Foreigner-Friendly Hospitals Beyond Tokyo

Planning healthcare outside Tokyo? This guide spotlights English-friendly hospitals in Osaka, Nagoya, Kyoto, Kobe, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, and Sendai—how to book, what to bring, referral rules and extra fees, emergency steps, and reliable hotlines so you can get care with confidence.

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How Japan’s hospital system works for foreigners

Japan’s system is clinic-first and referral-based. For non-emergency needs, you usually start at a local clinic; large hospitals focus on complex care. If you visit a hospital with 200+ beds without a referral letter, most facilities charge an additional “Sentei Ryōyōhi” first-visit fee on top of normal costs. The policy is set nationally and the exact yen amount varies by hospital. It’s common to see examples like ¥8,800 at major hospitals. Plan ahead by asking your clinic for a referral or budgeting for the surcharge.

For visitors and new arrivals, Japan’s official JNTO “Guide for when you are feeling ill” provides a hospital search and step-by-step advice in English (and other languages). It’s one of the best first stops to locate facilities with language support anywhere in the country.

Helpful reads on our site: Japan’s National Health Insurance Guide, How to Use Hospitals and Clinics in Japan, Navigating Emergency Medical Services 119.

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Emergency steps outside Tokyo

If you or someone nearby has a serious illness or injury, dial 119 for an ambulance. Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) offers an English brochure explaining what dispatchers will ask and what to expect during transport. You can also find concise explainers reiterating that police are 110 and fire/ambulance are 119. Keep these numbers handy.

If you’re unsure where to go or need language help, two excellent resources are:

• JNTO “Guide for when you are feeling ill” – search medical institutions with foreign-language support across Japan.
• AMDA International Medical Information Center – multilingual phone consultation and remote medical interpreting to help you choose and contact a hospital.

Related: Emergency Medical Services in Japan, Buying Medicine at Japanese Pharmacies.

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Quick table: foreigner-friendly hospitals beyond Tokyo

Use this snapshot to shortlist options by city, then read the city sections for more booking details.

City	Hospital	Why it’s expat-friendly	Language/International support	Notes
Osaka	Osaka University Hospital	Global health center supporting patients “from abroad or with limited Japanese”	International/foreign-patient guide in English	Tertiary care; arrange referrals and documents.
	Osaka Red Cross Hospital	First in Osaka City to receive JMIP accreditation for international patients	English site; international acceptance noted	Reliable general/emergency services.
	Osaka International Cancer Institute	Clear instructions for international patients and referral requirement	English page with booking/referral details	Appointment-only; referral letter required.
Nagoya/Aichi	Nagoya University Hospital	Extensive English “Patients & Visitors” section with first-time flow, billing, and second opinions	English site	Good for complex cases and second opinions.
	Fujita Health University Hospital	JCI-accredited academic medical center; multi-language interpreting systems	English site and accreditation page	Strong international infrastructure.
	Japanese Red Cross Nagoya Daini Hospital	English portal; major acute-care center	English site	Centrally located; wide specialties.
Kyoto	(Regional university and city hospitals)	Many advanced services, typically referral-based	Check each hospital’s English page	Use JNTO first, then hospital pages for departments.
Kobe/Hyogo	Kobe University Hospital	Dedicated International Medical Communication Center; clear guidance for overseas residents	English patient-care pages	Explains how fees are calculated for uninsured visitors.
	Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital	Major regional hub in Kobe Biomed Cluster	English overview	Advanced surgical programs.
Sapporo/Hokkaido	Hokkaido University Hospital	English PDF for international patients with coordinator guidance	English instructions PDF	Requests using a certified medical coordinator for safety and logistics.
Fukuoka/Kyushu	Kyushu University Hospital	Large national university hospital; international department outlines access routes	English top page and “overseas residents” page	Use the network route for smooth acceptance.
Hiroshima	Hiroshima University Hospital	Division of International Medical Support; clear guidance for foreign patients	English pages	Often works via a medical coordinator (EAJ).
Sendai/Miyagi	Tohoku University Hospital	Interpreter services in five languages; advanced treatment designation	English inpatient/visitor guide	Strong transplant and specialty programs.

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Osaka hospitals with English support

Osaka University Hospital (Suita). The hospital’s English page explicitly supports “patients from abroad or with limited Japanese proficiency” via its global health unit. For complex conditions, this is a sensible first call—especially if you can secure a referral letter from a local clinic to avoid the non-referral fee.

Osaka Red Cross Hospital (Tennoji). A long-standing general hospital that was the first in Osaka City to obtain JMIP accreditation for international patients. The English site provides updates and contact pathways, and the Red Cross network is strong in emergency care.

Osaka International Cancer Institute. For oncology, the institute has an English page that spells out that consultations are by appointment and require a referral letter. If you’re transferring cancer care into Japan, this clarity helps you prepare records before arrival.

Also useful for day-to-day care: Skincare and Dermatology Clinics for Expats, Pharmacies and OTC Medicines.

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Nagoya and Aichi hospitals

Nagoya University Hospital. The Patients & Visitors portal covers outpatient flow, what to bring, and billing, plus second-opinion pathways—handy for newcomers who want to understand payment at the counter and document requirements.

Fujita Health University Hospital. A regional powerhouse serving Aichi and greater Chūbu. It is JCI-accredited as an Academic Medical Center Hospital and details multilingual interpreting and the prefectural Aichi Medical Interpretation System, making it one of the most structured options for international patients.

Japanese Red Cross Nagoya Daini Hospital. The hospital runs an English site and offers broad acute-care services; it’s commonly referenced by expat resources as an English-friendly option. Use the site to confirm departments and access.

If you need help with a Medical Stay Visa or scheduling from overseas, Nagoya City University Hospital’s English PDF outlines the role of international medical coordinators and links to official visa guidance—a good model for how coordinators assist with documents and logistics.

Planning a move to Chūbu? See Opening a Bank Account in Japan and How to Pay Medical Bills in Japan to simplify your first month.

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Kansai beyond Osaka: Kyoto and Kobe

Kyoto. University and city hospitals in Kyoto provide advanced care; most will expect referrals for specialty departments. Start by using the JNTO search to find the right department and confirm English support by phone or email.

Kobe University Hospital. The International Medical Communication Center helps overseas residents navigate appointments and paperwork; the English site even explains fee calculations for patients without Japanese insurance (priced per remuneration points), which is rare transparency and useful for visitors.

Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital. As part of the Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster, it highlights advanced surgical programs and international research. For specialty surgery seekers, this is a solid shortlist candidate—again, bring a referral when possible.

Nearby life admin: Moving Companies in Japan, Home Security and Safety in Japan.

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Hokkaido and Sapporo

Hokkaido University Hospital (Sapporo). The hospital’s English “Instructions for International Patients” PDF clearly requests that overseas patients use a certified international medical coordinating company. Coordinators bridge language and cultural gaps, help with schedules, and can even act as medical-stay visa guarantors. This tells you up front that complex cases are welcome—but organized access is key.

Hokkaido Prefecture also publishes regional lists of clinics and hospitals that accept foreign patients, often noting languages and payment methods. If you’ll live outside Sapporo, these PDFs help you map options in your town.

Winter-living extras: Emergency Preparedness in Japan, Buying a SIM and Setting Up Payments.

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Fukuoka and northern Kyushu

Kyushu University Hospital (Fukuoka). A massive national university hospital serving northern Kyushu with wide specialties. The hospital’s English pages explain how overseas residents typically access services through a national cooperation network—useful if you’re arranging care from abroad and want the smoothest route.

Department pages show the scale and depth (nearly 1,400 beds and thousands of staff), which matters if you’re relocating for long-term treatment and want tertiary facilities.

Regional care add-ons: Telemedicine in Japan, International Patient Services.

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Hiroshima and Chūgoku region

Hiroshima University Hospital. The Division of International Medical Support describes a hospital-wide network to strengthen services for international patients. Another English page states that international patients generally access care via a medical coordinator (Emergency Assistance Japan), which helps with records, scheduling, and on-site language support.

Expat-facing directories also list the hospital among Japan International Hospitals, useful as a confirmation source when you’re mapping options. Still, always rely on the hospital’s own English pages for the latest procedures.

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Sendai and Tōhoku region

Tohoku University Hospital (Sendai). TUH’s Inpatient & Visitor Guide confirms interpreter services in English, Mandarin, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish—a standout for northern Honshū. It’s designated an Advanced Treatment Hospital by MHLW and performs high-complexity procedures including multiple organ transplants. If you need cutting-edge care in the Tōhoku region, this is the first place to call.

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How to book like a local—and avoid surprises

1) Start at a clinic if you can. For non-emergencies, a neighborhood clinic can evaluate your problem and issue a referral letter to the right hospital department. That letter typically waives the Sentei Ryōyōhi surcharge you’d otherwise pay at large hospitals (200+ beds). When in doubt, call the hospital’s international desk and ask how to avoid extra fees.

2) Use official finders and hotlines.

• JNTO Guide for a nationwide search, in multiple languages.
• AMDA for phone guidance and remote interpreting if you need help calling a hospital.

3) Bring the right documents. Passports/residence cards, referral letter (if any), insurance card (if insured), medication list, and prior test results. Hospital English pages (e.g., Nagoya University Hospital) list “what to bring” checklists so you don’t miss items.

4) Budget for first-visit surcharges. Examples such as ¥8,800 at big hospitals are common for no-referral first visits; amounts can change with fee schedule updates. Check the hospital’s “First-time patients” or “Outpatient” page the day you book.

5) If you’re uninsured or visiting short-term. Some university hospitals publish how they calculate charges for uninsured foreigners (e.g., per-point remuneration pricing), and many accept card payments. Ask for a cost estimate and deposit rules before confirming.

Handy companions: How to Pay Medical Bills in Japan, Opening a Bank Account in Japan.

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City cheat-sheets with sample wording

Below are quick scripts you can copy into an email (or use by phone with AMDA interpreting) when contacting hospital international desks. Adjust the diagnosis/department line to fit your case.

Osaka (Osaka University Hospital / Osaka Red Cross Hospital):
“Hello, I am an English-speaking patient living in Osaka. I would like to see a specialist in [department/condition]. I can obtain a referral letter if needed. Could you advise on the first-visit procedure, required documents, and estimated costs?”

Nagoya/Aichi (Nagoya University Hospital / Fujita Health University Hospital / JRCS Nagoya Daini):
“Hello, I will be in Aichi for several months and need ongoing care for [condition]. I have [Japanese public insurance/no insurance]. Please let me know how to book an appointment, what to bring, and whether a referral letter is required.”

Kobe (Kobe University Hospital / Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital):
“Hello, I’m seeking an appointment with [department]. I can share medical records in English. Could your international desk advise on fees for patients without Japanese insurance and how to arrange interpretation?”

Sapporo (Hokkaido University Hospital):
“Hello, I am arranging care from overseas and can work with a medical coordinator. Please advise the steps to schedule a consultation, required records, and timelines.”

Fukuoka (Kyushu University Hospital):
“Hello, I’m relocating to Fukuoka and need to transfer care for [condition]. Please advise whether I should apply through the cooperation network and which documents to submit.”

Hiroshima (Hiroshima University Hospital):
“Hello, I am a foreign patient seeking [department]. I understand a medical coordinator like EAJ may be required. Could you share next steps and an estimated timeframe?”

Sendai (Tohoku University Hospital):
“Hello, I’d like to inquire about interpreter services and first-visit procedures for [department]. I can obtain a referral letter if necessary.”

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Insurance, payment, and referral rules—what to expect

• Public insurance: If you are enrolled in Japan’s National or Employees’ Health Insurance, you will typically pay a 30% co-pay at point of service (with some age-based variations). For first-time hospital visits without referrals, add the Sentei Ryōyōhi. Many hospital pages show the exact yen value on “first-time patients” notices.
• No insurance: University hospitals often publish how fees are calculated for uninsured foreigners (per remuneration point pricing). Email the international desk with your records to request a cost estimate.
• Payment methods: Major facilities accept cash and cards; some require deposits for certain procedures or for uninsured patients. Check the “Paying your hospital bill” or “For overseas residents” pages.
• Coordinators and visas: Select hospitals—especially in Hokkaido and Hiroshima—explicitly ask overseas patients to use medical coordinators who can also act as Medical Stay Visa guarantors, smooth communications, and arrange schedules.

Learn more: Telemedicine in Japan, International Patient Services, Tourist vs Resident Healthcare in Japan.

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Choosing the right hospital for your case

Here’s a simple decision path that works across regions:

1. Emergency or urgent? Dial 119 and let ambulance staff route you to an appropriate ER. If you’re stable but need advice, call AMDA for help choosing a facility and navigating language barriers.
2. Complex specialty care? Shortlist university hospitals (Osaka, Nagoya, Kyushu, Tohoku, Hokkaido, Hiroshima, Kobe). These centers post English pages, operate international desks, and are referral-oriented. Email their international contact with your referral and past records.
3. General or routine care? Consider Red Cross and major city general hospitals (e.g., Osaka Red Cross, JRCS Nagoya Daini), which often support foreign language needs and publish English information.
4. Need help right now finding options? Use the JNTO search (nationwide) and, in the Tokyo metro, the Himawari information line as a model of the kind of multilingual municipal service you’ll find in many prefectures.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I always need a referral?
Not for emergencies. For planned care at big hospitals, a referral is the smartest route; otherwise you will likely pay a non-referral first-visit fee in addition to normal charges.

Can I get an interpreter?
Yes. Many hospitals offer language assistance or work with coordinators. You can also call AMDA for multilingual phone support or remote interpretation.

What if I’m visiting Japan for treatment?
Some hospitals request that overseas patients apply via medical coordinators (who can also help with Medical Stay Visas). This is spelled out clearly by Hokkaido University Hospital and Hiroshima University Hospital.

How do I compare hospitals?
Look for: an English site with clear first-visit steps, published fees for non-referral visits, interpreter info, and strong specialty departments. University hospitals and Red Cross centers typically tick these boxes.

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Regional roundup with practical links

• Osaka: Osaka University Hospital (global health/foreign-patient info), Osaka Red Cross Hospital (JMIP).
• Nagoya/Aichi: Nagoya University Hospital (patients & visitors), Fujita Health University Hospital (JCI, interpreting), JRCS Nagoya Daini (English).
• Kyoto: Use JNTO search to match department and language, then check the hospital page.
• Kobe/Hyogo: Kobe University Hospital (International Medical Communication Center), Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital (cluster hub).
• Sapporo/Hokkaido: Hokkaido University Hospital (coordinator pathway).
• Fukuoka/Kyushu: Kyushu University Hospital (overseas resident flow).
• Hiroshima: Hiroshima University Hospital (International Medical Support Division and coordinator notice).
• Sendai/Tōhoku: Tohoku University Hospital (interpreter services).

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Sample itineraries for common situations

1) You live in Osaka and need a cardiology work-up.

• Book a local internal medicine clinic for an initial exam and a referral to a tertiary cardiology unit (e.g., Osaka University Hospital).
• Email the hospital’s international desk with your referral, medication list, and past tests; request an interpreter if needed.
• Confirm whether a first-visit fee applies and what documents to bring.

2) You’re a Nagoya-based expat planning orthopedic surgery.

• Shortlist Fujita Health University Hospital (JCI-accredited) and Nagoya University Hospital; compare department pages and lead times.
• If you lack Japanese insurance, ask for an estimate and deposit policy in writing.
• Consider using Aichi’s interpretation system via the hospital.

3) You’re a visitor headed to Hokkaido with a chronic condition.

• Before travel, contact Hokkaido University Hospital and a certified medical coordinator to line up appointments and prepare your records (and, if needed, Medical Stay Visa support).
• Carry a doctor’s letter and medicine list in English.

4) You’re in Fukuoka and need oncology follow-up.

• Use Kyushu University Hospital’s overseas-resident information pages to choose the right access channel; upload prior pathology and imaging reports for triage.

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Booking checklist you can print

• Find candidates via JNTO; verify English pages at the hospital.
• Secure a referral letter from a local clinic to avoid Sentei Ryōyōhi at big hospitals.
• Email the hospital’s international desk with a one-page summary, current meds, and scans as PDFs.
• Ask about interpreter availability or AMDA phone/remote support.
• Confirm first-visit fees, billing for uninsured patients, payment methods, and deposit rules.
• For visitors seeking treatment, ask whether a medical coordinator is required and if they can help with Medical Stay Visa paperwork.

Keep exploring our Health & Medical hub: International Patient Services, Telemedicine in Japan, Pharmacies and OTC Medicines.

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Final take

Japan’s regions offer outstanding, structured hospital care for foreigners—not only Tokyo. If you’re in Osaka, Nagoya, Kyoto, Kobe, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, or Sendai, you’ll find university and Red Cross hospitals with English pages, interpreter pathways, and published first-visit rules. Start with JNTO to locate candidates, use AMDA when you need language help contacting them, and—whenever possible—arrive with a referral letter to save money and time. With a little prep, you can navigate admissions, understand your bill, and get high-quality care wherever you live in Japan.

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Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.