Finding a Clinic

For English-speaking doctors in Nagasaki, try the following resources:

1. AMDA International Medical Information Center: Helps find medical providers in Japan who can speak English (or several other languages if needed) and offers free medical telephone interpretation.

( https://www.amdamedicalcenter.com/activities )

2. Japan Healthcare Info: For help finding English-speaking doctors, try using Japan Healthcare Info. If you tell them specifics in an email, they will try to find a doctor in whatever price range, area of expertise, etc. that you need. They can even make an appointment for you (for about 1100 yen). This is a great and (mostly) free resource to find healthcare of all kinds. Just be aware that there might not be any English-speaking doctors who meet your criteria in your area, so you may have to compromise on something like prices/rates or travel out of your area.

( http://japanhealthinfo.com/ or contact@japanhealthinfo.com )

3. Japan National Tourism Organization: Consult this page for a complete guide on what to do and where to go if you are sick. Don’t be fooled by the name, you don’t need to be a tourist to use their resources.

( https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/eng/mi_guide.html )

4. Byonin Navi: On this website, you can find an exhaustive repertoire of hospitals and clinics from all across Japan. Unfortunately, the website is entirely in Japanese, but thankfully the Google Translate browser add-on works extremely well on this site. You can select the location and specialty from the translated scroll-down menus. Just make sure to select “English support” ( 英語対応 ) before hitting the search button and you’re good to go.
*** Please note that if you choose to put in a keyword to narrow your research, you will have to type it in Japanese as it is the only thing that the Google Translate add-on won’t change automatically.***

( https://byoinnavi.jp/

5. Gender-Affirming Care: Services are limited in Nagasaki Prefecture, however there is access to care in nearby Fukuoka city. For Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and reassignment surgeries there is Nagumo Clinic in Fukuoka, you can click on the link below. However, this clinic can only provide HRT to people who have a diagnosed prescription and/or have already started HRT treatment. This clinic cannot diagnose or prescribe gender-affirming care, so if you need one check the Tenjinshinryo Clinic below.

( https://www.nagumo.or.jp/fukuoka )

Tenjinshinryo clinic is a psychiatrist’s office who can diagnose and prescribe gender-affirming treatment, including HRT. You can find the link to that office here, however this link is to their google page because the office does not currently have a website, so you may call ahead at this number (+81 092-737-7373). 

( https://g.co/kgs/b5Vz8x )

Healthcare Vocabulary

The following vocabulary terms will help you research clinics and access the care you need!

Clinic Types and Purposes

内科
(ないか)

naika

Internal Medicine Clinic

General medicine. Colds, flus. When you have general symptoms such as headaches or an upset stomach, fever

Minor injuries

Allergies

耳鼻科  
(じびか)

jibika

Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic

Symptoms specific to ears, nose or throat, sinus infections, dizziness, auditory disorders

皮膚科 
(ひふか)

hifuka

Dermatologist

Skin issues (acne, eczema, rashes, etc), burns, bug bites/stings

産婦人科 
(さんふじんか)

sanfujinka

Obstetrics and Gynecologist

Gynecological healthcare and contraceptives, menstrual pain, pregnancy check-ups

外科
(げか)

geka

Surgery

Perform surgery (if necessary, you may be referred here by internal medicine.)

病院
(びょういん)

byouin

Hospital

Emergency care, long term treatment, hospitalization

Not recommended for mild symptoms

整形外科 
(せいけいげか)

seikeigeka

Orthopedics

Injuries related to skeleton, muscles, and ligaments (sprains , fractures, herniated disks etc.)

泌尿器科
(ひにょうきか)

hinyoukika

Urology

Bladder and kidney specialized care. May offer STI testing.

小児科
(しょうにか)

shounika

Pediatrics

For children up to 15 years old

Colds, allergies, etc

眼科
(がんか)

ganka

Ophthalmologist

Eye diseases, LASIK

歯科
(しか)

shika

Dental Clinic

Dental care

整骨院
(せいこついん)

seikotsuin

Chiropractor

*not the same as a Western chiropractor

Muscle and body pain care services including massage and acupuncture

Other Helpful Vocab

お薬手帳
(おくすりてちょう)okusuritecho

Prescription Medicine Handbook

You receive this book on your first visit to a pharmacy. You may then use it at any pharmacy. The pharmacy will give you a sticker with the details of medication they prescribe. Use this book to keep track of/show the doctor your current medications/medication history. It’s not required to bring with you, but it’s highly recommended.

処方箋 
(しょほうせん)

shohousen

Prescription

If you are prescribed medicine you will be given this paper. Take it to a pharmacy to purchase the medicine.

診察券
(しんさつけん)

shinsatsuken

Clinic Card

You receive this card the first time you visit a clinic. It is like a membership card. It may have space on the back to write appointment times. Bring this for subsequent visits to the same clinic. (It can only be used at the clinic by which it was issued).