Emergency Hospitals in Nagoya & How to Find English-Speaking Clinics

2025.12.26

For foreign residents and travelers in Nagoya, knowing where to go when you’re sick or what to do in an emergency is extremely important.

Japan’s medical system is safe and efficient, but it may feel confusing if you’re not familiar with the rules or the language.

Where to Go for Medical Care in Nagoya

The type of medical facility you should use depends on urgency and severity.

① Emergency Hospitals (24 hours / 365 days)

If you have a serious injury or life-threatening condition, go to an emergency hospital.

Examples of situations requiring emergency care:

・Traffic accidents

・Severe bleeding

・Difficulty breathing

・Unconsciousness

・Sudden severe chest pain

・Stroke symptoms

You can be taken directly by ambulance.

② Clinics & General Hospitals (During regular hours)

If you need to see a doctor but it is not life-threatening, visit a clinic or general hospital (総合病院) during daytime hours.

Common reasons:

・Fever

・Stomach pain

・Headache

・Skin problems

・Minor injuries

・Respiratory symptoms

These are the most common medical facilities for everyday health issues.

③ Nighttime or After-Hours Medical Care

If clinics are closed but it’s not an emergency, many cities (including Nagoya) have after-hours medical centers.

These typically treat:

・Fever

・Cough

・Minor injuries

・Symptoms that can’t wait until morning

④ Pharmacies & Drugstores

If your symptoms are mild and you don’t need to see a doctor, you can visit a pharmacy or drugstore.

Pharmacies offer:

・OTC medicines

・Advice from a pharmacist

・Consultations for minor conditions

Some types of medicine cannot be purchased unless a pharmacist is present.

What to Do in an Emergency (Ambulance: Dial 119)

For life-threatening emergencies, call 119 for an ambulance.

If you cannot speak Japanese, show this phrase:

“Please call an ambulance.”

Ambulances will take you to an available emergency hospital.
You cannot choose the hospital yourself.

Because treatment may begin immediately, foreign residents are encouraged to prepare:

・A medical information sheet

・A list of allergies and medications

・Passport or residence card

・Health insurance card

The Process at a Japanese Medical Facility

① Reception

Give your insurance card and ask for the estimated cost.
English support varies—many clinics may not speak English.

② Fill out medical forms

Symptoms, history, allergies, pregnancy status, etc.

③ Doctor’s examination

You will receive a diagnosis and a prescription.

④ Payment

・Hospitals often accept credit cards

・Many clinics require cash

・If you have travel insurance with cashless service, you may not need to pay upfront

⑤ Pharmacy

Prescription medicines are picked up at a separate pharmacy, unless the clinic provides in-house dispensing.

Symptoms & Which Department to Visit

Symptom	Department
Fever, cough, sore throat	Internal Medicine
Headache	Internal Medicine / Neurosurgery
Chest pain	Cardiology / Respiratory Medicine
Abdominal pain	Internal Medicine / Gastroenterology / OBGYN (for women)
Diarrhea	Gastroenterology
Injury, cuts	Surgery / Plastic Surgery
Fractures, joint pain	Orthopedics
Burns	Dermatology / Plastic Surgery / Surgery
Skin rash, hives	Dermatology
Dizziness, ear ringing	ENT / Neurology
Ear or nose issues	ENT
Children’s illnesses	Pediatrics
Tooth pain	Dentistry
Urinary symptoms	Urology
Pregnancy or bleeding	Obstetrics & Gynecology
Unsure where to go	General Medicine (総合診療科)

FAQ: Emergency Hospitals & English-Speaking Clinics in Nagoya

Q1. Can I use an ambulance even if I’m not sure it’s an emergency?

If you believe your condition could be dangerous, call 119. Ambulances in Japan are free, but misuse is discouraged.

Q2. Do hospitals in Nagoya speak English?

Some do, especially large hospitals, but not all. Always check beforehand or bring a translation tool.

Q3. What should I bring to the hospital?

・Health insurance card

・Passport/residence card

・Cash or credit card

・Medication list/allergy list

Q4. Can pharmacies give medical advice in English?

Basic communication may be possible, but expect limited English. Smartphone translation helps.

Q5. Do I need an appointment for clinics?

Many clinics accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Always check their website or call.

Q6. How do I know which department to visit?

Check the symptoms chart above. If unsure, visit General Medicine (総合診療科).

Stay Safe & Comfortable in Nagoya with NAGOYA APARTMENT

If you’re staying in Nagoya for travel, study, or business, having convenient access to hospitals and clinics is essential.
NAGOYA APARTMENT offers fully furnished, easy-to-live-in accommodations located in:

Nagoya Station / Chikusa / Imaike / Ozone / Kasadera / Osu / Ikeshita

All properties provide:

・Full furniture and appliances

・Kitchen & daily necessities

・Easy access to medical facilities and pharmacies

・Locations within 10 minutes by train or 30 minutes by car from Nagoya Station

For stays of 31 nights or more, you can use NAGOYA APARTMENT as a monthly rental, with:

・No key money

・No security deposit

・Move-in-ready rooms

If you want a smooth, safe, and comfortable life in Nagoya,
NAGOYA APARTMENT is the perfect place to stay.