Traveling to Japan is an incredible experience, but it’s always wise to be prepared for unexpected situations, especially when it comes to health. For disabled travelers or those with specific medical needs, knowing a few key phrases in Japanese can make a world of difference in an emergency. In this guide, we’ll provide 20 essential Japanese phrases for hospital visits, tips on finding English-speaking doctors in Japan, and an overview of how Japan’s healthcare system works for foreigners. Whether you’re a wheelchair user, visually impaired, or have other accessibility needs, this guide will help you navigate medical situations with confidence.
20 Essential Japanese Phrases for Hospital Visits
General Phrases
- English: I need help.
Romaji: Tasukete kudasai.
Pronunciation: Ta-su-ke-te ku-da-sa-i.
Japanese: 助けてください。 - English: I need a doctor.
Romaji: Isha o yonde kudasai.
Pronunciation: I-sha o yo-n-de ku-da-sa-i.
Japanese: 医者を呼んでください。 - English: I am in pain.
Romaji: Itai desu.
Pronunciation: I-ta-i de-su.
Japanese: 痛いです。 - English: Where is the hospital?
Romaji: Byōin wa doko desu ka?
Pronunciation: Byō-in wa do-ko de-su ka?
Japanese: 病院はどこですか？ - English: I need an ambulance.
Romaji: Kyūkyūsha o yonde kudasai.
Pronunciation: Kyū-kyū-sha o yo-n-de ku-da-sa-i.
Japanese: 救急車を呼んでください。
Disability-Specific Phrases
- English: I use a wheelchair.
Romaji: Kuruma isu o tsukatte imasu.
Pronunciation: Ku-ru-ma i-su o tsu-ka-tte i-ma-su.
Japanese: 車椅子を使っています。 - English: I need assistance walking.
Romaji: Aruku no ni enjo ga hitsuyō desu.
Pronunciation: A-ru-ku no ni e-n-jo ga hi-tsu-yō de-su.
Japanese: 歩くのに援助が必要です。 - English: I am visually impaired.
Romaji: Watashi wa shikaku shōgai ga arimasu.
Pronunciation: Wa-ta-shi wa shi-ka-ku shō-gai ga a-ri-ma-su.
Japanese: 私は視覚障害があります。 - English: I am hard of hearing.
Romaji: Watashi wa chōkaku shōgai ga arimasu.
Pronunciation: Wa-ta-shi wa chō-ka-ku shō-gai ga a-ri-ma-su.
Japanese: 私は聴覚障害があります。 - English: I need a sign language interpreter.
Romaji: Shuwa tsūyaku ga hitsuyō desu.
Pronunciation: Shu-wa tsū-ya-ku ga hi-tsu-yō de-su.
Japanese: 手話通訳が必要です。
Medical Symptoms
- English: I have a fever.
Romaji: Netsu ga arimasu.
Pronunciation: Ne-tsu ga a-ri-ma-su.
Japanese: 熱があります。 - English: I feel dizzy.
Romaji: Memai ga shimasu.
Pronunciation: Me-ma-i ga shi-ma-su.
Japanese: めまいがします。 - English: I have difficulty breathing.
Romaji: Iki ga shinikui desu.
Pronunciation: I-ki ga shi-ni-ku-i de-su.
Japanese: 息がしにくいです。 - English: I am allergic to [medication/food].
Romaji: [Kusuri/Tabemono] no arerugī ga arimasu.
Pronunciation: [Ku-su-ri/Ta-be-mo-no] no a-re-ru-gī ga a-ri-ma-su.
Japanese: [薬/食べ物]のアレルギーがあります。 - English: I have diabetes.
Romaji: Tōnyōbyō desu.
Pronunciation: Tō-nyō-byō de-su.
Japanese: 糖尿病です。
Emergency Situations
- English: I need immediate medical attention.
Romaji: Sōkyū no chiryō ga hitsuyō desu.
Pronunciation: Sō-kyū no chi-ryō ga hi-tsu-yō de-su.
Japanese: 早急な治療が必要です。 - English: I have chest pain.
Romaji: Mune ga itai desu.
Pronunciation: Mu-ne ga i-ta-i de-su.
Japanese: 胸が痛いです。 - English: I think I broke a bone.
Romaji: Hone o oreta to omoimasu.
Pronunciation: Ho-ne o o-re-ta to o-mo-i-ma-su.
Japanese: 骨を折れたと思います。 - English: I am pregnant.
Romaji: Watashi wa ninshin desu.
Pronunciation: Wa-ta-shi wa ni-n-shin de-su.
Japanese: 私は妊娠です。 - English: Please call my emergency contact.
Romaji: Watashi no kinkyū renraku saki ni denwa shite kudasai.
Pronunciation: Wa-ta-shi no ki-n-kyū re-n-ra-ku sa-ki ni de-n-wa shi-te ku-da-sa-i.
Japanese: 私の緊急連絡先に電話してください。
Major Hospitals in Japan for Disabled Travelers
Japan is home to many world-class hospitals, some of which cater specifically to international patients and offer accessibility services. Here are a few major hospitals and how to ask for English-speaking doctors or translators:
Major Hospitals
- St. Luke’s International Hospital (Tokyo)
- Location: 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Services: English-speaking staff, wheelchair accessibility, and international patient support.
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital (Tokyo)
- Location: 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- Services: Specialized care, English support, and accessible facilities.
- Osaka University Hospital (Osaka)
- Location: 2-15 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka
- Services: Advanced medical care, English assistance, and disability-friendly infrastructure.
- Kyoto University Hospital (Kyoto)
- Location: 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
- Services: Comprehensive care, English-speaking doctors, and accessible entrances.
How to Ask for an English-speaking Doctor or Translator
- English: Do you have a doctor who speaks English?
Romaji: Eigo o hanaseru isha wa imasu ka?
Pronunciation: E-i-go o ha-na-se-ru i-sha wa i-ma-su ka?
Japanese: 英語を話せる医者はいますか？ - English: I need a translator.
Romaji: Tsūyaku ga hitsuyō desu.
Pronunciation: Tsū-ya-ku ga hi-tsu-yō de-su.
Japanese: 通訳が必要です。
How to See a Doctor in Japan: A Guide for Disabled Travelers
Before delving a little deeper into the protocols for non-emergencies versus emergencies, it’s worth pointing out at this juncture that if in doubt, consider requesting advice from your hotel concierge or reception staff – particularly if you feel your medical needs are none-life-threatening. They should be able to advise you on how to go about seeing a doctor for a non-emergency situation. Likewise, in an emergency, they’ll also be able to call an ambulance for you if needed.
For Non-Emergencies (e.g., Flu, Minor Injuries)
- Visit a Local Clinic (Isha or Shinryōjo):
- Most Japanese people visit small local clinics for non-emergency issues. These clinics are often specialized (e.g., internal medicine, orthopedics).
- Bring your passport and insurance information.
- Costs are typically around ¥5,000–¥10,000 without insurance.
- Prescriptions:
- If medication is needed, the doctor will write a prescription, which you can fill at a nearby pharmacy (yakkyoku).
For Emergencies (e.g., Severe Pain, Accidents)
- Go to a Hospital Emergency Room:
- Larger hospitals have emergency departments. Be prepared for potential wait times.
- Call 119 for an ambulance if you cannot travel on your own.
For Foreigners
- Insurance: Japan does not offer free healthcare to tourists. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
- Payment: You will need to pay upfront, but some hospitals may accept international insurance claims.
- Language Barriers: Larger hospitals are more likely to have English-speaking staff, but smaller clinics may not.
By learning these phrases and understanding Japan’s healthcare system, you can ensure a smoother experience in case of a medical emergency. For more tips on accessible travel in Japan, keep up with Accessible Japan and explore our comprehensive guides. Safe travels!
Feature image taken by Tetrakis Sphericon.
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