Where to Visit First?
How Japan's clinic system works and how to choose.
No GP or referral needed to walk in
In Japan, you do not need a registered family doctor or GP to access medical care. You can walk directly into any clinic without a prior appointment or referral. Simply bring your insurance card (保険証) — or cash if uninsured — and visit any clinic that treats your condition.
Types of Facilities
クリニック / Clinic (Small)
Best for most non-emergency situations
Private clinics run by 1–2 doctors. Specialties include internal medicine (内科), pediatrics (小児科), orthopedics (整形外科), ENT, dermatology, and more. Shorter waits, lower fees, and more personal care. Always start here for non-emergencies.
病院 / Hospital (Mid-size)
Multiple departments, requires referral for best service
Hospitals with 20+ beds. Can handle more complex conditions but tend to have longer waits. Without a referral, you may face a ¥5,000–¥10,000 surcharge.
大学病院 / University Hospital
Specialist care — referral strongly recommended
The largest facilities with cutting-edge equipment. For routine visits, expect extremely long waits (3–5 hours). Requires referral letter (紹介状) to avoid surcharges and priority queuing.
Practical Tips
For a cold, fever, or minor pain → go to a クリニック near you.
Unsure which specialty? Start with 内科 (internal medicine) — they will refer you if needed.
Found a good local doctor? Register as a regular patient (かかりつけ患者) for continuity of care.
If you need a specialist, ask your clinic for a referral letter (紹介状). It saves you money and time at larger hospitals.