Not sure which kind of clinic?

In Japan you usually go straight to a clinic for the part of the body concerned. This page explains what each kind covers, and the Japanese word you will see on signs.

This is general information, not medical advice, and it cannot tell you what is wrong. If you are unsure, ask a doctor or pharmacist. In an emergency call 119.

• 🩺

  General doctor

  General medicine · 内科

  General adult medicine: common illnesses and long-term conditions, with sub-fields such as heart, lungs and digestion.

• 🧒

  Children

  Pediatrics · 小児科

  Babies, children and teenagers, including vaccinations and health checks.

• 🦷

  Dental

  Dental · 歯科

  Teeth, gums and mouth: check-ups, cleaning, fillings, braces (orthodontics), oral surgery.

• 🤰

  Women & pregnancy

  Obstetrics & Gynecology · 産婦人科

  Pregnancy, birth and women's health.

• 🧴

  Skin

  Dermatology · 皮膚科

  Skin, hair and nails.

• 👂

  ENT

  Ear, Nose & Throat · 耳鼻咽喉科

  Ears, nose and throat, including hearing and sinuses.

• 👁️

  Eye

  Eye · 眼科

  Eyes and eyesight: eye tests, prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, eye conditions.

• 🦴

  Ortho

  Orthopedics · 整形外科

  Bones, joints, muscles and the spine, including injuries such as sprains and fractures.

• 🧠

  Mental health

  Mental health · 精神科・心療内科

  Mental health care: psychiatry and psychosomatic medicine.

• 🏥

  Surgery

  Surgery · 外科

  Operations and surgical care, in many sub-fields.

• 💧

  Urology

  Urology · 泌尿器科

  Kidneys, bladder and urinary tract; men's reproductive health.

• 💊

  Pharmacy

  Pharmacy · 薬局

  Prepares the medicine a doctor has prescribed; pharmacists explain how to take it.

• 👶

  Midwife

  Midwife home · 助産所

  Midwife-run care during pregnancy, birth and afterwards.

• ➕

  Other

  Other specialties · その他

  Everything else, for example rehabilitation, radiology, allergy and rheumatology.