Quick Answer
Shinjuku has several hospitals with English-speaking staff, including JCHO Tokyo Shinjuku Medical Center, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, and Keio University Hospital (nearby in Shinanomachi). For emergencies, call 119 for ambulance or visit the nearest emergency room. National Health Insurance covers 70% of costs.
Major Hospitals Near Shinjuku
| Hospital | Address | English | Emergency |
|---|---|---|---|
| JCHO Tokyo Shinjuku Medical Center | Tsurumaki-cho 5-1, Shinjuku-ku | Partial | Yes (24h) |
| Tokyo Medical University Hospital | Nishi-Shinjuku 6-7-1 | Yes (int'l dept.) | Yes (24h) |
| Keio University Hospital | Shinanomachi 35 (adjacent ward) | Yes (int'l dept.) | Yes (24h) |
| National Center for Global Health and Medicine | Toyama 1-21-1, Shinjuku-ku | Yes | Yes (24h) |
Walk-in Clinics with English Support
- Shinjuku Nishiguchi Clinic — near JR Shinjuku West Exit, general medicine, English OK
- International Clinic (Roppongi) — slightly outside Shinjuku but fully English, no referral needed
- Midtown Clinic (Roppongi) — English-speaking GPs, health checkups, walk-in available
Emergency Contacts
- Ambulance: 119 (free, Japanese operators — say "kyukyusha kudasai")
- AMDA Medical Info: 03-6233-9266 (multilingual medical consultation)
- Tokyo Health Info (Himawari): 03-5285-8181 (English available)
- Police: 110
Using National Health Insurance
With NHI (国民健康保険), you pay 30% of medical costs. Bring your insurance card to every visit. If you do not have NHI yet, enroll at Shinjuku City Hall (2F Insurance Section). Without insurance, you pay the full amount — which can be very expensive for hospital visits.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a referral to visit a large hospital?
A: Large hospitals in Japan typically charge an extra fee (¥5,000-¥7,000) for patients without a referral letter. Visit a local clinic first for non-emergency issues.
Q: Can I call an ambulance for free?
A: Yes. Ambulance service (119) is free in Japan. However, the hospital treatment you receive afterward is not free — standard insurance applies.
Disclaimer
Hospital information and English availability may change. Call ahead to confirm language support. This is not medical advice.
Last updated: April 2026.