Seeing a Dentist in Japan: Booking, Costs and What to Expect

A general guide to finding a dental clinic in Japan, making an appointment, understanding insurance and cash payment for visitors and residents, and explaining symptoms.

Published October 20, 2026 at 12:45 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: A dentist in Japan is called a shika, and dental clinics are widely available. Residents on public insurance usually pay a share of the cost, while visitors without Japanese insurance generally pay the full fee, often in cash at a clinic. Call or reserve ahead, bring ID and insurance details, and use simple words such as "ha ga itai" (a tooth hurts) to describe the problem.

Finding a dental clinic

In Japanese, a dentist is "haisha" in everyday speech and the clinic is "shika" (dentistry) or "shika iin". The national tourism organization's medical guide lists toothache under the Oral Health department, and its online medical institution search lets visitors filter by area, language and department. The search shows up to 30 facilities sorted by straight-line distance, which can differ from the real travel distance.

The same guide advises calling ahead where possible. It warns that facilities may not offer every service, may not speak your language, or may refer you elsewhere. For dental problems, that advice is especially useful, because a clinic that handles simple check-ups may not offer every kind of treatment.

Hotel front desks may be able to suggest a nearby clinic and make the first call. Residents can also ask their city office or a neighbor for a recommendation. A clinic's own website, where one exists, often lists hours, languages and whether new patients are accepted.

Booking and making an appointment

Many clinics work by appointment, so calling or reserving online is a sensible first step. When the problem is painful, say so on the phone: "ha ga itai desu" means a tooth hurts. Some clinics may be able to fit in urgent cases, though this differs from one clinic to another, and reception staff will tell you what is possible.

For a first visit, bring identification, such as a passport for visitors or an insurance card for residents, and a list of any medicines and allergies. Arriving a few minutes early allows time for a medical history form. The national tourism organization offers a medical information form as a downloadable PDF, which can be adapted for a dental visit.

Opening days and hours vary by clinic, including on weekends and holidays. If a problem arises in the evening or during a national holiday, the emergency options below may help. Checking opening hours on the clinic's page before traveling saves a wasted trip.

Insurance, costs and payment

Japan has a universal health insurance system. According to an encyclopedia entry, patients pay 10, 20 or 30 percent of medical fees depending on household income and age, and the government covers the rest. The same entry states that uninsured patients pay 100 percent of fees, except low-income households receiving a government subsidy. How these rules apply to a particular dental treatment depends on the treatment and the plan.

For residents, an insurance card is normally shown at reception. Some treatments may not be covered by public insurance, and clinics can explain which are. Asking for an estimate before treatment starts is reasonable and common.

Visitors without Japanese insurance generally pay the full fee, and the tourism organization notes that clinics generally accept cash only, while major hospitals may accept credit cards. Overseas travel insurance may offer cashless payment in some cases. Keep receipts and any treatment paperwork for a claim, and ask your insurer in advance whether dental care is covered, since policies vary. Costs and rules change, so check the current information.

What a visit usually involves

A visit commonly starts at reception with forms and a conversation about the problem, followed by an examination, after which the dentist can explain the findings and options. Procedures vary by clinic and by problem, so this overview is general and the clinic's own staff are the best guide.

Treatment is sometimes done on the same day for urgent issues, though many clinics schedule follow-up visits for larger work. Appointments for cleaning or check-ups may take place on separate days. Ask the staff how many visits to expect, and what the cost will be at each stage.

If something is unclear, say so. Using a translation tool or the pointing sheet from the national tourism organization helps. The sheet lists toothache and pain in the mouth, tongue and gums in its English symptom list, and can be shown at reception. Clinics may offer written instructions after treatment, and asking for them is fine.

Explaining symptoms in simple Japanese

A few phrases help. "Ha ga itai desu" means a tooth hurts. "Kamu to itai desu" means it hurts when biting. "Tsumemono ga toremashita" can describe a filling that came out, though showing the tooth and pointing is often enough. "Haguki ga haremashita" refers to swollen gums. The words "itai" (it hurts) and "koko" (here) with pointing cover most needs.

Say how long it has hurt with "kinou kara" (since yesterday) or "kesa kara" (since this morning). Mention allergies with "arerugii ga arimasu". The medical phrase list from the tourism organization is another source of vocabulary for clinic visits.

Visitors can also type the words into a translation tool and show the screen. This keeps the visit clear even when the staff speak limited English. A calm, polite tone and a short "onegai shimasu" (please) help the reception run smoothly.

Emergencies and after-hours care

For an urgent situation involving severe injury, heavy bleeding or difficulty breathing, call 119 for an ambulance. The national tourism organization says that if you cannot call, you can show a nearby Japanese speaker the phrase "Kyukyusha o yonde kudasai" (please call an ambulance). The Japan Visitor Hotline, a 24-hour line in English, Chinese and Korean, can also help with emergency support.

For after-hours care, the guide notes that non-emergency patients can use after-hours reception, which varies by region. Ask your hotel or the local city office what applies in your area. Having the hotel or a local contact call ahead can save time when the clinic is closed or busy.

This guide shares general cultural information, not professional advice; for health questions, talk with a doctor or dentist. Pain, swelling or fever are good reasons to seek professional care promptly rather than wait, and the clinic or hospital reception can help decide where to go.

Preparing and following up

Before the trip, check what your travel insurance covers, and carry its claim instructions. If you have a dental condition or regular treatment at home, carry a short summary of it in English and, if possible, in Japanese. A note listing medicines and allergies is also useful.

After treatment, ask the clinic for written notes on what was done, as well as receipts. If a follow-up is needed at home, a dentist there can use the summary. Residents should keep the clinic's contact details and reservation information for the next visit.

For residents who are new to Japan, the local city office is the place to ask about public health insurance. This guide shares general information; rules change, so confirm details with the official agency or provider before you act. Many clinics welcome questions, and polite curiosity about costs and steps is normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay cash at a dentist in Japan?

Often, yes. The national tourism organization says clinics generally accept cash only, while major hospitals may accept credit cards. Policies and equipment vary, so ask when you book or at reception. Carry enough yen, and keep receipts for any travel-insurance claim.

How much of the cost do patients pay?

For residents, an encyclopedia entry says patients pay 10, 20 or 30 percent of medical fees depending on household income and age, and the government covers the rest. The same entry says uninsured patients pay the full fee. Treatments and rules vary, so ask the clinic for an estimate.

How do I say that my tooth hurts in Japanese?

Say "ha ga itai desu," which means a tooth hurts, and point to the spot. The national tourism organization lists toothache under the Oral Health department. If you can, call ahead or ask your hotel to phone the clinic, since not every facility speaks English.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book Building a Life in Japan is available on Amazon.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Medical Phrases for Visitors: Explaining Symptoms in Japanese, Leaving Japan for Good: A Checklist for Residents and Travel Insurance for Japan: What Visitors Should Compare.