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Injury – Medical Care for Tourists in Japan

Injury in Japan – Emergency Care Guide for Tourists

Accidents can happen anywhere — a sprained ankle at a shrine, a cut hand in the hotel, or a fall on a crowded train platform. Here’s how to get the right care fast if you’re injured in Japan.

First: How Serious Is It?

Call 119 immediately if:

  • There is heavy bleeding that won’t stop with pressure.
  • You suspect a broken bone with visible deformity or inability to move the limb.
  • The injured person is unconscious or not breathing normally.
  • There is a head injury with confusion, vomiting, or severe headache.
  • You’ve been hit by a vehicle or had a serious fall.

Japan’s emergency number is 119 for ambulance and fire. For police, call 110. Ambulance service is free of charge, although hospital costs apply.

Minor Injuries

For minor cuts, scrapes, and sprains, you have several options:

  • Drugstores sell antiseptic, bandages, cold packs, and elastic bandages.
  • Orthopedic clinics (seikei-geka) handle sprains, strains, and suspected fractures with X-ray on site.
  • Surgery clinics (geka) can clean and stitch small cuts.
  • General internal medicine clinics can often handle scrapes and minor wounds.

Calling an Ambulance

If you need an ambulance, dial 119 and speak slowly. Ask for English if needed — many operators can transfer you to an interpretation service. Key phrases to prepare:

  • “Please send an ambulance.” — Kyukyusha wo onegaishimasu.
  • State your location (hotel name, address, or nearest intersection).
  • Describe the injury briefly.
  • Your name and phone number.

Stay on the line until the operator confirms help is on the way.

Emergency Hospitals

Large hospitals in major cities typically have 24-hour emergency departments. Not all are accustomed to international patients — your travel insurance hotline or hotel concierge can recommend one that is. Our city guides list options:

Our city guides list clinics and hospitals suitable for international visitors:

Online Consultation for Non-Urgent Injuries

Online Consultation Option

If you’d rather not travel while feeling unwell, online consultations with doctors are increasingly available in Japan and are well suited to non-urgent symptoms. A doctor can assess your situation remotely and recommend next steps.

Find a Doctor Near You

Cost & Insurance

Ambulance service is free, but hospital and clinic treatment costs vary widely based on the injury. Rough ranges without Japanese insurance:

  • Minor cut with stitches: ¥5,000 – ¥15,000
  • X-ray: ¥3,000 – ¥10,000
  • Cast for a fracture: ¥10,000 – ¥40,000 depending on location and materials
  • Emergency room visit: ¥10,000 – ¥30,000 or more, depending on treatment

Travel insurance usually covers accidental injuries. Report the incident to your insurer as soon as possible, and keep every receipt and report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is calling 119 free?
Yes, the call itself and ambulance transport are free. You will still be charged for any treatment received at the hospital.
Q. Can I ride in the ambulance if I don’t speak Japanese?
Yes. Many paramedics can use translation tablets or phone interpreters, and emergency centers can connect to multilingual support.
Q. Do I need a referral to see an orthopedic specialist?
For small community orthopedic clinics (seikei-geka), walk-ins are usually accepted. Larger hospitals sometimes prefer a referral or charge an extra fee for direct visits.
Q. Will my travel insurance cover an injury?
Most travel insurance policies cover accidental injury. Contact your insurer’s 24-hour assistance line as soon as possible — they may direct you to a preferred hospital.
Q. What should I bring with me to the hospital?
Your passport, travel insurance card, a list of medications you currently take, and any known allergies written down. A translation app on your phone is also useful.

Need Care for an Injury?

TravelCare.jp helps international visitors connect with English-speaking doctors across Japan. If you’re unwell, get guidance from a medical professional today.

Find a Doctor Near You

TravelCare.jp provides navigation and information only. We do not offer medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for your specific situation.