How Japanese clinics work
Japan has two tiers of medical facilities: clinics (クリニック or 診療所) and hospitals (病院). For most everyday problems — a cold, an ear infection, a rash, back pain — you want a clinic. They're smaller, faster, and you can walk in without a referral or an appointment.
Clinics are usually specialist-specific. Common types you'll see on Google Maps:
- 内科 (naika) — General internal medicine. Start here if you're not sure.
- 耳鼻咽喉科 (jibi inkōka) — Ear, nose and throat.
- 皮膚科 (hifuka) — Dermatology.
- 整形外科 (seikei geka) — Orthopedics, back pain, joint problems.
- 外科 (geka) — Surgery and wounds.
Search for the type you need on Google Maps and you'll find multiple options near you. Most open around 9am, close midday, reopen around 3pm, and close by 6pm. Saturdays are often open until noon.
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Generate what to say →What it costs
Without Japanese health insurance, you pay the full (unsubsidised) rate. A typical clinic consultation runs ¥3,000–¥8,000. Prescription medication is charged separately — usually ¥500–¥2,000 depending on what's prescribed.
This is still extraordinarily cheap by international standards. Japan's healthcare system is efficient and high quality, and clinics are well-equipped for common problems.
If you have travel insurance, keep every receipt. Most travel insurance policies cover outpatient clinic visits and will reimburse you. The clinic will give you an itemised receipt (領収書) — hold onto it.
If you're a resident with Japanese health insurance (健康保険 or 国民健康保険), you pay 30% of the cost. Show your insurance card at reception — your card below handles this automatically.
What to bring
- Passport — required for ID at most clinics
- Cash or card — most clinics now accept both, but cash is safer
- Travel insurance details — card or policy number if you have coverage
- List of medications — anything you currently take, including supplements
- List of allergies — especially drug allergies
What happens at the clinic
At reception
Show your card to the receptionist. It explains your situation in Japanese.
Filling out forms
Point to your symptoms and show your card. Staff will help complete the form.
Seeing the doctor
Show the doctor section of your card. Tap the relevant symptoms. The doctor may point or ask simple follow-ups.
After the visit
You may receive a prescription. Pay at reception before leaving.
After the clinic: the pharmacy
If you're given a prescription, take it to any pharmacy (薬局 — yakkyoku). They're everywhere, often right next to clinics. Hand over the prescription and your insurance card if you have one.
The pharmacist will explain dosage and instructions. Most pharmacies have a medication notebook (お薬手帳) system — they may ask if you have one. You don't need to — just shake your head and they'll give you a printout with your medications listed.
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