Living in a foreign country can be exciting with all the new adventures and cultural experiences. So you can continue living your new life adventure, it’s best to know where to go, in case you fall ill or have an accident. Whether it is the common cold or an emergency, you don’t want to find yourself not knowing where to go or if you can communicate.

English-Speaking Clinics and Hospitals in Tokyo

Thankfully, the number of clinics that have English-speaking doctors available has grown in the past couple decades. Most doctors in Japan have a basic understanding of English, which can be quite helpful- whether they can communicate with you fully, is a different matter, though.

So we have put together a list of English speaking clinics and hospitals in Tokyo, where you can confidently share your concerns and- rest assured- understand what they are saying.

Japan’s Healthcare System

Before heading to the doctor’s office, there are a few things you should know about how Japan’s healthcare system works.

If you ever find yourself in an emergency, you might be hesitant to call for an ambulance, not knowing if you can afford the bill, especially if you are from the U.S., where it would be an enormous amount. Thankfully, Japan has a free Ambulance service for everyone.

English-speaking operators are available, and they will ask if you are calling for an ambulance or a fire disaster. Depending on your case, they will determine which hospital can accept and transport you there.

Japanese National Health Insurance (JNHI) or Employee Health Insurance (EHI) is required by law for any citizen living in Japan, as well as expats on a long-term visa. Having health insurance (whether through your company-EHI or the JNHI) will hugely benefit you when you get billed, as costs are greatly reduced.

Alternate method would be to choose a clinic that accepts your insurance plan.

Japan’s Clinics and Hospitals – What’s the difference?

Japan has two primary types of medical facilities: Clinics and Hospitals.

A CLINIC would be similar to your family doctor back home, tending to small illnesses such as a cough or cold.

A HOSPITAL would be for more severe issues or long-term illnesses.

Visiting a hospital for the first time

Be aware that during your first visit to a hospital, you will need to fill out a lot of paperwork and pay a consultation fee of around ¥4,000.

However, if you have a referral from a clinic, this fee will be waived.

If you believe a clinic can handle your situation, it is always best to go to a clinic first. If the clinic is unable to provide the needed care, they will refer you to a hospital with an accompanying reference letter.

If you have any doubts on your situation and it feels pretty severe, it does make sense to go straight to a hospital.

Some clinics can take walk-ins, but if you want to avoid long waiting times, it is better to make an appointment. Some clinics are reservation based only, so please check on each website.

CLINICS with English-Speaking Doctors

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American Clinic Tokyo

https://www.americanclinictokyo.com/

Location: Akasaka

Address: 1-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 No. 1 Niikura Building 3rd floor

https://goo.gl/maps/hwh1KfBQoLAFNBL47

Specialties: Primary Care, Psychiatry and Wellness

Accepts JNHI: No

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Hiroo International Clinic

http://www.hiroo-ic.com/

Location: Hiroo

Address: 4-14-6 Minamiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047

https://goo.gl/maps/JXy37TCdUJx4SUwX7

Specialties: General & Internal Medicine

Accepts JNHI: No

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Roppongi Hills Clinic

http://www.66clinic.com/en/

Location: Roppongi Hills

Address: 6−10−1, Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032 Roppongi Hills 6F

https://goo.gl/maps/5NJy8p8EMNJpgeWP7

Specialties: General Outpatient

Accepts JNHI: Yes

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Miwa Medical Clinic

https://www.miwamedical.net/

Location: Omotesando

Address: 4-2-17, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001 Aoyama R Natsuno Building 4F

https://goo.gl/maps/mecY55xA9iUGUmFYA

Specialties: Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Allergology

Accepts JNHI: Yes

Dr. Miwako Kobayashi gives you a real family doctor feel, although the website is in Japanese, she studied in the United States and can speak English.

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Tokyo Medical & Surgical Clinic

https://tmsc.jp/

Location: Shiba Koen

Address: 3-4-30 Shiba Park, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011

https://goo.gl/maps/wA5QstmFvYCvBhfh6

Specialties: Annual Medical Check-ups, Family Medicine, Travel Medicine, Orthopedics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Other Specialties

Accepts JNHI: No

Native English-speaking and German-speaking doctors.

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Jingumae Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist

http://www.jm-c.com/new_page_2.htm

Location: Omotesando/Jingumae

Address: 6-1-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001

https://goo.gl/maps/NMUC5A3ELcauHkS2A

Specialties: ENT

Accepts JNHI: Yes

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Oi Clinic

http://ooi-clinic.jp/

Location: Oimachi/Shinagawa

Address: 1-7, Higashiooi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0011, 1F

https://goo.gl/maps/SetfMeV2a2nMNeSg6

Specialties: Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Dermatology, & more

Accepts JNHI: Yes

-Chinese and Taiwanese language support, though the website is in Japanese (it says that English is accepted but seems to be through a translator)

HOSPITALS with English-Speaking Doctors

Tokyo Station Ambulance photo by Dick Thomas Johnson

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Japanese Red Cross Medical Center

http://www.med.jrc.or.jp/en/tabid/393/Default.aspx

Location: Hiroo/Shibuya

Address:4 Chome-1-22 Hiroo, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-8935

https://goo.gl/maps/DdFyjboU3JMprkj48

ER: Yes

Accepts JNHI: Yes

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Sanno Hospital

https://www.sannoclc.or.jp/hospital/english/

Location: Akasaka/Nogizaka

Address: 8 Chome-10-16 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0052

https://goo.gl/maps/qeAkN8RhF7gVDsE36

ER: No

Accepts JNHI: Yes

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St. Luke’s International Hospital

http://hospital.luke.ac.jp/eng/

Location: Tsukiji/Tokyo

Address: 9-1 Akashicho, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-8560

https://goo.gl/maps/iNDEkCX5fzMK9GT1A

ER: Yes

Accepts JNHI: Yes

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Seibo Hospital

https://www.seibokai.or.jp/en/

Location: Shinjuku/Shinnamachi

Address: 2 Chome-5-1 Nakaochiai, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 161-8521

https://goo.gl/maps/1xJTmkrJf2HK8DdZ7

ER: Yes

Accepts JNHI: Yes

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NTT Medical Center Tokyo

https://www.nmct.ntt-east.co.jp/en/

Location: Shinagawa

Address: 5 Chome-9-22 Higashigotanda, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 141-0022

https://goo.gl/maps/LAFbTdRUi4MapWm47

ER: Yes

Accepts JNHI: Yes

Hopefully, you won’t ever find yourself in any circumstances where you need to call for an ambulance. Still, it’s always good to know your options before a situation occurs.

We also know how reassuring it is to find a family doctor you can trust and clearly communicate with while living abroad.

We wish you all the best of health!

Another article you might find helpful for living in Tokyo and health:

Best Online Grocery Delivery Services In Tokyo

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