Sunday is the hardest day to see a doctor in Japan. Of 87,870 hospitals and clinics nationwide, 6,744 open on Sundays as part of their normal schedule. That is a small fraction.
The alternative is the duty doctor system
Every municipality runs a rota — 休日当番医 — where local clinics take turns covering Sundays and public holidays. The list is published by the city or ward office, usually in Japanese only, in the monthly newsletter and on their website.
Duty doctors handle urgent problems, not ongoing treatment. Expect basic assessment and enough medication to get you to a weekday appointment. The after-hours surcharge applies.
Getting the list without Japanese
- Ask your hotel front desk or building manager. They deal with this regularly.
- Call #7119, which can direct you to a facility that is currently open.
- Search your ward or city name plus 休日当番医 and use a translation tool on the page.
Dental is separate
Emergency departments do not usually treat dental problems. 6,459 dental clinics open on Sundays nationwide — actually a slightly higher share of dental clinics than of medical ones.
Find facilities near you
Browse by prefecture and filter for Sunday opening.
Frequently asked questions
- How many places in Japan open on a Sunday?
- Of 87,870 hospitals and clinics nationwide, 6,744 open on Sundays as part of their normal schedule.
- What is the duty doctor system?
- Every municipality runs a rota — 休日当番医 — where local clinics take turns covering Sundays and public holidays. Duty doctors handle urgent problems, not ongoing treatment, and the after-hours surcharge applies. The list is published by the city or ward office, usually in Japanese only.
- How do I find the Sunday duty doctor if I do not read Japanese?
- Ask your hotel front desk or building manager, call #7119 (which can direct you to a facility that is currently open), or search your ward or city name plus 休日当番医 and run a translation tool over the page.
- Can I get dental treatment on a Sunday in Japan?
- Emergency departments do not usually treat dental problems. 6,459 dental clinics open on Sundays nationwide — a slightly higher share of dental clinics than of medical ones.