When you suddenly fall ill during your stay in Japan — whether on a short trip or a business assignment — it can feel daunting.
Japan is known for its high-quality healthcare system, yet for first-timers, it can seem a little complicated.
Where should you go? Will anyone speak English? Can you use your insurance?
This article answers these questions one by one, helping you understand what to do when sickness catches you off guard in Japan.
First Steps: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The most important thing is to evaluate how serious your symptoms are.
If you only have a mild fever, sore throat, or headache, a nearby clinic (usually an internal medicine or ENT clinic) can treat you.
If your symptoms worsen late at night or during holidays, check for a “nighttime or holiday duty doctor” in your area — each city or town has designated clinics that rotate emergency service.
However, if you are experiencing severe pain, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, don’t hesitate to call 119.
This is Japan’s emergency number, and operators can respond in English. Simply say, “Ambulance, please.”
Ambulance service in Japan is free, but it’s intended only for life-threatening emergencies.
For mild conditions, it’s better to take a taxi or have someone drive you to a clinic — an unwritten rule in Japanese society that helps keep emergency services available for those truly in need.
At the Clinic or Hospital
Most medical institutions in Japan operate on an appointment system.
Walk-ins are possible but often involve a long wait.
At reception, you’ll be asked to show your insurance card (if you have one) or your travel insurance certificate and passport.
You’ll then fill out a short medical questionnaire.
In big cities, some hospitals and clinics can handle English, but in rural areas Japanese is often the only language spoken.
It helps to memorize a few simple phrases like:
“I have a fever.” / “I have a stomachache.” / “I feel dizzy.”
After your consultation, you’ll settle the bill and receive a prescription if medication is needed.
Prescribed medicines are filled at nearby pharmacies (調剤薬局 / chōzai yakkyoku), not directly at the hospital.
Payment is usually in cash, and some smaller clinics do not accept credit cards.
If you’re enrolled in Japan’s National Health Insurance, you pay only 30% of the total cost; the rest is covered by the government.
Without insurance, you’ll be charged the full amount.
For short-term visitors with travel insurance or credit-card insurance, keep all receipts — you can claim reimbursement later.
Finding an English-Speaking Hospital
In metropolitan areas such as Tokyo and Osaka, English-friendly hospitals are relatively easy to find.
The most reliable source is the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), which maintains an official list of multilingual medical facilities:
👉 https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/eng/mi_guide.html
You can search by region, specialty, and language.
Alternatively, typing “English-speaking clinic near me” into Google Maps works surprisingly well.
In major cities, assistance centers such as Tokyo Medical Assistance and Osaka Emergency Guide can also introduce hospitals and interpreters who speak English or other languages.
Emergency and After-Hours Medical Care
If you become ill at night or during weekends, most municipalities operate nighttime emergency centers or holiday clinics.
These clinics handle minor emergencies and issue short-term prescriptions, but they often lack full diagnostic equipment or specialist staff.
If your symptoms are not severe, it’s often better to wait until regular hours the next day.
For advice, you can also call #7119 (available in certain regions like Tokyo and Osaka).
A nurse will assess your situation and tell you whether you should call an ambulance or go to a hospital.
Useful Medical Phrases
Communicating your symptoms clearly is key.
Even a few basic sentences can go a long way:
“I have a headache.”
“I feel sick.”
“I feel nauseous.”
“Can I use insurance?”
“How many times a day should I take this medicine?”
These short phrases are usually enough to get help quickly.
Drugstores and Over-the-Counter Medicine in Japan
Drugstores are everywhere in Japan, even more common than pharmacies marked with the “薬局 (yakkyoku)” sign.
You’ll recognize them by their bright yellow or blue storefronts with the word “Drug” or “ドラッグ” in the name.
The biggest national chains include:
Matsumoto Kiyoshi (マツモトキヨシ) — the most widespread chain; many products have English labeling.
Sugi Drug (スギ薬局) — known for a wide range of medicines and a high rate of certified pharmacists.
Welcia (ウエルシア) — often connected to dispensing pharmacies; very common in suburbs.
Tomod’s (トモズ) — found in international areas, generally more English-friendly.
Sun Drug (サンドラッグ) — common in the Kanto region, carries affordable generics.
Many stores also include multilingual signage (English or Chinese) and tax-free counters for travelers.
Common Symptoms and Typical OTC Medications
Colds, Fever, and Sore Throat
Japan’s “comprehensive cold medicines” combine multiple active ingredients for fever, sore throat, and congestion.
Well-known brands include:
Pabron Gold A — the most popular all-round cold remedy.
Lulu Attack EX — effective for throat and nasal symptoms.
Contac Cold 12 — long-acting, similar to Western cold medicines.
Generic equivalents include products like Estac Eve and Benza Block S, similar to prescription “PL granules.”
Headache, Menstrual Pain, Muscle Pain
Painkillers are easy to find, though generally milder than in some countries.
Bufferin Premium — ibuprofen-based, gentle on the stomach.
Eve Quick — fast-acting, popular among women.
Loxonin S — strong and effective; requires pharmacist consultation.
Generic ingredients include Ibuprofen and Loxoprofen.
Stomach Pain, Heartburn, and Indigestion
Digestive medicines are widely available and often herbal-based.
Ohta’s Isan — a traditional herbal stomach remedy.
Gaster 10 — contains Famotidine, reduces stomach acid.
Seirogan — a well-known antidiarrheal tablet with a distinct smell.
Nasal Congestion and Allergies
Seasonal allergy and hay-fever medicines are common.
Allegra FX — contains Fexofenadine, non-drowsy.
Claritin EX — contains Loratadine, also widely used abroad.
Aneroclear — targets nasal and eye allergy symptoms.
Constipation, Diarrhea, and Digestive Issues
Colac — stimulant laxative with quick effect.
Biofermin S — probiotic supplement for daily use.
Seirogan — also used for mild food poisoning.
Generic components include Sennoside (for constipation) and Lactobacillus (for digestion).
How to Buy Medicine and What to Expect
When buying medicine, staff will often ask, “What kind of symptoms do you have?”
This isn’t an interrogation — it’s a legal requirement to ensure the medicine suits your condition.
You can simply answer in short phrases such as “Headache,” “Sore throat,” or “Stomach pain.”
Note that stronger drugs like Loxonin S are sold only when a licensed pharmacist is present, so you might not be able to buy them late at night.
Pharmacists may also ask about existing medications or allergies to prevent harmful interactions.
Final Advice: Preparation Is the Best Medicine
Japan’s healthcare is safe, efficient, and professional — but the procedures can be confusing if you’re unfamiliar with them.
If you’re traveling, keep your passport, insurance documents, some cash, and emergency contact information with you at all times.
If you live in Japan, make it a habit to carry your health insurance card whenever you go out.
Most importantly, stay calm and assess the situation.
Even if the system feels formal or slow, Japan’s medical services are reliable and well-organized.
By knowing what to do and where to go before you get sick, you’ll be able to handle unexpected health issues with confidence — and peace of mind.
