5 English-Friendly Internal Medicine Clinics in Kyoto Prefecture
Finding internal medicine care in Kyoto can be difficult if you’re not fluent in Japanese — but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re a tourist with an unexpected illness, an expatriate managing a chronic condition, or a student seeking health checkups, this guide introduces five trusted clinics that offer primary care services along with English-language support.
Higashiyama Kawaguchi Clinic
- 10-minute walk from Keihan Main Line’s Kiyomizu-Gojo Station
457 Tokiwa-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-0874
- Monday, Wednesday 9:30–12:30/16:00–18:00
- Thursday, Friday 9:30–12:30/17:00–19:00
- Saturday (1st 3rd of the month, may change) 9:30–12:30
| Office Hours | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Hols |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 9:30–12:30 | Close | 9:30–12:30 | 9:30–12:30 | 9:30–12:30 | 9:30–12:30 | Closed | Closed |
| Afternoon | 16:00–18:00 | Close | 16:00–18:00 | 17:00–19:00 | 17:00–19:00 | Closed | Closed | Closed |
Yes, please call in advance or email (hkc5311970@gmail.com) to book in English.
075-531-1970
English-friendly Services and Support
- General internal medicine (colds, fever, abdominal pain, minor injuries)
- Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia)
- Minor surgical procedures (wound suturing, ingrown toenail treatment)
- Preventive care (annual health checkups, vaccinations)
- Referrals available to major Kyoto hospitals (e.g., Kyoto University Hospital)
- English-language support by the director (certified in medical English)
About Higashiyama Kawaguchi Clinic
Higashiyama Kawaguchi Clinic was founded by Dr. Michiya Kawaguchi, a Kyoto native and former surgeon at Kyoto University Hospital, who returned to his hometown to provide accessible, community-based care. Drawing on decades of experience in both domestic and international settings, including clinical training in the United States, Dr. Kawaguchi strives to be a trusted and approachable family physician for residents and travelers alike.
The clinic offers a comprehensive range of primary care services, from treating everyday ailments such as colds and digestive issues to managing chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Minor surgical procedures, health screenings, and vaccinations are also available. Patients experiencing fever or cold symptoms are seen in a separate room and at a designated time slot to reduce the risk of infection for others.
English-language consultations are available for foreign residents and visitors aged 16 and above. With a certificate in medical English and overseas clinical experience, Dr. Kawaguchi is well-equipped to communicate clearly with international patients. The clinic also provides documentation support for student health exams and coordinates referrals to major hospitals in Kyoto when further care is needed. Whether you are a long-term resident or a tourist in need of medical care, Higashiyama Kawaguchi Clinic offers personalized, compassionate care in a welcoming neighborhood setting.
Hinoshita Clinic
- 4-minute walk from Katsura Station, West Exit, serviced by Kyoto Line and Arashiyama Line
91-4 Minamitatsumi-cho, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8074
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00–13:00/15:30–19:30
- Thursday, Saturday 9:00–13:00/15:30–18:00
| Office Hours | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Hols |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 9:00–13:00 | Closed | 9:00–13:00 | 9:00–13:00 | 9:00–13:00 | 9:00–13:00 | Closed | Closed |
| Afternoon | 15:30–19:30 | Closed | 15:30–19:30 | 15:30–18:00 | 15:30–19:30 | 15:30–18:00 | Closed | Closed |
Yes, please call in advance to book in English.
075-383-1555
English-friendly Services and Support
- General internal medicine (diabetes, hypertension, cardiac, gastrointestinal, etc.)
- Nephrology and kidney care
- Management of chronic conditions, especially in middle-aged and elderly patients
- Preventive care, health consultations, and nutrition and lifestyle counseling
- Laboratory tests (blood, urine, stool, TB screening) and imaging (X-ray), ECG
- Second opinions (especially for kidney diseases)
Note: Doctor speaks fluent English. Reception staff have limited English ability. Patients should bring a Japanese health insurance card or be prepared to pay in cash (yen).
About Hinoshita Clinic
Located just minutes from Katsura Station in western Kyoto, Hinoshita Clinic offers thoughtful, comprehensive care in a serene, traditional setting. The clinic was founded on the belief that the value of human life outweighs all else — a philosophy that is reflected in every aspect of its patient-centered approach. With a warm and calm environment, the clinic welcomes both residents and international patients seeking trusted internal medicine services in English.
Clinic director Dr. Fumihiko Hinoshita brings over 40 years of experience, including research at Harvard Medical School and senior roles at national institutions. Fluent in English and board-certified in both nephrology and internal medicine, he provides detailed consultations and second opinions grounded in international medical expertise.
The clinic’s services include general internal medicine, kidney and hypertension care, preventive screenings, allergy treatment, and management of chronic diseases. Laboratory testing, X-rays, ECGs, vaccinations, and nutrition counseling are also available. Support is provided for aging patients and those with concerns related to thalidomide.
Although staff members have limited English proficiency, Dr. Hinoshita communicates clearly in English. The clinic primarily serves expatriates and long-term residents, but can also accommodate English-speaking tourists with prior phone reservations. Walk-ins may be accepted, but advance booking is recommended for a smooth visit.
Sakabe International Clinic
- 5-minute walk from Tozai Line’s Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station
435 Yamamotocho, Gokomachi-dori Nijo Sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-0933
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9:30-12:30/18:30-20:30
- Thursday, Saturday 9:30-12:30
| Office Hours | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Hols |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 9:30–12:30 | 9:30–12:30 | 9:30–12:30 | 9:30–12:30 | 9:30–12:30 | 9:30–12:30 | Closed | Closed |
| Afternoon | 18:30–20:30 | 18:30–20:30 | 18:30–20:30 | Closed | 18:30–20:30 | Closed | Closed | Closed |
No, but same-day reservations are accepted by phone (Japanese only)
075-231-1624
English-friendly Services and Support
- General internal medicine (primary care, diagnostics, referrals)
- Comprehensive evaluations using blood, urine, and imaging tests
- Immunizations
- Medical certificates for licenses and employment
About Sakabe International Clinic
Sakabe International Clinic, located in Kyoto’s Nakagyo Ward, offers holistic, patient-centered care by integrating modern medicine, Eastern practices, and mind-body approaches. Founded on a medical legacy spanning over a century, the clinic is led by Dr. Kazuo Sakabe, a board-certified physician and Doctor of Medicine. He has held key roles, including Vice President of Tokai University’s Faculty of Medicine and Specially Appointed Professor at Chiba University’s Preventive Medicine Center. His public health work includes serving on expert committees for the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
The clinic specializes in primary care and internal medicine, offering comprehensive diagnostic services that include laboratory tests, X-rays, ECGs (including Holter monitoring), ultrasound, and bone density scans. Referrals to affiliated hospitals are available for specialized treatment when needed.
Sakabe International Clinic also provides medical certificates for a wide range of licensing needs, from culinary and healthcare professions to pilot and interpreter certifications. With a welcoming atmosphere and central Kyoto location, the clinic offers a unique, integrative approach to long-term and preventive care.
Rokkaku Tanaka Clinic
- 4-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station, Exit 5, serviced by Karasuma Line and Tozai Line
- 5-minute walk from Kyoto Line’s Karasuma Station, Exit 21
- 6-minute walk from Karasuma Line’s Shijo Station, Exit 1
Kyoto Yomiuri Building 1F, 630 Shichikannon-cho, Karasuma‑dori Rokkaku‑shita, Nakagyo‑ku, Kyoto, 604‑8162
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30-12:30/15:30-19:00
- Wednesday, Saturday 9:30-12:30
| Office Hours | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Hols |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 9:30–12:30 | 9:30–12:30 | 9:30–12:30 | 9:30–12:30 | 9:30–12:30 | 9:30–12:30 | Closed | Closed |
| Afternoon | 15:30–19:00 | 15:30–19:00 | Closed | 15:30–19:00 | 15:30–19:00 | Closed | Closed | Closed |
Yes, book via official LINE account, website, or phone; same‑day phone reservations accepted
075-585‑3618
English-friendly Services and Support
- Private “self‑paid medical treatment” for tourists (no public insurance required)
- Treatment and management for internal medicine, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity
- Chinese herbal medicine and specialist clinics (smoking cessation, sleep apnea, acupuncture, foot care)
- Fever/outpatient clinic (reserve or call ahead if symptomatic)
- AI translation devices and English support during consultations
- English-language documents (receipts and medical certificates available)
About Rokkaku Tanaka Clinic
Rokkaku Tanaka Clinic offers a unique integration of evidence-based internal medicine and traditional Chinese medicine in the heart of Kyoto. The clinic specializes in treating lifestyle-related conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity through a combination of Western diagnostics and Eastern therapies, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary counseling. Smoking cessation support and preventive care are also central to the clinic’s holistic approach to wellness.
The clinic is led by Dr. Yoshimitsu Tanaka, an internal medicine and diabetes specialist with academic training from Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine and Osaka University Graduate School. Working in tandem with his father, Dr. Minoru Tanaka, an experienced practitioner of Chinese medicine, the clinic offers a family-based integrative model that emphasizes long-term health management.
Rokkaku Tanaka Clinic welcomes both residents and international visitors. A self-paid care system is available for tourists or patients without Japanese health insurance. AI-powered translation tools facilitate communication, and English-language receipts and medical certificates are also provided. With walk-in and same-day appointment options, the clinic delivers accessible, bilingual-friendly care in a centrally located Kyoto setting.
Tsukada Clinic
- 12-minute bus ride from Karasuma Line’s Imadegawa Station
- 19-minute walk from Karasuma Line’s Kuramaguchi Station
137 Keikaincho, Kyoto-shi, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8406
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9:00–12:30/16:30–19:00
- Saturday 9:00–12:30
| Office Hours | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Hols |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 9:00–12:30 | 9:00–12:30 | Closed | 9:00–12:30 | 9:00–12:30 | 9:00–12:30 | Closed | Closed |
| Afternoon | 16:30–19:00 | 16:30–19:00 | Closed | 16:30–19:00 | 16:30–19:00 | Closed | Closed | Closed |
Walk-ins accepted. For certain tests or procedures, reservations are required. Contact the clinic for details.
075-431-6688
English-friendly Services and Support
- General internal medicine consultations
- Gastrointestinal evaluations (endoscopy, ultrasound, X-ray)
- Diabetes outpatient care, including medication and nutrition counseling
- Preventive screenings and health checkups for adults
- Vaccinations for children and adults
- Basic English support is available at reception and during consultations with the doctor and select staff
About Tsukada Clinic
Located in the heart of Kyoto’s Kamigyo Ward, Tsukada Clinic provides internal medicine, gastroenterology, and diabetes care in a welcoming neighborhood setting. Founded and led by Dr. Tsukada, the clinic emphasizes attentive, individualized care, particularly for patients experiencing chronic or unclear symptoms. The practice is well-suited for both everyday health concerns and more complex digestive or metabolic conditions, offering timely evaluations and follow-up.
Dr. Tsukada brings both domestic and international experience to his practice. After completing his medical degree at Nihon University and doctoral training at Kyoto University, he trained further at New York Medical College in the Department of Gastroenterology. He is board-certified in internal medicine, gastroenterology, and endoscopy, and remains actively engaged in multiple Japanese medical societies.
The clinic is equipped to provide bilingual support in English for both reception and clinical visits. Dr. Tsukada and several staff members can communicate with English-speaking patients, though basic Japanese ability or support is helpful for navigating certain procedures or forms. Patients can walk in without an appointment for general consultations; however, booking may be needed for some diagnostic tests or screenings. Visitors and long-term residents alike can rely on the clinic for preventive care, diagnostics, and chronic disease management.
With services ranging from endoscopy and ultrasound to city-designated health checkups and a full range of adult and pediatric vaccinations, Tsukada Clinic is a convenient option for those seeking primary care in Kyoto who need some English-language support.
Book Your Next Internal Medicine Appointment in Kyoto Prefecture
You don’t need to navigate the Japanese healthcare system alone. These internal medicine clinics across Kyoto Prefecture offer bilingual-friendly care for both short-term visitors and long-term residents. From routine checkups to chronic disease management, their services are designed with international patients in mind. Keep this list handy for your next visit.