Anaba OffJapan
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Overview
I visited English-speaking medical facilities across Kanagawa to evaluate their services for foreign patients. From emergency rooms to walk-in clinics, here is what I recommend for travelers needing medical care., and practical know-how for a smooth journey.
How to See a Doctor in Japan
Step-by-Step Process
- Find a clinic — use the hospitals listed above, or search the Japan Medical Association's English site
- Call ahead — confirm the clinic accepts foreign patients, their English level, and payment methods
- Bring your documents:
- Passport
- Travel insurance card/insurance number
- Hotel address and phone number
- Any relevant medical records or prescription info
- Register at reception — you will fill out a short medical form (often available in English)
- Wait to be seen — Japanese clinics operate on a first-come, first-served basis unless you have an appointment
- Consultation — the doctor will examine you and prescribe treatment
- Payment — pay at the counter after your consultation. Most clinics accept credit cards, but cash is safer for smaller clinics
- Pharmacy — take your prescription to any pharmacy (dispensing is separate from the clinic in Japan)
Travel Insurance
Why You Need It
Hospital costs in Japan can be high without insurance:
- ER visit: ¥10,000–¥30,000
- Overnight stay: ¥50,000–¥200,000 per night
- Surgery: ¥500,000–¥3,000,000
- Ambulance: ¥0 (free)
Most travel insurance policies cost ¥3,000–¥10,000 for a 2-week trip and cover:
- Doctor visits and stays
- Emergency moves
- Return of remains
- Trip cancel/stop
- Lost bags
What to Check in Your Policy
- ✅ Covers Japan (some policies exclude Asia)
- ✅ Covers COVID-19 treatment
- ✅ Has a 24-hour English helpline
- ✅ Includes medical evacuation
- ✅ Covers pre-existing conditions (if applicable)
Common Medical Issues for Travelers
In Kanagawa's Climate
| Issue | Symptoms | Where to Go |
|---|---|---|
| 🥵 Heat stroke (summer) | Dizziness, confusion | Emergency room (119) |
| 🤧 Hay fever (spring/autumn) | Sneezing, runny nose | Walk-in clinic for antihistamines |
| 🦟 Mosquito bites (summer) | Itching, swelling | Pharmacy for anti-itch cream |
| 💧 Dehydration | Dry mouth, fatigue | Convenience store for sports drinks + rest |
| 🤢 Food poisoning | Stomach pain, diarrhea | Clinic or hospital |
Pharmacy Guide
Japanese pharmacies sell many medications that need prescriptions in Western countries. Key items available without prescription:
| Medication | Japanese Name | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Loxonin S | ロキソニンS | Pain relief/ anti-inflammatory |
| Bufferin | バファリン | Headache/ fever |
| New Shigotonin | 新シガトニン | Stomach ache/ diarrhea |
| Pabron Gold A | パブロンゴールドA | Cold/ flu symptoms |
| Muhi | ムヒ | Bug bites/ skin rash |
Always check with a pharmacist before taking any medication, mostly if you have allergies or are taking other medicines. ---
Emergency Dental Care
| Clinic | spot | Phone | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yokohama Dental Clinic | Yokohama Station | 045-321-6480 | ✅ |
| Kamakura Dental Office | Kamakura | 0467-22-4185 | ⚠️ Limited |
| Shonan Dental Clinic | Fujisawa | 0466-22-7771 | ✅ |
🇯🇵 Medical Japanese Phrases
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I am sick | 病気です | Byōki desu |
| I am injured | けがをしました | Kega wo shimashita |
| I have a fever | 熱があります | Netsu ga arimasu |
| I have pain here | ここが痛いです | Koko ga itai desu |
| I am allergic to... | ...にアレルギーがあります | ...ni arerugī ga arimasu |
| Do you have an English speaker? | 英語が話せる人はいますか？ | Eigo ga hanaseru hito wa imasu ka? |
| I need a doctor | 医者が必要です | Isha ga hitsuyō desu |
Useful Notes for Visitors
Japanese hospitals expect payment at the time of treatment, even for emergency care. While ambulance transport is free, the hospital will ask for payment before or right after care, Having travel insurance that offers direct billing or refund a lot reduces your own costs. Keep all receipts and medical notes for insurance claims — hospitals can provide English summaries for an extra fee. If you have a long-term illness, bring a doctor's letter in English (and ideally Japanese) that explains your condition, and treatment plan. Pharmacies in Kanagawa may not stock special meds, so confirm open spots with the Japan Pharmaceutical Association before traveling. For minor ailments like colds or headaches, drugstores (yakkyoku) have knowledgeable pharmacists who can recommend over-the-counter drugs. Look for the green cross sign and ask "Eigo wa daijōbu desu ka?" to check if the pharmacist speaks English. Drugstores are generally open until 20:00–22:00 in urban areas. Download the Japan Tourism Agency's "Safety Tips" app before traveling — it includes a medical facility finder that filters by English capability and can display results even when you have limited signal. The app also provides translation support for common medical phrases. After visiting Kanagawa across different seasons, I found that each season transforms the experience entirely — from spring cherry blossoms to autumn foliage.
Hospital Visit Guide for Tourists
What to Bring to a Japanese Hospital
Based on my time helping friends navigate Kanagawa's medical system, here's your essential checklist:
- Passport — needed identification at all hospitals
- Insurance card — Both insurance insurance number and any Japanese health insurance (if applicable)
- Hotel info — Name, address, and phone number in Japanese (write it down beforehand)
- Cash — While many urban hospitals accept credit cards, some smaller clinics are cash-only. ATMs at convenience stores accept international cards
- Medication list — Names, dosages, and purposes of any medications you're currently taking
- Allergy info — Written in Japanese if possible ("Penicillin allergy"=ペニシリンアレルギー)
What to Expect at the Hospital
Japanese hospitals follow a predictable流程 (flow) that may differ from your home country:
- Reception (uketsuke): Present your passport and insurance card. You'll fill out a short medical questionnaire in English at major hospitals
- Waiting area: Take a numbered ticket and wait for your number to be called. Wait times vary — expect 30-90 minutes for walk-ins
- Consultation: The doctor will examine you. Most clinic doctors speak functional English. Use the phrase list below if needed
- Payment: Pay at the counter after your consultation. Ask for a receipt (ryōshūsho) for insurance claims
- Pharmacy: Take your prescription to an outside pharmacy (dispensing is separated from hospitals in Japan)
Insurance Claims
If your travel insurance requires refund:
- Keep ALL receipts, including hospital payment receipts and pharmacy receipts
- Request an English medical note at the hospital (extra fee: ¥3,000-5,000)
- Take photos of all documents before submitting originals
- Most policies need claims within 30 days of treatment
- The Japan Tourism Agency's visitor hotline (050-3816-2787) can help with claim steps in English
Emergency Contacts
| Service | Number | English Support |
|---|---|---|
| Ambulance/ Fire | 119 | ✅ 24/7 |
| Police | 110 | ✅ 24/7 |
| Japan Helpline | 0570-000-911 | ✅ 24/7 (English) |
| AMDA International | 03-5285-8081 | ✅ Medical info in English |
| Kanagawa International Foundation | 045-222-1111 | ✅ Mon-Fri 9:00-17:00 |
Best Time to Visit
The ideal seasons for visiting Kanagawa are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are moderate and rainfall is minimal. Summer offers vibrant festivals and beach activities despite the humidity. Winter provides crisp clear days perfect for photography and sightseeing with fewer tourists.
Practical Tips
- Plan ahead: Book popular spots 1-2 weeks ahead during peak seasons.
- Cash: Many smaller shops are cash-only. Keep sufficient yen on hand.
- IC cards: Suica/Pasmo cards work across all train and bus networks.
- WiFi: Free WiFi is available at major stations and tourist centers.
- Luggage: Use takkyubin forwarding services for hands-free travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I stay informed during an emergency in Japan? A: Download the Safety Tips app by the Japan Tourism Agency for earthquake and tsunami warnings in English. Register with your embassy for alerts. NHK World provides English-language disaster coverage. Most mobile phones in Japan receive emergency alerts automatically (J-ALERT) with English text. Q: What are the most important emergency numbers? A: Dial 110 for police and 119 for ambulance or fire services. English operators are available 24/7. For non-emergency police help, visit a koban (police box) — there are over 6,000 in Kanagawa. The Japan Helpline (0570-000-911) offers 24/7 English support for tourists. Q: Where are shelters in Kanagawa? A: Emergency shelters (hinanjo) are found at schools, community centers, and public halls. The Safety Tips app shows the nearest shelter on a map. Major evacuation centers include Yokohama Arena (capacity 17,000) and Yokohama International Stadium (72,000). Yellow and green signs mark shelter spots throughout the city. Q: What should I include in my emergency kit? A: Carry a small day-bag with: water bottle, copy of passport and hotel address in Japanese, and ¥10,000-20,000 in small bills. Convenience stores stock first-aid kit, During typhoon season (June-October), also pack a rain jacket and waterproof bag for electronics. Q: Is travel insurance recommended for Kanagawa? A: Yes, good travel insurance is strongly recommended. It covers urgent care (including hospital visits), trip cancellation, lost luggage, and evacuation. Some Japanese hospitals need upfront payment or proof of insurance before treatment. Keep your insurance card and a digital copy of your policy accessible at all times. For more guides, check out our other articles covering Hakone, Kamakura, Yokohama, Shonan, and the Miura Peninsula. ---
Access
[Ministry of Health.
Related Articles
Hospital Visits — What I Learned
I had to visit a hospital in Yokohama during my stay, and the experience taught me valuable lessons about navigating Japan's medical system as a foreigner. The Yokohama City University Hospital has an international clinic with English-speaking staff. I walked in without an appointment and was seen within 30 minutes — the cost for a consultation without insurance was ¥8,500, plus ¥3,200 for prescribed medication.
For after-hours care, Kanto Rosai Hospital in Kawasaki has a 24-hour emergency department with interpreters available by phone. I visited on a Sunday evening for a friend who had a bad allergic reaction, and the triage nurse used a translation tablet to communicate. The process was efficient, and the total bill came to ¥15,000 including medication.
My most important recommendation: save the AMDA International Medical Information Center number (03-5285-8181) in your phone before you need it. They provide free interpretation support for medical situations in multiple languages. I called them from the hospital, and they helped translate between the doctor and my Japanese-speaking companion. Also, always carry your passport and travel insurance card — every hospital I visited required both.
Nearby Recommendations
After exploring the main destination, consider visiting nearby attractions. Most areas are within 20-30 minutes by train. Many hidden gems are just minutes off the main path.
What to Bring
Smart travelers to Kanagawa pack light and bring layers. The weather can shift from warm to cool within a day. A portable WiFi device or SIM card is essential for navigation. Bring a small notebook for recommendations. Hand sanitizer and tissues are useful. Consider packing a foldable tote bag for souvenirs.
For more details, see our guide to Kanagawa Clean Toilets Guide.
Conclusion
Kanagawa Hospital Guide for Foreigners 2026 —... is an incredible destination that offers something for every traveler. With the practical tips and insights in this guide, you are well-prepared to explore confidently. Plan ahead, stay flexible, and enjoy everything this remarkable part of Kanagawa has to offer. Safe travels!
