you’re covered by health insurance. The average cost of a doctor’s visit is USD 35-70. The average cost of public health insurance for 1 person: is around 5% of your salary.
How much is an ambulance ride in Japan?
In Japan, the transportation of patients by ambulance and the fire and rescue services are free. However, you will be charged for the costs of care if you do not hold Japanese health insurance. Once you arrive at the hospital, you may ask for an emergency interpretation service in English.
After obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, International Relations from Mahidol University International College, Veerabhatr has forged his career as a content writer in the travel, lifestyle, and real estate industries, writing in both English and Thai. He now continues to hone his skills as a writer at Pacific Prime, looking to engage and educate the audience by simplifying insurance.
Writer by day, and a DJ by night, Veerabhatr is a staunch music lover, and listens to all spectrums of genres available. He also loves to drink beer (moderately), eat all types of food, go to the beach, and learn about different cultures across the globe. He is also a die-hard fan of football and motorsports.
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