When foreigners use hospitals and clinics in Japan

In Japan, check the medical department before visiting.

In Japan, it is common for people to choose a medical department such as internal medicine, surgery, dermatology, or ophthalmology depending on their symptoms. In addition to large hospitals, local clinics may serve as the gateway for daily medical treatment. Clinic hours and closed days vary depending on the medical institution, so please confirm in advance.

Check in advance for foreign language support

Not all medical institutions speak foreign languages. Even at medical institutions that offer foreign language support, the availability may change depending on the day of the week or the person in charge. For peace of mind, please let us know the language you would like to use when making a reservation.

Prepare information about chronic diseases and medicines

If you have a chronic illness, be sure to keep track of your illness name, treatment history, medications, allergies, etc. Since the overseas product name may be different from the Japanese name, if possible, it will be easier to explain if you have documentation showing the drug's ingredient names.

Distinguish between emergencies and regular visits

Actions are different in life-threatening emergencies and in regular medical treatment. When you come to Japan, it is important to check the official guidance in your area about where to contact in case of an emergency. In the event of a disaster, the medical system may differ from the normal medical system.

This page provides general lifestyle information and is not intended to diagnose or treat symptoms. If you are concerned about your physical condition, please consult a medical institution.

Things to review after actually starting your life in Japan

Things that you didn't understand during the preparation stage will become clear to you once you actually live in Japan for a few days to a few weeks. Write down the time it takes to commute to work or school, ease of shopping, language problems, monthly expenses, etc., and check for any differences from your expectations. It is not necessary to continue with the method you initially decided on, but it is important to adjust communication contracts, travel routes, shopping locations, housing conditions, etc. to suit your lifestyle.

Organize important information in one place

In life in Japan, the number of contacts increases, such as address, contact information for work or school, housing management company, hospital, insurance, bank, telecommunications company, etc. Instead of saving it only on your smartphone, it's a good idea to make a list of the information you need and share it with your family if you have them. Make sure to save contracts, receipts, and important emails in a way that you can check them later.

Check the latest information on systems and professional judgments.

It is necessary to separate general information about daily life from professional judgments such as immigration status, law, taxation, and medical care. As systems and conditions are subject to change, please check the latest information from public institutions and contracting parties before proceeding with the procedure. For work that requires qualifications, it is important to consult with an administrative scrivener, lawyer, tax accountant, or other appropriately qualified professional.