Have a family doctor
It is important to have a family doctor who has a clinic in your neighborhood with whom you can consult whenever necessary.
You should first visit a clinic in your area for an examination upon showing mild symptoms. If you have a serious illness or symptoms of which the cause is unknown, the doctor will refer you to a specialist hospital that can offer specialist treatment.

General points to consider in hospitals and clinics
(1) If you are worried about language problems, use an interpreter service (depending on the district, an international exchange society will provide an interpreter service).
(2) If there is something you do not understand, ask immediately.
(3) Ask the doctor to explain such things as test results and methods of taking medication as easily as possibly until you understand.
(4) Do not be late for appointments or consultation times.
(5) Do not use a mobile phone or PHS phone inside a hospital or clinic.
(6) Consult with the hospital in regards to inpatient costs, items you do not understand, services you may use. If there is a social worker at the hospital, consult with the social worker.
(7) In Japan, there are many services you must apply for on your own, otherwise you will not be able to make use of them. It is important therefore to know about them. If you want such information, consult a social worker. Since consultation is free and privacy is protected, feel free to consult a social worker or medical facility.

Useful multi-lingual chart of words and phrases used at a medical examination interview
A multi-lingual chart of words and phrases used at a medical examination interview is available at the following website.
Kanagawa International Association ? Multi-lingual Medical Examination Chart (kanagawa-ken kokusai koryu kyokai tagengo monshin hyo)
http://www.k-i-a.or.jp/

Note 1 For details, ask a person who understands Japanese to enquire for you at your nearest fire department, hospital or your city, ward, town or village office.
Note 2 The information given is that confirmed as of July 2002. Note that a new system or system revisions may have been introduced after this date.

This information is from the CLAIR website. The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) was established in July 1988 in response to rising concerns about local level internationalization in Japan.