Essential guide to finding and visiting English-speaking doctors in Tokyo. Learn about clinics, insurance, costs, and what to expect during medical consultations.
Navigating healthcare in a foreign country can be daunting, especially when you're feeling unwell. This guide helps you find English-speaking doctors in Tokyo, understand the Japanese healthcare system, and know what to expect during medical visits.
Tokyo offers excellent medical care with many doctors who speak English or have English-speaking staff. The key is knowing where to look and understanding how the system works.
Clear communication with your doctor is essential for:
| Facility Type | Best For | English Support | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Clinics | Primary care, minor issues | ★★★★★ | ¥¥¥¥ |
| University Hospitals | Specialized care, complex cases | ★★★ | ¥¥ |
| General Hospitals | Serious conditions, surgery | ★★ | ¥¥ |
| Local Clinics | Routine care, nearby | ★ | ¥ |
| Service | Your Cost | Full Price |
|---|---|---|
| General consultation | ¥1,000-2,000 | ¥3,300-6,600 |
| Blood test | ¥1,000-3,000 | ¥3,300-10,000 |
| X-ray | ¥1,500-2,500 | ¥5,000-8,300 |
| MRI scan | ¥5,000-8,000 | ¥16,600-26,600 |
| Prescription (1 week) | ¥500-1,500 | ¥1,600-5,000 |
Research clinics based on location, specialization, and English support
Verify insurance acceptance and booking procedures
Call or book online (some clinics have English websites)
Gather insurance card, ID, and medical history
| Clinic Name | Area | Specialties | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Midtown Clinic | Roppongi | General, Internal Medicine | NHI + Private |
| The King Clinic | Omotesando | General Practice, Pediatrics | Private Only |
| Tokyo Medical & Surgical | Shiba Park | Multi-specialty | Private Only |
| St. Luke's International | Tsukiji | Full Hospital Services | NHI + Private |
Understanding how prescriptions work in Japan:
| Medication Type | With NHI (30%) | Without Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Antibiotics (1 week) | ¥300-800 | ¥1,000-2,600 |
| Pain relievers | ¥200-500 | ¥600-1,600 |
| Allergy medication | ¥400-1,000 | ¥1,300-3,300 |
| Chronic condition meds | ¥1,000-3,000/month | ¥3,300-10,000/month |
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| I need to see a doctor | 医者に診てもらいたい | Isha ni mite moraitai |
| I have a fever | 熱があります | Netsu ga arimasu |
| It hurts here | ここが痛いです | Koko ga itai desu |
| I'm allergic to... | ...アレルギーです | ...arerugii desu |
| I need a prescription | 処方箋が必要です | Shohosen ga hitsuyou desu |
No, many clinics in Tokyo have English-speaking doctors or staff. International clinics cater specifically to English speakers, though they're more expensive. Even at Japanese clinics, doctors often understand basic medical English.
With Japanese health insurance, a general consultation costs ¥1,000-2,000 (you pay 30%). Without insurance, expect ¥3,000-10,000 at regular clinics or ¥10,000-20,000 at international clinics.
Not always. Some Western medications aren't available in Japan or require different prescriptions. Bring a letter from your home doctor explaining your medications. Many alternatives are available.
At large hospitals, yes - you'll pay an extra fee without one. Private specialist clinics don't require referrals but cost more. Get referrals from general practitioners to save money.
Most clinics close weekends. Options include: international clinics with Saturday hours, hospital emergency rooms (for true emergencies), or medical hotlines like Himawari (03-5285-8181) for clinic information.
Tokyo has English-speaking psychiatrists and counselors. TELL Counseling, Tokyo Mental Health, and some international clinics offer mental health services. Some accept insurance, others are private pay only.
Navigating healthcare in a foreign country can be daunting, especially when you're feeling unwell. This guide helps you find English-speaking doctors in Tokyo, understand the Japanese healthcare system, and know what to expect during medical visits.
Tokyo offers excellent medical care with many doctors who speak English or have English-speaking staff. The key is knowing where to look and understanding how the system works.
Clear communication with your doctor is essential for:
| Facility Type | Best For | English Support | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Clinics | Primary care, minor issues | ★★★★★ | ¥¥¥¥ |
| University Hospitals | Specialized care, complex cases | ★★★ | ¥¥ |
| General Hospitals | Serious conditions, surgery | ★★ | ¥¥ |
| Local Clinics | Routine care, nearby | ★ | ¥ |
| Service | Your Cost | Full Price |
|---|---|---|
| General consultation | ¥1,000-2,000 | ¥3,300-6,600 |
| Blood test | ¥1,000-3,000 | ¥3,300-10,000 |
| X-ray | ¥1,500-2,500 | ¥5,000-8,300 |
| MRI scan | ¥5,000-8,000 | ¥16,600-26,600 |
| Prescription (1 week) | ¥500-1,500 | ¥1,600-5,000 |
Research clinics based on location, specialization, and English support
Verify insurance acceptance and booking procedures
Call or book online (some clinics have English websites)
Gather insurance card, ID, and medical history
| Clinic Name | Area | Specialties | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Midtown Clinic | Roppongi | General, Internal Medicine | NHI + Private |
| The King Clinic | Omotesando | General Practice, Pediatrics | Private Only |
| Tokyo Medical & Surgical | Shiba Park | Multi-specialty | Private Only |
| St. Luke's International | Tsukiji | Full Hospital Services | NHI + Private |
Understanding how prescriptions work in Japan:
| Medication Type | With NHI (30%) | Without Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Antibiotics (1 week) | ¥300-800 | ¥1,000-2,600 |
| Pain relievers | ¥200-500 | ¥600-1,600 |
| Allergy medication | ¥400-1,000 | ¥1,300-3,300 |
| Chronic condition meds | ¥1,000-3,000/month | ¥3,300-10,000/month |
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| I need to see a doctor | 医者に診てもらいたい | Isha ni mite moraitai |
| I have a fever | 熱があります | Netsu ga arimasu |
| It hurts here | ここが痛いです | Koko ga itai desu |
| I'm allergic to... | ...アレルギーです | ...arerugii desu |
| I need a prescription | 処方箋が必要です | Shohosen ga hitsuyou desu |
No, many clinics in Tokyo have English-speaking doctors or staff. International clinics cater specifically to English speakers, though they're more expensive. Even at Japanese clinics, doctors often understand basic medical English.
With Japanese health insurance, a general consultation costs ¥1,000-2,000 (you pay 30%). Without insurance, expect ¥3,000-10,000 at regular clinics or ¥10,000-20,000 at international clinics.
Not always. Some Western medications aren't available in Japan or require different prescriptions. Bring a letter from your home doctor explaining your medications. Many alternatives are available.
At large hospitals, yes - you'll pay an extra fee without one. Private specialist clinics don't require referrals but cost more. Get referrals from general practitioners to save money.
Most clinics close weekends. Options include: international clinics with Saturday hours, hospital emergency rooms (for true emergencies), or medical hotlines like Himawari (03-5285-8181) for clinic information.
Tokyo has English-speaking psychiatrists and counselors. TELL Counseling, Tokyo Mental Health, and some international clinics offer mental health services. Some accept insurance, others are private pay only.