Traveling in Japan can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but when illness strikes, navigating the medical system in a foreign language can be daunting. Fortunately, Tokyo offers a variety of English-speaking doctors, clinics, and hospitals that cater to foreign travelers. Whether you have a cold, stomachache, diarrhea, or jet lag, or you simply want peace of mind, knowing where to find English-friendly medical care is essential.
This guide introduces trusted English-speaking doctors in Tokyo, how to use online telemedicine services, what costs to expect, and tips on using insurance as a traveler.
Dr. Y.I. honed his expertise in internal medicine through training at several hospitals across Tokyo. He subsequently served in an advanced emergency and critical care center, treating numerous severely ill patients, and continues to work at the forefront as an emergency physician. In addition, he serves as an occupational health physician for corporate clients, engaging in a wide range of health management activities. Drawing on his extensive clinical experience, Dr. Y.I. possesses comprehensive knowledge spanning general outpatient care to emergency medicine.
Understanding the Japanese Medical System for Foreigners
Before visiting a clinic, it’s helpful to understand how healthcare works in Japan:
- Insurance: Japanese residents use National Health Insurance (NHI), covering 70% of costs. Foreign travelers must pay upfront.
- Payment: Most international clinics accept credit cards, but smaller ones may require cash.
- Appointments: International clinics generally require advance booking. Walk-ins may not be accepted.
- Language Barriers: Most local clinics speak only Japanese. English-speaking clinics are the safest choice for travelers.
English-Friendly Medical Institutions in Tokyo
Here are the medical facilities in Tokyo where medical consultations in English are possible.
Go Online Doctor Japan
Go Online Doctor Japan is an online-only clinic that offers consultations in 87 languages. Using Google Meet, patients can receive care from anywhere in Japan without visiting a clinic.
✅ Flat rate of ¥19,800 (includes consultation & prescription)
✅ Insurance-friendly: provides receipts for claims
✅ Covers general internal medicine: colds, headaches, stomachache, jet lag
Languages Supported: English, Chinese, French, Spanish, German, Hindi, Arabic, Korean, Thai, and many more.
Hours: 9:00–18:00 (Closed Sundays & national holidays)
👉 Visit: Go Online Doctor Japan
Koishikawa International Clinic
Koishikawa International Clinic provides in-person consultations in addition to providing house-calls to hotel/accommodations for foreign visitors to Japan. If you wish to be seen here, be sure to make an appointment by phone or email.
· Languages supported: English. For Chinese, Korean, Russian, or Thai language consultations, interpreters are arranged.
· Address: [not provided in the text]
· Hours: 9:30–12:30, 13:30–16:30 (Tuesday–Friday)
· Closed: Monday; Saturday; Sunday; public holidays; 2nd & 4th Wednesday afternoons
American Clinic Tokyo
At American Clinic Tokyo, in addition to general internal medicine, psychological counseling is also provided. Pediatrics, surgery, and obstetrics/gynecology are not available. For mild symptoms, online consultation is possible.
· Languages supported: English
· Address: 3F No.1 Niikura Building, 1-7-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN 107-0052
· Hours: 10:00–12:00 (Closed: Saturday, Sunday, national holidays)
International Health Care Clinic
International Health Care Clinic treats common symptoms like colds, stomachache, diarrhea etc. Also offers medical support for those needing home oxygen therapy. For people planning travel to Japan and requiring medical equipment, it provides rental of medical devices and accompanying support by doctors/nurses.
· Online consultation: Not available.
· Languages supported: English. If you want service in other languages, prior consultation is required.
· Address: Sueyoshi Building, 3F, 2-10-5 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004, Japan
· Hours: 10:00–12:30; 15:30–18:30 (Closed: Saturday, Sunday, national holidays)
Tokyo Station International Clinic
Tokyo Station International Clinic is located at Tokyo Station, which is easily accessible by JR, Shinkansen, and car. Online medical consultation is also possible.
· Languages supported: English and Chinese
· Address: GranRoof 1F, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0005, Japan (next to the JR express bus terminal)
· Hours: 9:00 am–9:00 pm daily, including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
Nishiazabu International Clinic
Nishiazabu International Clinic offers general internal medicine. It also accepts children. Insurance can be used if your insurance company has a contract with this clinic. If you want to use this clinic, your insurance company needs to contact the clinic.
· Languages supported: English. Chinese support available on certain days.
· Address: 2F, LY Nishiazabu, 3-17-20 Nishiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
· Hours: 8:00–12:30, 14:00–18:00 (Monday–Friday); 9:00–13:00 (Saturday, Sunday)
· Closed: national holidays
Cost of Seeing a Doctor in Tokyo (for Foreigners)
- Online consultation (Go Online Doctor Japan): ¥19,900
- International clinic consultation: ¥8,000–¥20,000
- Specialist consultation: ¥15,000–¥30,000
- Medication: ¥3,000–¥10,000
💡 Tip: Always ask for a detailed English receipt for travel insurance claims.
Tips for Foreign Travelers Seeking Medical Care in Tokyo
- Carry your passport (needed at most clinics).
- Save clinic addresses on Google Maps before you travel.
- If using insurance, confirm coverage before your trip.
- Use online medical consultations if you’re outside central Tokyo.
- If visiting a local clinic, bring a translation app.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. Can I see a doctor in Tokyo without Japanese insurance?
Yes, you can. You pay out of pocket and later claim reimbursement from your travel insurance.
Q2. Are English-speaking hospitals in Tokyo expensive?
Expect around ¥10,000–¥20,000 per consultation. Online clinics like Go Online Doctor Japan offer transparent flat fees.
Q3. Do I need an appointment?
Yes, most international clinics require appointments. Emergency hospitals accept patients but waiting times can be long.
Q4. Can I get prescription medicine easily?
Yes. Doctors issue prescriptions, and you can collect medicine at pharmacies (薬局 / yakkyoku).
Q5. Are there 24-hour hospitals with English support?
Yes. Large hospitals such as St. Luke’s International Hospital or Tokyo Medical University Hospital have emergency care.
Go Online Doctor Japan — Medical Consultation in English or Your Mother Tongue while in Tokyo
Go Online Doctor Japan is a medical institution that supports the greatest number of languages. Foreigners staying in Japan can consult with a doctor in their native language. We use Google Meet for online consultations, so you can access the service from anywhere in Japan.
Why Choose Go Online Doctor Japan
· We are an online clinic specialized for travelers. Because we cater to travelers, we can promptly prepare documents needed for insurance companies etc.
· Support for 87 languages worldwide. We offer more languages than most clinics.
· Simple fee structure. All fees, including consultation, prescriptions, etc., are included in one flat rate of ¥19,900, so there are no surprises.
· No need to visit a clinic. Everything from reservation to consultation is done online. The only time you need to go out is to pick up medication at a pharmacy.
List of Languages Supported by Go Online Doctor Japan
We can support consultations in the following languages:
· Africa: Afrikaans, Xhosa, Northern Sotho, Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Zulu, Swahili, etc.
· Asia: Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Hindi, Malayalam, Filipino, Persian, Nepali, Arabic, etc.
· Europe: Dutch, French, Greek, German, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, etc.
· Americas & Others: English, etc.
If you want to see all the languages we support, please visit our “Supported Languages” page.
Leave your illness during your stay in Japan to Go Online Doctor Japan
Here are medical institutions in Tokyo where you can receive medical care in English, for travelers who are not enrolled in a Japanese health insurance plan. Whether your insurance is usable depends on the specific medical institution. Please check with the clinic.
Go Online Doctor Japan is an online clinic that provides simultaneous interpretation in 87 languages from anywhere in Japan. You can have a medical consultation completely online. If you want to consult in your mother tongue, please use Go Online Doctor Japan.
If you want to consult Go Online Doctor Japan, please click the link:
