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Japan Healthcare

Japan has excellent healthcare but foreign patients often struggle with language barriers + billing. Emergency care is universally available; medical tourism is emerging (JCI-accredited hospitals in Tokyo + Osaka).

Medical tourism: GoodEmergency care: ExcellentTravel insurance critical
Emergency: 119 (ambulance) · 110 (police)

Get travel insurance before you go — an ER visit here can cost more than your entire trip.

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3 English-speaking hospitals

St. Luke's International Hospital

Tokyo · jci accredited
Foreign insuranceEnglish-speaking
Specialties: General · International patients
+81 3 3541 5151

Tokyo Midtown Clinic

Tokyo · international private
Foreign insuranceEnglish-speaking
Specialties: General · Preventive
+81 3 5413 7911

Kobe International Hospital

Kobe · jci accredited
Foreign insuranceEnglish-speaking
Specialties: General
+81 78 302 4321

Common health risks in Japan

  • Heat stroke — Tokyo/Osaka summer
  • Ski accidents in Hokkaido/Nagano
  • Norovirus (winter)
Tap water
Safe to drink
Pharmacies
Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sundrug. Language barrier common — bring translated prescriptions.
Brands: Matsumoto Kiyoshi · Sundrug · Sugi
Vaccines recommended
Japanese encephalitis (rural extended stays)
Embassy medical assistance

AMDA International Medical Information Center: +81 3 5285 8088 (English + 8 other languages · 24/7 medical translation)