Find Medical Care in Okinawa

Dial 119 from any phone. Say "Kyukyusha onegaishimasu" (救急車お願いします) which means "Please send an ambulance." The operator may not speak English, so have your location ready. For multilingual assistance, call the JNTO Tourist Hotline at 050-3816-2787.

Can I use my travel insurance at Okinawa hospitals?

Most major hospitals in Okinawa accept international travel insurance. You will typically need to pay upfront and submit a claim to your insurance company afterward. Bring your passport, insurance policy, and any claim forms. First visit fee is approximately 3,000-5,000 JPY.

Which hospitals in Okinawa have English-speaking staff?

Use our Language filter to find facilities with English support. Major hospitals like Adventist Medical Center Okinawa and several clinics in Naha and Chatan areas offer English-speaking medical services.

What should I bring when visiting a hospital in Okinawa?

Please bring: (1) Your passport for identification, (2) Travel insurance card/policy, (3) Cash or credit card (many clinics prefer cash), (4) A list of current medications, (5) Any allergy information. We recommend having your hotel address written in Japanese.

How much does it cost to see a doctor without insurance?

Without insurance, a clinic visit costs approximately ¥5,000-15,000. Emergency room visits can cost ¥30,000-100,000 or more depending on treatment. X-rays are ¥3,000-10,000, prescriptions ¥1,000-5,000. Always bring cash as some clinics do not accept credit cards.

Can I get medicine at a pharmacy without a prescription?

Yes, Japanese pharmacies sell OTC (over-the-counter) medications for common conditions like cold, headache, and stomach issues. For stronger medications, you need a prescription from a doctor. Large drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Don Quijote carry many OTC options.

What are the emergency hospital options at night or on holidays?

Okinawa has designated night/holiday emergency clinics. For life-threatening emergencies, call 119 anytime. For non-urgent after-hours care, check our directory for facilities with after-hours service. The Okinawa Emergency Medical Information Center (098-853-1199) can help you find available facilities.

Is there a dental emergency service in Okinawa?

For dental emergencies (severe toothache, broken tooth, facial swelling), some dental clinics in Naha offer emergency hours. Use our dental filter to find clinics. For severe cases with breathing difficulty, call 119.

What should I do about a diving accident in Okinawa?

Call 119 immediately and mention it is a diving accident. Okinawa has hyperbaric chambers for treating decompression sickness (DCS). Key facilities include hospitals in Naha and on remote islands. Do not fly within 24 hours of a diving incident.

How do I find a hospital that speaks my language?

Use our Language filter to search by English, Korean, or Chinese support. Facilities marked "Foreign Patient Ready" have staff or systems to assist non-Japanese speakers. For interpretation, call the JNTO Tourist Hotline (050-3816-2787) available in English, Korean, Chinese, and other languages.

Can I get a doctor's note or medical certificate?

Yes, Japanese hospitals can issue a medical certificate (診断書/shindansho) upon request. It typically costs ¥3,000-5,000. Ask at the reception desk. This document is usually needed for travel insurance claims and may take 1-2 days to prepare.

What is the difference between a hospital and a clinic in Japan?

In Japan, "hospitals" (病院) have 20+ beds and typically offer emergency care, surgery, and specialized departments. "Clinics" (クリニック/診療所) have fewer than 20 beds and handle general consultations and minor treatments. For non-emergency care, clinics are usually faster and more affordable.

Find Medical Care in Okinawa

Hikari Pharmacy Koza Branch

Uechi Pharmacy

Central Pharmacy

Ｐ ’ ｓ Square Dispensing Pharmacy

Ai Chi Pharmacy

Eye N Pharmacy Uruma Miyazato Branch

Asahi no Pharmacy

Asahi Pharmacy

Ura Shima Pharmacy Ishikawa Pinatsu Branch

Urasoenijiya Pharmacy

Uruma Pharmacy

Garden Pharmacy

Ka Kazu no Mori Pharmacy

Kamome Pharmacy

Koza Nakanomachi Pharmacy

Sakura Pharmacy Tedako Uranishi Branch

Sashida Pharmacy New Higashi Mountain Branch

Sa Tsuki Pharmacy

Sanri Pharmacy

Sukoyaka Pharmacy Ｓ ａ Ｒ ｙ ｕ Koza Branch

Sukoyaka Pharmacy Kuwae Branch

Smile Pharmacy Miyagi Branch

Chimugukuru Pharmacy Hiyane Branch

Tsutsuji Pharmacy

Tomato Pharmacy

Nakagami Pharmacy

Nadeshiko Pharmacy

Namihira Pharmacy

Hidamari Pharmacy Ryudai East Branch

Himawari Pharmacy

Frequently Asked Questions

¥98,000 lifetime, ¥0/month

Emergency

Sukoyaka Pharmacy ＳａＲｙｕ Koza Branch