If You Are Hospitalized in Japan
Practical rules, daily life, and clinical differences you should know before or during a Japanese hospital stay.
What to Bring
Health insurance card (保険証) + My Number card if applicable
Small amount of cash (for TV rental, vending machines, pay phones)
Pajamas or hospital wear (most wards require your own; some loan for a fee)
Towels, toiletries, and basic personal care items
Earphones (mandatory for TV and phone calls in the ward)
Tablet or laptop for entertainment (WiFi may be available)
Your お薬手帳 (medication record booklet) — bring it every time
Valuables: cash beyond a small amount, jewelry, credit cards
Cigarettes, lighters, or any tobacco products
Alcohol
Sharp objects (razors with open blades, scissors, knives)
Ward Rules & Daily Life
Phone calls inside the ward are generally prohibited. Most hospitals have a designated area (談話室 or corridor) for calls. Keep calls short and step out of the room.
TVs are often rental-based (coin-operated or prepaid card). Earphones are mandatory. Volume at night is restricted — most wards enforce quiet hours after 21:00 or 22:00.
Visiting hours vary by hospital — check in advance. Visits are expected to be short (30 min to 1 hour). Long visits or multiple visitors at once are discouraged. Children and pets are generally not permitted in most wards.
Tests, procedures, and specialist consultations are almost never scheduled on Saturdays, Sundays, or public holidays. If you are admitted over a weekend, expect a quieter stay with minimal medical activity.
Physical therapy (リハビリ), occupational therapy, and scheduled tests override personal preferences. Meals and ward rounds also follow fixed times. Your day is structured around hospital schedules, not yours.
Family members cannot simply approach the doctor in the hallway. If you want to speak with the attending physician, ask the nurses' station (ナースステーション) to arrange an appointment.
Japanese nurses maintain professional distance. Extended personal conversations about your family, home country, or private life are unusual. Keep interactions focused on your care needs — this is not unfriendliness, it is the norm.
Japanese hospital culture treats the ward as the patient's temporary home. Noise, disturbances, and behaviors that would affect other patients are held to a high standard. This applies to visitors as well.
Flowers are prohibited in most wards due to infection control. Outside food and snacks must be cleared with staff in advance — bringing them without asking is not appropriate. A fruit basket may sometimes be permitted; always check with the nurses' station first.
Outside food is generally not permitted without staff approval. Religious dietary requirements (halal, kosher) are typically not accommodated — hospital meals follow a fixed nutritionist-managed menu. Declare severe allergies at admission.
Belongings are checked at admission. Cash, credit cards, jewelry, sharp objects, cigarettes, and alcohol are generally prohibited in the room. A small locker may be provided. Leave valuables with family or at home before admission.
Any movement outside the ward — even a short hallway walk — requires prior approval from the attending physician or nurse. This is strictly enforced. Ask the nurses' station at least a day in advance; permission may not always be granted.
Japanese hospitals are completely smoke-free, including all outdoor areas on the premises. If smoking is discovered during hospitalization, voluntary discharge may be requested. If you are concerned about nicotine withdrawal, ask about patches or alternatives at admission.
Clinical Differences Worth Knowing
The following is relevant for patients or family members who are medically informed. Understanding these differences can help you ask the right questions.
The information on this page is for general reference only and does not replace the advice of your medical team. Always consult your attending physician or nurses for decisions specific to your situation.