5 English-Friendly Emergency Room Hospitals in Kyoto Prefecture
If you need immediate help, call Japan’s emergency number 119 for an ambulance. English-speaking operators are usually available.
Navigating emergency medical care in a foreign language can be daunting, especially in high-stress situations. Fortunately, Kyoto Prefecture is home to several hospitals that not only provide 24/7 emergency care but also offer multilingual support for international patients. Whether you’re a tourist, expatriate, or non-Japanese-speaking resident, knowing where to go for prompt and language-accessible treatment is crucial. This guide introduces five hospitals in Kyoto known for their emergency services, accessibility, and patient-centered care for non-Japanese speakers.
Koseikai Takeda Hospital
- 5-minute walk from Kyoto Station, serviced by JR West’s Biwako, Kyoto, Sagano, and Nara Lines, Kintetsu Railway’s Kyoto and Kashihara Lines, and Kyoto Municipal Subway’s Karasuma Line
841-5 Higashi Shiokoji-cho, Shiokoji-dori Nishinotoin-higashiru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 600-8558
- Monday – Friday 9:00-17:00
- Saturday 9:00-12:00
| Office Hours | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Hols |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 09:00–12:00 | 09:00–12:00 | 09:00–12:00 | 09:00–12:00 | 09:00–12:00 | 09:00–12:00 | Not Available | Not Available |
| Afternoon | 12:00–17:00 | 12:00–17:00 | 12:00–17:00 | 12:00–17:00 | 12:00–17:00 | 09:00–12:00 | Not Available | Not Available |
The hospital’s International Medical Support Center provides on-site medical interpreter assistance in English, Chinese, and Korean.
No appointment is required for emergency care. Patients can arrive directly at the Emergency Room 24/7.
075-361-1351
English-friendly Services and Support
- On-site medical interpreters (English, Chinese, Korean)
- Remote interpretation via telephone and machine interpretation in 18 languages
- Medical certificates and documentation available on request (in-person only)
- Appointment booking and payment assistance for non-Japanese insurance patients
- Comprehensive departments covering internal medicine, cardiology, neurology, surgery, cardiovascular surgery, and more
About Koseikai Takeda Hospital
Established in 1970, Koseikai Takeda Hospital is a comprehensive medical center located just five minutes from Kyoto Station, serving about 1,000 foreign patients annually. The hospital’s mission is to provide safe, compassionate care, backed by decades of experience in both general and emergency medicine.
The hospital’s emergency department operates 24/7 and is equipped to handle over 5,000 ambulance transports annually. It specializes in rapid, multidisciplinary response to critical conditions such as stroke, heart attack, and severe trauma. The ER is equipped with advanced imaging technologies, including CT, MRI, and PET-CT, to ensure quick and accurate diagnosis, enabling timely and effective treatment.
To support foreign patients, Koseikai Takeda Hospital provides bilingual assistance with on-site interpreters who are fluent in English, Chinese, and Korean, as well as a 24-hour multilingual interpretation system. This ensures clear communication and reduces wait times for international visitors and residents.
Grounded in respect, trust, and collaboration, the hospital acts as a community medical support center, coordinating care between specialists and family doctors. It continues to enhance emergency and disaster readiness, providing high-quality care to Kyoto’s diverse population.
University Hospital, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine
- 12-minute walk from Demachiyanagi Station, serviced by Eizan Main Line and Keihin Oto Line
- 13-minute walk from Oto Line’s Jingu-Marutamachi Station
465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 602-8566
- Monday- Friday 9:00–17:00
| Office Hours | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Hols |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 9:00–12:00 | 9:00–12:00 | 9:00–12:00 | 9:00–12:00 | 9:00–12:00 | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
| Afternoon | 12:00–17:00 | 12:00–17:00 | 12:00–17:00 | 12:00–17:00 | 12:00–17:00 | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
No appointment is required for emergency care. Patients can arrive directly at the Emergency Room 24/7.
- 075-251-5645 (ER)
- 075-251-5111 (General)
English-friendly Services and Support
- English-speaking staff available on weekdays during business hours
- English-speaking doctors available in some departments
- Comprehensive departments covering internal medicine, cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and more
About University Hospital, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine
University Hospital, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, is a major public teaching hospital in central Kyoto with a 150-year legacy of providing advanced, community-focused care. It serves as a regional center for specialized treatment and education, housing over 30 clinical departments and an emergency unit that treats more than 20,000 patients annually.
The hospital’s emergency room provides critical care for urgent cases, including patients referred from other medical institutions and those requiring emergency surgery or specialized procedures in fields such as ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology, and urology.
English-speaking staff are available on weekdays to assist with reception and consultations, though availability is limited and may require waiting. Non-Japanese-speaking patients are encouraged to visit before 11:00 a.m. on weekdays for the best chance of interpreter support.
The hospital welcomes both residents and international visitors, including those without Japanese public health insurance. All inquiries and appointments must be made in Japanese, and uninsured foreign patients are subject to a fixed fee structure. Generally, international visitors are required to pay upfront and are advised to consult their international insurance provider in advance for reimbursement procedures and necessary documentation, particularly for hospitalization or medical certificates.
Kyoto Kujo Hospital
- 30-minute walk or 11-minute taxi ride from Kyoto Station, serviced by JR West’s Biwako, Kyoto, Sagano, and Nara Lines, Kintetsu Railway’s Kyoto and Kashihara Lines, and Kyoto Municipal Subway’s Karasuma Line
10 Karahashi Rajomon-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 601-8453
Interpretation assistance is available in English, Chinese, and Filipino to support foreign patients during consultations and treatment through the “PokeTalk” translation device, allowing real-time communication in multiple languages.
No appointment is required for emergency care. Patients can arrive directly at the Emergency Room 24/7.
075-691-7121
English-friendly Services and Support
- Multilingual translation device (English, Chinese, Filipino)
- Insurance receipts and documentation upon request
- Guest relations staff available for hospital navigation
- Credit cards accepted
- Comprehensive departments covering internal medicine, surgery, orthopedic surgery, cardiology, neurosurgery, and more
About Kyoto Kujo Hospital
Kyoto Kujo Hospital is a core regional medical institution offering 24-hour acute and emergency care. Designated by the Japanese Society for Acute Medicine, the hospital is equipped to handle urgent medical situations such as chest pain, stroke, injury, and other critical conditions. Its emergency department is staffed by experienced emergency physicians and supported by a multidisciplinary team across departments, including surgery, neurosurgery, cardiology, internal medicine, and orthopedics.
The hospital operates an Intensive Care Center with seven beds and a fully equipped Central Surgery Center, both of which are on standby for emergency and scheduled procedures. These facilities are located on the same floor to enable rapid diagnosis, treatment, and surgical coordination.
Language support includes English, Chinese, and Filipino, with interpretation assistance via the PokeTalk translation device. Guest relations staff are stationed at reception to help patients navigate the hospital, and credit card payments are accepted. The hospital maintains a commitment to providing advanced medical care with compassion and expertise.
Kyoto University Hospital
- 10-minute walk from Sanjo Line’s Jingu-Marutamachi Station
54 Shogoin-kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 606-8507
Multilingual support is available through the M-Cube system, a computerized questionnaire that helps patients describe symptoms and navigate procedures in Japanese, Chinese, English, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Indonesian. The tool is accessible via smartphone or computer and is also installed at reception desks to assist with reception and guidance to appropriate departments.
No appointment is required for emergency care. Patients can arrive directly at the Emergency Room 24/7.
075-751-3111
English-friendly Services and Support
- Multilingual medical questionnaire system (M-Cube) available at reception
- Services available via medical coordination companies for non-Japanese insurance holders
- Comprehensive departments covering cardiovascular medicine, neurology, gastrointestinal surgery, cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and more
About Kyoto University Hospital
Founded on a mission of providing safe, high-quality, and research-driven care, Kyoto University Hospital is one of Japan’s leading university hospitals. As both a clinical and academic institution, it prioritizes patient-centered treatment, the development of new medical approaches, and the training of compassionate, globally competent medical professionals.
The hospital is designated as an Advanced Treatment Hospital and a core center for clinical research and specialized care, including cancer, genomic medicine, and pediatric conditions. With recent expansions, such as the Middle Ward for acute care and Ki-CONNECT for next-generation therapies, the hospital continues to lead in fields such as iPS cell treatment and rare disease management.
In 2024, the hospital was officially designated as an Emergency and Critical Care Center in Kyoto Prefecture. Its emergency department is equipped to handle complex, life-threatening conditions, including heart attack, stroke, and trauma. Patients requiring advanced and immediate care — especially those arriving by ambulance — are given priority.
While English-language support is available through digital tools and select multilingual staff, overseas patients must arrange visits through authorized medical coordinating companies. These agencies handle booking and interpretation, helping ensure a smooth experience for international patients.
Kyoto City Hospital
- 10-minute walk from Sagano Line’s Tanbaguchi Station
- 15-minute walk from Saiin Station, serviced by Arashiyama Line and Kyoto Line
1-2 Mibu Higashi Takada-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 604-8845
English interpretation is available on Fridays from 9:00 to 12:00 by reservation only. Kyoto City Hospital offers free medical interpretation services in partnership with the Multicultural Coexistence Center Kyoto to assist patients with limited Japanese proficiency. Services cover reception, consultations, examinations, prescriptions, and payment.
Due to limited interpreter availability, patients are advised to book at least five business days in advance and call ahead to confirm. Interpretation support may not be available for patients with cold symptoms.
No appointment is required for emergency care. Patients can arrive directly at the Emergency Room 24/7.
075-311-5311
English-friendly Services and Support
- English interpreter support (Fridays, by reservation)
- Free medical interpretation for reception, consultations, prescriptions, and payment
- Credit cards accepted
- Comprehensive departments covering internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, oncology, OB-GYN, cardiology, and more
About Kyoto City Hospital
Kyoto City Hospital has served the community since 1965, guided by its philosophy of “protecting the lives and health of our citizens.” As a full-service general hospital with 548 beds and 37 departments, it provides emergency, inpatient, and outpatient services to both Japanese and international patients. Located in central Kyoto, the hospital is accessible from major transit lines and offers advanced care with a strong emphasis on emergency responsiveness and patient safety.
For English-speaking patients, interpreter assistance is available on Friday mornings by prior reservation, and free medical interpretation is supported in collaboration with the Kyoto Multicultural Coexistence Center. Services include outpatient consultation, prescriptions, and payment procedures.
International patients, including tourists and long-term residents, are welcome, though a referral letter is required to avoid an additional provider selection fee. For visitors without Japanese public health insurance, medical costs are calculated at a higher rate, and patients must present an original passport and pay by cash or credit card.
The hospital plays a central role in Kyoto’s emergency medical network, accepting over 5,800 ambulance transports annually. With specialists on call, modern equipment, and a collaborative approach across departments, Kyoto City Hospital offers reliable and inclusive emergency medical care.
Know Where to Go for Emergency Room Care in Kyoto Prefecture
Medical emergencies can happen without warning, but being informed can ease the burden. These five hospitals in Kyoto Prefecture provide 24/7 emergency care and foreign language support to help non-Japanese speakers receive timely and effective treatment. Whether you’re visiting Kyoto or living here long-term, these facilities provide a dependable safety net with staff trained to meet the needs of international patients.