Health & Medical Care / H001-03

How to find a hospital or clinic

When searching for medical care in Japan, check not only location but also specialty, opening hours, language support and appointments.

Last updated: October 12, 2026

Check these four things first

Medical specialtyDoes the department treat your symptoms?

Opening hoursIs it open now, and is today a regular closing day?

LanguagesCan staff communicate in your preferred language?

AppointmentsIs booking required or are walk-ins accepted?

1. The most reliable way to search

The Ministry of Health’s Medical Information Network (NABII) lets you search for medical facilities and pharmacies across Japan. You can filter by location, medical specialty, facilities currently open, nights and holidays, or language.

Enter a location
Search by municipality, station or current location.

Choose a department
For example, internal medicine, pediatrics or ENT.

Apply filters
Languages, currently open, nights and holidays.

Confirm by phone or website
Check how to book and whether patients are accepted that day.

2. Example searches by symptom

Important note:Yamagata City is only an example. Search using your own city or municipality, such as Osaka or Sapporo. Opening hours, appointments and language support may change, so verify directly before visiting.

Symptoms	Example search
Fever or cough	“Yamagata City internal medicine” or “Yamagata City fever clinic”
Fever in a child	“Yamagata City pediatrics”
Ear, nose or throat	“Yamagata City ENT”
Skin problems	“Yamagata City dermatology”
Pregnancy	“Yamagata City obstetrics and gynecology”
Teeth	“Yamagata City dentist”

3. Finding language support

NABII lets you filter by language. However, even if a language is listed, availability may depend on the day or staff member.

Always confirm language support shortly before visiting.
You can ask “Vietnamese available?” or “English available?” by phone or online. Also ask whether you need a relative or interpreter to accompany you.

4. What to say before making an appointment

Main symptomsFever, pain, cough, vomiting, and so on.

Since whenToday, three days ago, one week ago.

InsuranceWhether you have a My Number health insurance card or eligibility certificate.

LanguageTell them in advance if communicating in Japanese is difficult.

5. What to bring on the day

My Number health insurance card or eligibility certificate	For checking insurance eligibility
Residence card	May be needed to confirm your identity
Medication notebook	To review medicines you take
Referral letter	Bring it if you have one
Cash or payment method	Some facilities do not accept payment cards
Notes on symptoms	Especially useful when Japanese is difficult

6. If you need care immediately

NABII can search for facilities currently open and those offering night or holiday treatment. For nights and holidays, consider local emergency consultation services if unsure.

For life-threatening symptoms, call 119 instead of searching.If someone is unconscious, struggles to breathe, has heavy bleeding or intense chest pain, do not wait for a routine appointment.

Notes for different residence and work situations

Technical interns and specified skilled workersYour employer, supervising organization or registered support organization may know where to seek care or how to obtain an interpreter. In an emergency, prioritize 119 rather than waiting to contact them.

International studentsYour school or university international support office or health center may be able to recommend hospitals with language support.

EmployeesUse company occupational health services, medical consultation support or HR if available.

Self-employed people and dependentsNormally, you need to check the medical network, local government and your insurer’s guidance yourself.

Official sources

Ministry of Health: Medical Information Network (NABII)Ministry of Health: How to use NABII

Opening hours, language availability and appointment procedures may change. Confirm with the medical institution before your visit.

How to Find a Hospital