Daily Life Lessons · Hospitals
Learn how to find medical interpreters and medical institutions that support multiple languages, and be able to use interpreters and consultation services on your own when you are worried about language.
If you cannot communicate at a hospital, you may not correctly understand explanations about your symptoms or medicines. Medical words are difficult, so use a medical interpreter (医療通訳) whenever possible.
Some medical institutions provide interpreter staff, interpreting by phone or video, and multilingual medical questionnaires. Available languages and costs differ by medical institution, so check by phone or on their website before your visit. You can search for medical institutions where you can be seen in a foreign language on the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) website, by area, language, and medical department.
In some areas, local governments or international exchange associations send medical interpreters. Travelers can use JNTO's "Japan Visitor Hotline" (24 hours; English, Chinese, and Korean), and residents can use the multilingual telephone consultation of the AMDA International Medical Information Center.
病院で 言葉が わからないと、困ります。医療通訳（いりょうつうやく）を 使いましょう。
・通訳の 人、電話や ビデオの 通訳、外国語の 問診票（もんしんひょう）が ある 病院も あります。 ・言葉や お金は 病院で ちがいます。行く 前に 聞きます。 ・JNTOの ウェブサイトで、外国語が 使える 病院を 探せます。 ・市区町村や 国際交流協会（こくさいこうりゅうきょうかい）が 通訳を 出す 地域も あります。
旅行の 人は 「Japan Visitor Hotline」（24時間）、住んでいる 人は 「AMDA国際医療情報センター」に 電話で 相談できます。
Which public website lets you search for medical institutions where you can be seen in a foreign language, by area, language, and medical department?
On the JNTO website, you can search for medical institutions that accept foreign patients by area, language, medical department, and more.
What about the languages and costs of medical interpreting?
Available languages and costs differ by medical institution. Check before your visit.
What is the main reason to use a medical interpreter?
Medical words are difficult, so an interpreter makes it easier to describe your symptoms correctly and understand explanations correctly.
Who sends medical interpreters in some areas?
In some areas, local governments or international exchange associations send medical interpreters. Ask the service desk in your area.
Which phone line run by JNTO serves travelers 24 hours a day in English, Chinese, and Korean?
The Japan Visitor Hotline (050-3816-2787) offers consultation in emergencies such as illness or disasters, and tourist information, 24 hours a day.
Q. Can a family member or friend interpret for me?
A. They may be able to help, but medical words are difficult, mistakes can happen, and some things may be hard to say. For important explanations about tests or treatment, check whether the medical institution has an interpreting service.
Q. I got sick while traveling.
A. You can search for medical institutions that support foreign languages on the JNTO website. You can also contact the Japan Visitor Hotline (050-3816-2787, 24 hours; English, Chinese, and Korean). Your travel insurance may include interpreting or help arranging a medical institution. If your life is in danger, call 119.
Q. What is the AMDA International Medical Information Center?
A. It is an NPO that, by multilingual telephone, introduces medical institutions where you can be seen in a foreign language and explains the Japanese medical system. The phone number is 03-6233-9266. Reception hours and the languages available on each day of the week may change, so check the official website.
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Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-10-03
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original