As one of the world’s leading countries in medical services, Japan boasts world-class medical resources and a robust healthcare system, attracting a large number of patients seeking treatment. The quality of medical services in Japan has gained widespread recognition, both in terms of advanced medical equipment and the professional standards of medical personnel. This article will provide detailed information on key hospitals in Japan and their contact information, analyze the characteristics of medical services in Japanese hospitals, introduce medical procedures for common diseases, and offer practical everyday medical phrases and cultural considerations to help investors interested in exploring and understanding the Japanese medical system to smoothly address various medical needs.

Key Hospitals in Japan and Their Contact Information

1.1 The University of Tokyo Hospital

The University of Tokyo Hospital is one of Japan’s top comprehensive hospitals, internationally renowned for its outstanding research and medical expertise. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities and focuses on medical research and treatment across multiple fields. As one of Japan’s most prestigious medical institutions, the University of Tokyo Hospital is at the forefront of numerous medical domains.

The hospital excels particularly in cancer treatment, cardiovascular diseases, neuroscience, and regenerative medicine research and clinical applications. It comprises 22 clinical departments, including internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and over 30 specialized centers. Among these, the Cancer Center, Cardiovascular Center, and Neuroscience Center are especially renowned.

The Organ Transplantation Center at the University of Tokyo Hospital is highly esteemed in Japan and throughout Asia, particularly for liver and kidney transplants. Additionally, the hospital houses an Advanced Medical Development Center dedicated to translating the latest medical research findings into clinical applications, providing patients with cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment options.

The hospital’s International Medical Services Department caters specifically to overseas patients, offering multilingual medical interpretation to ensure international patients receive seamless care. However, due to the hospital’s high reputation, appointment waiting times may be lengthy, so advance preparation is advised.

As a top-tier public hospital in Japan, medical costs at the University of Tokyo Hospital are relatively high. Initial outpatient consultation fees typically range from 5,000 to 10,000 yen, while inpatient costs are approximately 30,000 to 50,000 yen per day. Complex surgical procedures may cost several million yen. International patients are usually required to pay a deposit in advance. The hospital accepts Japanese National Health Insurance, but international patients typically need to pay the full cost out-of-pocket. It is advisable to purchase appropriate international medical insurance.

International patients can make appointments through the hospital’s International Medical Services Department, ideally 2-4 weeks in advance. Some specialized departments may require longer waiting times. In emergency situations, patients can go directly to the Emergency Department.

Address: 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

Contact: 03-3815-5411

Website: h.u-tokyo.ac.jp

1.2 Kyoto University Hospital

Kyoto University Hospital is at the forefront of tumor treatment and regenerative medicine, offering medical services covering a wide range of complex diseases. It is not only one of the most important medical centers in the Kansai region of Japan but also a globally renowned medical research institution.

The hospital is famous for its breakthrough advances in iPS cell research, a technology with revolutionary significance in the field of regenerative medicine. The hospital’s Stem Cell Research Center is conducting multiple clinical trials, including the application of iPS cells in treating Parkinson’s disease and retinal diseases.

In cancer treatment, Kyoto University Hospital adopts a multidisciplinary team collaboration model, combining the latest targeted therapies and immunotherapies to provide personalized treatment plans for patients. The hospital’s Proton Therapy Center is one of the few institutions in Japan capable of offering this advanced radiotherapy technology.

Furthermore, Kyoto University Hospital has strong capabilities in neuroscience, cardiovascular medicine, and digestive system diseases. The hospital’s hepatobiliary pancreatic surgery is among the best in Japan, attracting numerous domestic and international patients each year.

The hospital has an International Medical Service Center that provides comprehensive medical assistance for overseas patients, including translation services, appointment arrangements, and accommodation advice. It’s worth noting that due to the hospital’s high reputation, certain specialized treatments may require longer waiting times.

Medical costs at Kyoto University Hospital are in the upper-middle range for Japan. Initial outpatient consultation fees are approximately 6,000 to 12,000 yen, while inpatient costs are about 35,000 to 55,000 yen per day. Some specialized treatments like proton therapy are more expensive and may cost several million yen. International patients usually need to pay a deposit in advance, with the amount depending on the treatment plan. The hospital accepts Japanese National Health Insurance, but international patients generally need to pay the full cost out-of-pocket.

International patients can make appointments through the hospital’s International Medical Service Center, preferably at least one month in advance. Some popular departments may require longer waiting times. No appointment is necessary for emergency care.

Address: 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto

Contact: 075-751-3111

Website: kuhp.kyoto-u.ac.jp

1.3 Osaka University Hospital

Osaka University Hospital is one of the most influential medical institutions in western Japan, offering advanced surgical procedures, internal medicine treatments, and comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for various diseases, including cancer. As a medical center in the Kansai region of Japan, Osaka University Hospital is at the forefront of multiple medical fields.

The hospital’s cardiovascular surgery department is particularly outstanding, with rich experience in coronary artery bypass grafting and heart valve repair surgeries. Additionally, the hospital’s robotic-assisted surgery center is equipped with the latest da Vinci surgical system, widely used in urology, thoracic surgery, and other fields, greatly improving surgical precision and patient recovery speed.

In cancer treatment, Osaka University Hospital adopts a multidisciplinary collaborative approach, combining surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy to develop personalized treatment plans for patients. The hospital’s Heavy Ion Therapy Center is one of the few institutions in Japan capable of providing this precise radiotherapy technique.

Osaka University Hospital is also renowned for its achievements in transplant medicine. The hospital not only performs routine organ transplant surgeries but has also made breakthrough progress in composite tissue transplantation, such as face transplants.

The hospital’s pediatric department is also highly regarded, especially in the treatment of pediatric heart diseases and childhood cancers. Furthermore, the hospital has a dedicated center for rare diseases, providing diagnostic and treatment services for many patients with rare conditions.

To facilitate international patients, the hospital has an International Medical Center that offers multilingual services and comprehensive medical assistance. However, due to the hospital’s high reputation, certain specialized treatments may require longer waiting times.

Medical costs at Osaka University Hospital are comparable to other top-tier public hospitals in Japan. Initial outpatient consultation fees are approximately 5,000 to 11,000 yen, while inpatient costs are about 32,000 to 52,000 yen per day. Complex surgeries such as heart surgeries or cancer surgeries may exceed 1 million yen. International patients usually need to pay a deposit in advance. The hospital accepts Japanese National Health Insurance, but international patients generally need to pay the full cost out-of-pocket.

International patients can make appointments through the hospital’s International Medical Center, preferably 3-6 weeks in advance. Some specialized treatments like heavy ion therapy may require longer waiting times. In emergency situations, patients can go directly to the Emergency Department.

Address: 2-15 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka

Contact: 06-6879-5111

Website: hp-www.med.osaka-u.ac.jp

1.4 National Cancer Center Hospital East

As an authoritative institution for cancer treatment, the National Cancer Center Hospital East is dedicated to early cancer diagnosis and advanced treatment methods. Its multidisciplinary treatment team enjoys a high reputation in Japan and worldwide. This hospital is not only one of the most important cancer treatment centers in Japan but also a leading institution for cancer research in the Asian region.

The hospital excels in the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers, particularly in the treatment of high-incidence cancers such as lung cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer. The hospital employs the most advanced diagnostic technologies, such as PET-CT and high-resolution MRI, to achieve early cancer detection and accurate staging.

In terms of treatment, the hospital offers comprehensive treatment options, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The hospital’s minimally invasive surgery center is equipped with the latest laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgical systems, greatly reducing patient surgical trauma and recovery time.

The radiotherapy department is equipped with advanced linear accelerators and heavy ion therapy equipment, capable of providing precise radiotherapy for patients. The hospital is also one of the few institutions in Japan that can perform proton therapy, which is particularly effective for certain types of cancer.

In terms of drug therapy, the hospital not only provides standardized chemotherapy but also actively conducts clinical trials of new drugs, giving patients the opportunity to try the latest treatment options. The immunotherapy center focuses on the research and application of cutting-edge treatment technologies such as CAR-T cell therapy.

Moreover, the hospital has a dedicated cancer genetic diagnosis center, providing personalized treatment plans for patients through genetic sequencing. The hospital’s palliative care team is committed to improving the quality of life for advanced-stage patients.

To facilitate international patients, the hospital has an International Patient Services Department that offers multilingual services and comprehensive medical assistance. However, as the hospital is a top cancer treatment center in Japan, certain specialized treatments may require longer waiting times.

As a specialized cancer hospital, its treatment costs are relatively high. Initial outpatient consultation fees are approximately 8,000 to 15,000 yen, while inpatient costs are about 40,000 to 60,000 yen per day. Cancer treatment costs vary depending on the treatment plan, with the combined costs of surgery, radiotherapy, and drug treatment potentially reaching several million or even tens of millions of yen. International patients usually need to pay a large deposit in advance. The hospital accepts Japanese National Health Insurance, but international patients generally need to pay the full cost out-of-pocket.

International patients need to make appointments through the hospital’s International Patient Services Department, preferably at least 1-2 months in advance. Some specialized treatments like proton therapy may require longer waiting times. No appointment is necessary for emergency care.

Address: 6-5-1 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba

Contact: 04-7133-1111

Website: ncc.go.jp

1.5 The Jikei University Hospital

This hospital in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, provides comprehensive medical services, and its cardiac and neurosurgical procedures are renowned both domestically and internationally. As a private hospital with a century-long history, The Jikei University Hospital excels in multiple medical fields.

The hospital’s cardiovascular surgery department is particularly outstanding, with rich experience in coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve repair and replacement surgeries. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization labs and hybrid operating rooms, capable of performing complex cardiac interventional procedures and minimally invasive surgeries.

Neurosurgery is another famous specialty of this hospital. The hospital has a high success rate in complex brain surgeries such as cerebral aneurysm clipping and brain tumor resection. In addition, the hospital has a dedicated stroke center that provides 24-hour emergency services for acute stroke patients.

In cancer treatment, the hospital adopts a multidisciplinary collaborative approach, combining surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other methods to develop personalized treatment plans for patients. The hospital’s radiotherapy center is equipped with the latest linear accelerators, capable of performing high-precision radiotherapy.

The hospital’s digestive system disease diagnosis and treatment center is also renowned, especially in endoscopic diagnosis and treatment. The hospital has developed several innovative endoscopic surgical techniques, such as ESD (Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection), which have achieved significant results in the treatment of early-stage gastrointestinal cancers.

Furthermore, the hospital has a dedicated reproductive medicine center, providing comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for infertility patients, including technologies such as in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

To facilitate international patients, the hospital has an International Medical Center that offers multilingual services and comprehensive medical assistance. Located in the center of Tokyo, the hospital is conveniently accessible and is a top choice for many foreign patients seeking medical treatment in Japan.

As a private hospital, its medical costs are relatively high. Initial outpatient consultation fees are approximately 7,000 to 14,000 yen, while inpatient costs are about 38,000 to 58,000 yen per day. Complex surgeries such as cardiac or brain surgeries may exceed 2 million yen. International patients usually need to pay a deposit in advance. The hospital accepts Japanese National Health Insurance, but international patients generally need to pay the full cost out-of-pocket.

International patients can make appointments through the hospital’s International Medical Center, preferably 2-3 weeks in advance. Some popular departments like cardiovascular surgery may require longer waiting times. No appointment is necessary for emergency care.

Address: 3-25-8 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Contact: 03-3433-1111

Website: jikei.ac.jp/hospital

Characteristics of Medical Services in Japanese Hospitals

2.1 High-level Medical Equipment and Technology

Japanese hospitals are generally equipped with the world’s most advanced medical equipment and technology, particularly in fields such as cancer treatment, cardiac surgery, and regenerative medicine, where they are at the global forefront. Many hospitals not only continuously innovate in medical technology but also establish close cooperation with international medical institutions to ensure patients receive the latest and highest quality treatment services.

2.2 Detailed and Humanized Medical Services

Another significant feature of Japanese medical services is their detailed and humanized approach. When patients enter the hospital, there is usually a detailed consultation and examination process, with professional staff guiding each step to ensure patients can receive medical care smoothly. Additionally, Japanese hospitals pay special attention to patient privacy protection, with all diagnostic and treatment information kept strictly confidential, and service attitudes are gentle, providing psychological comfort to patients.

2.3 Sound Medical Insurance System

Japan has a very sound national health insurance system, with almost all citizens able to enjoy basic medical coverage. Although foreigners cannot enjoy all the benefits of Japanese national health insurance, they can obtain high-quality medical services by joining specialized medical insurance for foreigners or paying out-of-pocket.

2.4 Doctors’ Professional Competence

Japanese doctors generally possess a high level of professional expertise. Whether for initial diagnosis or advanced treatment, Japanese doctors undergo rigorous academic training and years of clinical practice experience, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality treatment plans. Hospitals also regularly hold academic seminars to continuously promote medical technological progress and innovation.

2.5 Comfort of Medical Environment

Compared to other countries, the medical environment in Japanese hospitals appears more comfortable and convenient. Many hospitals not only provide spacious and bright waiting areas but also have independent consultation rooms and wards, ensuring patients’ privacy and comfort. Some hospitals also offer translation services to facilitate communication between foreign patients and doctors.

Medical Procedures for Common Diseases

3.1 Outpatient Visit Procedures

In Japan, the outpatient visit procedures are relatively simple and efficient. This process usually includes registration, initial consultation, examination and treatment, and follow-up as the main steps.

First, patients need to register at the hospital’s reception desk. In Japan, many hospitals provide self-service registration machines where patients can select the required department through a touch screen and print out a registration slip. For first-time patients, they may need to fill out detailed personal information forms, including past medical history, family history, allergy history, etc. This information will be used to establish the patient’s electronic medical record for future reference.

After registration, patients will be guided to the corresponding department to wait for consultation. Japanese hospitals usually adopt an electronic calling system, where patients can observe their queuing status through a large screen. It’s worth noting that the Japanese medical system emphasizes punctual consultation. If patients miss their consultation time, they may need to queue again.

When it’s the patient’s turn for consultation, the doctor will conduct a detailed inquiry. Japanese doctors usually spend a longer time communicating with patients to understand the details of symptoms. If patients don’t understand Japanese, many large hospitals provide translation services, but this may need to be booked in advance.

After the initial diagnosis, the doctor may arrange some basic examinations, such as blood pressure measurement, temperature check, etc. If more detailed examinations are needed, such as blood tests, X-rays, etc., the doctor will issue an examination form, and patients need to go to the corresponding examination department.

In Japan, many examinations can be completed on the same day, and patients usually don’t need to wait too long to get the results. After getting the examination results, patients need to return to the consultation room, where the doctor will develop a treatment plan based on the examination results.

If medication is needed, the doctor will issue a prescription. In Japan, hospitals and pharmacies are usually separate, and patients need to take the prescription to a pharmacy outside the hospital to purchase medication. Many pharmacies have pharmacists providing medication guidance to ensure patients use the medication correctly.

Finally, the doctor will decide whether a follow-up visit is needed based on the patient’s condition. If a follow-up is needed, the doctor will inform the patient of the next consultation time, and patients can make an appointment for the next visit at the hospital’s appointment window or through the online system.

Throughout the medical process, Japanese hospitals emphasize patient privacy protection. Consultations and examinations are conducted in independent spaces to ensure the confidentiality of patient information. At the same time, the Japanese medical system also focuses on patient education. Doctors and nurses will explain disease knowledge and preventive measures in detail to help patients better manage their health.

3.2 Specialist Outpatient Visit Procedures

The specialist outpatient system in Japan is highly developed, providing patients with more professional and personalized medical services. The procedures for specialist outpatient visits are more complex and rigorous than general outpatient visits, usually requiring recommendation or referral from an initial diagnosis doctor.

The first step for a specialist outpatient visit is making an appointment. Unlike general outpatient visits, specialist outpatient visits usually require advance booking, sometimes even requiring a wait of several weeks. Appointments can be made by phone, online system, or directly at the hospital’s appointment window. When making an appointment, patients need to provide referral information from the initial diagnosis doctor and a brief description of their condition.

On the day of the appointment, patients need to arrive at the hospital in advance and register at the reception desk of the specialist outpatient department. During registration, patients need to present their health insurance card, referral letter (if available), and other relevant medical documents. First-time patients may need to fill out a detailed medical history survey form.

While waiting for consultation, nurses may conduct some basic examinations, such as measuring blood pressure, weight, etc. The specialist doctor will carefully read the patient’s medical history and referral letter, then conduct a detailed inquiry. The inquiry process is usually more in-depth than general outpatient visits, with the doctor asking about specific symptoms and signs related to their specialty.

Based on the initial diagnosis results, the specialist doctor may arrange further professional examinations. These examinations may include special blood tests, imaging examinations (such as MRI, CT, etc.), and sometimes may include some invasive examinations (such as endoscopy). These examinations may need to be conducted on different dates, and patients may need to make multiple trips to the hospital.

After all examinations are completed, patients need to make another appointment for consultation to hear the specialist doctor’s diagnosis results and treatment plan. The specialist doctor will explain the examination results in detail and propose personalized treatment recommendations. During this process, the doctor will encourage patients to ask questions to ensure they fully understand their condition and treatment options.

If complex treatment (such as surgery) is needed, the specialist doctor will explain in detail the necessity, process, risks, and expected effects of the surgery. Patients have the right to decide whether to accept the recommended treatment plan. If the patient agrees, the hospital will arrange subsequent treatment plans.

For patients with chronic diseases, specialist outpatient care emphasizes long-term management. Doctors will develop long-term follow-up plans, including regular check-ups and follow-up visits. Some hospitals also provide telemedicine services, allowing patients to communicate with doctors through video calls and other means to reduce unnecessary hospital visits.

Although the procedures for specialist outpatient visits are complex, they can provide patients with more precise and personalized medical services. At the same time, the Japanese specialist medical system also emphasizes multidisciplinary cooperation, organizing consultations with doctors from multiple specialties when necessary to provide patients with the best diagnosis and treatment plans.

3.3 Hospitalization and Surgery Procedures

When a patient’s condition requires hospitalization or surgery, Japanese hospitals arrange a series of detailed and standardized procedures to ensure that patients receive the best medical care. This process usually includes several main stages: preparation for admission, treatment and care during hospitalization, surgery (if needed), and discharge and subsequent rehabilitation.

First is the preparation for admission. When a doctor decides that a patient needs to be hospitalized, they will issue a hospitalization notice. Patients need to bring this notice, health insurance card, identification documents, and other necessary documents to the hospital’s inpatient department to complete admission procedures. The hospital will provide a detailed admission notice, including a list of personal items to bring and hospital rules. Japanese hospitals usually require patients to bring some personal items, such as pajamas, slippers, etc.

When handling admission procedures, hospital staff will explain in detail the various regulations during hospitalization, including visiting hours, dietary arrangements, costs, etc. Patients need to sign some consent forms, such as treatment consent forms, surgery consent forms (if surgery is needed), etc.

After admission, a nurse will lead the patient to the ward and introduce how to use the ward facilities. Hospital wards in Japan are usually divided into multi-bed rooms and single rooms, and patients can choose according to their needs and budget. The nurse will measure the patient’s vital signs such as temperature and blood pressure and record them in the medical record.

If the patient needs surgery, the doctor will communicate with the patient in detail before the surgery, explaining the necessity, process, risks, and postoperative precautions of the surgery. The day before the surgery, the nurse will guide the patient through pre-operative preparations, including fasting, skin disinfection, etc. On the day of surgery, the patient will be taken to the operating room, and the surgical team will reconfirm the patient’s information and surgical plan.

After surgery, the patient will be sent to the intensive care unit or general ward for recovery. Nurses will closely monitor the patient’s vital signs and administer medication and care as prescribed by the doctor. Japanese hospitals place great emphasis on postoperative pain management and will adjust the pain relief plan according to the patient’s needs.

During hospitalization, doctors will make regular rounds to assess the patient’s recovery and adjust the treatment plan. Nurses are responsible for daily care, including changing dressings and guiding patients in rehabilitation training. Nursing services in Japanese hospitals are usually very attentive and take care of various patient needs.

When the patient’s condition improves to the point where they can be discharged, the doctor will issue a discharge notice. The nurse will explain in detail the precautions after discharge, including medication guidance, dietary advice, follow-up appointment times, etc. Japanese hospitals usually prepare a detailed discharge summary for patients, including the diagnosis and treatment process during hospitalization, medication situation, etc.

After discharge, patients need to follow up regularly as advised by the doctor. For some complex surgeries, the hospital may arrange home visit nursing to help patients recover better.

3.4 Medical Care Precautions

When seeking medical care in Japan, it’s very important to understand and follow local cultural customs and medical norms. Here are some points that need special attention:

Punctuality is an important aspect of Japanese medical culture. Japanese society places great emphasis on time consciousness, which is particularly evident in the medical field. Patients should arrive at the hospital 10-15 minutes early to have enough time to complete registration and wait. Being late may result in the appointment being canceled or needing to be rescheduled, which not only affects one’s own consultation but also affects other patients and the hospital’s work arrangements.

When communicating with medical staff, a polite attitude is crucial. The medical environment in Japan emphasizes respect and etiquette, so when communicating with doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff, one should use a polite tone and appropriate honorific language. Avoid using overly direct or casual expressions, and instead choose polite expressions. This not only shows respect for medical staff but also helps to establish a good doctor-patient relationship.

Each hospital has its specific rules and regulations, which patients should strictly abide by. These regulations may include pre-operative fasting requirements, visiting time restrictions, no smoking in the hospital, keeping quiet so as not to disturb other patients, and using mobile phones only in designated areas. Complying with these regulations is not only a respect for other patients and medical staff but also an important guarantee for maintaining order in the medical environment and ensuring treatment effectiveness.

When seeking medical care, it is very important to carry and present necessary documents. For each visit, be sure to bring your insurance certificate (health insurance card), medical card (if you have one), and identification (such as residence card or passport). These documents are crucial for processing medical procedures and ensuring correct calculation of medical expenses. Not having these documents may result in delays in the medical procedure or additional expenses.

If hospitalization is required, patients should prepare personal necessities. Japanese hospitals usually do not provide personal care items, so patients need to bring their own toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, soap, slippers, pajamas, and other personal hygiene items. Preparing these items in advance can make hospital life more comfortable and also reflects an emphasis on one’s own health and hygiene.

Understanding the characteristics of the Japanese medical system is also important. Compared to other countries, the Japanese medical system may be different. For example, most clinics and hospitals require appointments, and it may take a long time to see a specialist. Understanding these characteristics helps reduce unnecessary anxiety and misunderstandings, making the medical process smoother.

In terms of medication use, patients need to pay extra attention. In Japan, some medications that can be freely purchased in other countries may require a prescription. Additionally, the dosage of medications in Japan may be different from other countries. Therefore, it is important to carefully read the instructions and strictly follow the doctor’s orders when taking medication to ensure safety and treatment effectiveness.

Understanding payment methods for medical expenses is also important. Most hospitals accept cash and credit card payments, but some small clinics may only accept cash. If you have Japanese health insurance, you usually only need to pay 30% of the medical expenses. Understanding payment methods in advance can avoid embarrassment and inconvenience during medical visits.

For patients with limited Japanese proficiency, language barriers can be a challenge. In this case, consider using translation applications or seeking medical translation services. Although some large hospitals may provide English services, this is not common. Therefore, preparing translation tools or seeking language assistance in advance is a wise move.

Finally, understanding cultural differences is also important. Japanese doctors’ communication style may be different from other countries. For example, they may not proactively provide detailed explanations unless the patient explicitly asks. Therefore, patients should not hesitate to ask questions or request more information. A proactive attitude helps obtain more comprehensive medical information and better treatment results.

Following these cultural precautions not only ensures that you receive appropriate medical services in Japan but also shows respect for the local culture and helps establish a good doctor-patient relationship. Remember, when encountering any uncertain situations, politely asking is always the best approach.

Advantages and Challenges of Japanese Medical Services

4.1 Highly Transparent Fee Structure

Japanese hospitals have a very transparent medical fee structure, allowing patients to clearly understand the charging standards for each service when seeking medical care. This transparency not only increases patients’ trust but also avoids unnecessary medical disputes. The Japanese government has strict control over medical expenses, with a nationally unified medical fee point table detailing the charging standards for various medical services.

Before treatment, hospitals will provide patients with detailed cost estimates, including itemized details of consultation fees, medication fees, examination fees, etc. For inpatients, hospitals will regularly provide expense lists, allowing patients to understand their medical expenses at any time. This level of transparency not only gives patients a clear understanding of their medical expenses but also helps control unnecessary medical expenditures.

However, for international patients, understanding these fee structures may be challenging due to language barriers and differences in insurance systems. Therefore, many large hospitals have set up international medical departments specifically to provide fee explanations and consultation services for foreign patients.

4.2 Convenience of Appointment System

Most Japanese hospitals implement an appointment system where patients can make appointments in advance by phone or online, avoiding long waiting times. This system greatly improves the efficiency of medical resource utilization and allows patients to plan their medical visits more effectively.

The appointment system is usually divided into initial consultation appointments and follow-up appointments. First-time patients may need to provide more information, such as medical history and symptom descriptions. Many hospitals also offer online appointment services, where patients can make appointments through the hospital’s official website or specialized medical appointment apps.

For some special examinations or surgeries, hospitals will arrange times in advance and provide patients with detailed preparation guidance. This precise time management not only improves medical efficiency but also greatly reduces patients’ waiting time and inconvenience.

However, due to the strain on Japanese medical resources, appointments for certain popular departments or renowned specialists may require longer waiting times. In response to this, some hospitals have introduced standby appointment systems where standby patients can be notified promptly and fill vacancies when appointments are canceled.

4.3 Support Services for Foreign Patients

Many large Japanese hospitals offer multilingual services, including Chinese and Korean, to facilitate medical care for overseas visitors. Especially in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, international patient consultation desks in hospitals can provide specialized medical assistance. These services usually include multilingual consultation forms and medical guides, professional medical translation, appointment assistance, insurance information and claim assistance, as well as lifestyle support.

Some hospitals collaborate with international medical tourism companies to provide comprehensive services, including visa application and flight booking. However, these services are mainly concentrated in large cities and renowned hospitals. In small and medium-sized cities or ordinary hospitals, foreign language services may be limited. It is advisable for international patients to fully consider the availability of language support when choosing a medical location.

To improve service standards, Japan is training multilingual medical interpreters and encouraging medical staff to improve their foreign language skills. Some hospitals have begun using smart translation devices, such as real-time voice translators. At the same time, Japan is also developing the medical tourism industry, launching medical tourism packages targeting foreign patients.

4.4 Continuous Medical Innovation

The Japanese medical system continuously promotes the development of new technologies, such as telemedicine and robotic surgery. Many hospitals collaborate with research institutions to develop new medical technologies and treatment methods. Japan’s innovations are particularly prominent in areas such as regenerative medicine, precision medicine, minimally invasive surgery, advanced imaging technology, and AI-assisted diagnosis.

In the field of regenerative medicine, Japan is a world leader in iPS cell research and is conducting multiple clinical trials. Precision medicine provides personalized treatment plans for patients through gene sequencing and big data analysis. Minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as the da Vinci robotic surgical system, reduce surgical trauma and recovery time. Advanced imaging technologies like PET-CT and high-field MRI have improved early diagnosis rates. AI-assisted diagnosis has improved the accuracy and efficiency of diagnostics.

These innovations not only improve medical quality but also attract global patients to seek medical care in Japan. However, the application of new technologies has also led to rising medical costs. Balancing innovation with medical affordability is an ongoing challenge.

4.5 Challenge: Medical Costs for Foreign Patients

For foreigners who are not enrolled in Japan’s National Health Insurance, medical costs in Japan are relatively high. The main economic challenges faced by foreign patients include full self-payment, advance deposits, exchange rate risks, additional service fees, and difficulties in insurance claims.

Full self-payment is the biggest financial pressure, especially for patients requiring long-term treatment or complex surgeries. Many hospitals require advance deposits, usually 30% to 50% of the total cost. For patients undergoing long-term treatment, fluctuations in the yen exchange rate may affect actual expenditure. Additional services such as translation and international patient coordination also increase costs. Some international medical insurance policies have limited coverage in Japan, and the claim process can be complicated.

To address these challenges, some hospitals and third-party institutions provide medical cost consultation services. The Japanese government is also exploring relaxing medical insurance policies for international patients. Some hospitals are establishing direct settlement systems with international insurance companies to simplify the claim process, while others offer installment payment options.

Despite these challenges, Japan’s high-quality medical services continue to attract a large number of international patients. It is recommended that foreign patients plan their finances in advance, purchase appropriate international medical insurance, and fully understand the fee policies of their target hospitals.

Appendix: Practical Medical Japanese and Cultural Considerations

Mastering some basic medical-related Japanese can greatly improve the efficiency of seeking medical care and reduce communication barriers. Here are some commonly used medical terms and expressions:

In addition to these basic vocabulary, here are some common sentences that may be used during the medical process: