What time do clinics in Japan close?

Most clinics close by 18:00 and are shut on Sundays. Of 203,905 healthcare facilities nationwide, only 1,965 stay open past 22:00 on a weekday.

Which number should I call if I get sick at night in Japan?

Dial 119 for a genuine emergency — it covers both ambulance and fire, and ambulances are free at the point of use. For advice on whether you need to be seen now, call #7119. For children at night and on holidays, call #8000.

What should I bring to a clinic in Japan?

Your insurance card if you have one, or your passport and a payment method if you do not. Bring cash — many small clinics still do not accept cards — and a written note of your symptoms and any medication you take.

Do clinics in Japan dispense medicine?

No. You receive a prescription at the clinic and fill it at a separate pharmacy (薬局), usually nearby. The prescription is valid for four days including the day it was issued.

Getting sick in Japan after hours: what actually happens

Japan has excellent healthcare, but it runs on a schedule that surprises visitors. Most clinics close by 18:00 and are shut on Sundays. Of the 203,905 healthcare facilities in the country, only 15,538 stay open until 20:00 or later on weekdays, and just 1,965 stay open past 22:00.

Clinics and hospitals are not the same thing

A クリニック (clinic) is a small practice, often a single doctor, with limited hours and no beds. A 病院 (hospital) has 20 or more beds and may run an emergency department. There are 80,155 clinics in Japan and 7,715 hospitals. For anything routine you go to a clinic.

Two phone numbers worth saving

#7119 — Emergency consultation. Describe your symptoms and they advise whether you need to be seen now, and where to go. #8000 — The same service for children, at night and on holidays. Coverage and English support vary by region.

For a genuine emergency, dial 119. It covers both ambulance and fire. Ambulances in Japan are free of charge at the point of use.

What to bring

Your insurance card if you have one, or your passport and a payment method if you do not.
Cash. Many small clinics still do not accept cards.
A written note of your symptoms and any medication you take.
Expect a surcharge for evening, night and holiday visits. It is set nationally, not by the clinic.

Pharmacies are separate

You receive a prescription at the clinic and fill it at a separate 薬局 (pharmacy), usually nearby. The prescription is valid for four days including the day it was issued. Pharmacies keep similar hours to clinics, so check one is still open before you leave.

Find facilities near you

Browse by prefecture to see which hospitals, clinics, dental clinics and pharmacies are open late, on Sundays, on public holidays or over the New Year.

Frequently asked questions

What time do clinics in Japan close?: Most clinics close by 18:00 and are shut on Sundays. Of 203,905 healthcare facilities nationwide, only 1,965 stay open past 22:00 on a weekday.
Which number should I call if I get sick at night in Japan?: Dial 119 for a genuine emergency — it covers both ambulance and fire, and ambulances are free at the point of use. For advice on whether you need to be seen now, call #7119. For children at night and on holidays, call #8000.
What should I bring to a clinic in Japan?: Your insurance card if you have one, or your passport and a payment method if you do not. Bring cash — many small clinics still do not accept cards — and a written note of your symptoms and any medication you take.
Do clinics in Japan dispense medicine?: No. You receive a prescription at the clinic and fill it at a separate pharmacy (薬局), usually nearby. The prescription is valid for four days including the day it was issued.