Overview
Finding medical care in a foreign country can be stressful, but Kanagawa Prefecture has excellent healthcare facilities with English support available at major hospitals. This guide covers where to find English-speaking doctors, how emergency medical services work, what to expect at a Japanese hospital, and how travel insurance protects you.
Japan's healthcare system is world-class, and Kanagawa — as one of Japan's most international prefectures — has proportionally more English-capable medical facilities than most regions outside Tokyo.
English-Speaking Hospitals in Kanagawa
Major Hospitals with International Clinics
| Hospital | Location | Phone | English Support | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yokohama City University Hospital | Yokohama (Kannai) | 045-787-2800 | ✅ International clinic with English staff | 8:30-16:30 (weekdays) |
| St. Marianna University Hospital | Kawasaki | 044-977-8111 | ✅ English interpreters available | 24/7 emergency |
| Yokohama Rosai Hospital | Yokohama (Kohoku) | 045-474-8111 | ✅ English consultation available | 8:30-17:00 (weekdays) |
| Kanagawa Cancer Center | Yokohama (Asahi) | 045-391-5761 | ✅ English support | 8:30-17:00 (weekdays) |
| Yokohama Municipal Hospital | Yokohama (Isogo) | 045-753-1234 | ⚠️ Limited English | 24/7 emergency |
Always call ahead to confirm English availability — the doctor on duty may change daily, especially on weekends and holidays.
Walk-In Clinics (English-Speaking)
For non-emergency care (colds, minor injuries, prescriptions):
| Clinic | Location | Phone | Languages | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yokohama Medical Clinic | Yokohama Station | 045-594-8571 | English, Chinese | 9:00-19:00 (weekdays), 9:00-17:00 (Sat) |
| Shonan Medical Clinic | Fujisawa | 0466-50-6688 | English | 9:00-18:00 (weekdays) |
| Kamakura International Clinic | Kamakura | 0467-23-1122 | English | 9:00-17:00 (Tue-Sat) |
| Hakone Medical Center | Hakone-Yumoto | 0460-85-7111 | Limited English | 9:00-17:00 (daily) |
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/policy number
- Hotel address and phone number
- Any relevant medical records or prescription information
- Register at reception — you will fill out a short medical history 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:
- Emergency room 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:
- Medical treatment and hospitalization
- Emergency evacuation
- Repatriation of remains
- Trip cancellation/interruption
- Lost luggage
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, headache, nausea, confusion | Emergency room (119) |
| 🤧 Hay fever (spring/autumn) | Sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose | Walk-in clinic for antihistamines |
| 🦟 Mosquito bites (summer) | Itching, swelling | Pharmacy for anti-itch cream |
| 💧 Dehydration | Dry mouth, dark urine, fatigue | Convenience store for sports drinks + rest |
| 🤢 Food poisoning | Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea | Clinic or hospital |
Pharmacy Guide
Japanese pharmacies sell many medications that require 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 | Insect bites / skin irritation |
Always check with a pharmacist before taking any medication, especially if you have allergies or are taking other medicines.
Emergency Dental Care
| Clinic | Location | 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 |
Practical 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 immediately after treatment. Having travel insurance that offers direct billing or reimbursement significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs. Keep all receipts and medical reports for insurance claims — hospitals can provide English summaries for an additional fee.
If you have a chronic condition, bring a doctor's letter in English (and ideally Japanese) that explains your condition, medications, and emergency treatment protocol. Pharmacies in Kanagawa may not stock specialized medications, so confirm availability 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 medications. 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.
