For many foreigners living in Okinawa, healthcare is one of the biggest concerns—especially when language becomes a barrier.
Japan’s healthcare system is known for being high-quality and efficient, but navigating it can feel confusing if you don’t speak Japanese.
Fortunately, the central Okinawa area—including Okinawa City, Ginowan, Chatan, and Uruma—has several hospitals and clinics with English-speaking support.
This guide introduces trusted facilities across different specialties and offers practical tips for stress-free visits.
Major Hospitals with English Support
Chubu Tokushukai Hospital (中部徳洲会病院) – Kitanakagusuku
📍 801 Higa, Kitanakagusuku
Departments: Internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, cardiology, ENT, ophthalmology, dermatology, urology, OB-GYN, oral surgery
Highlights: A large general hospital offering emergency care and full services. English support is common, especially in emergency and general medicine.
✅ Best for: General care, checkups, and emergencies.
Nakagami Hospital (中頭病院) – Okinawa City
📍 601 Noborikawa, Okinawa City
Departments: Internal medicine, surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, OB-GYN, ENT, ophthalmology, dermatology, urology, radiology, breast surgery
Highlights: Modern, well-equipped, and experienced in treating foreign patients.
✅ Best for: Specialized care and diagnostic services.
University of the Ryukyus Hospital (琉球大学病院) – Ginowan
📍 1076 Kiyuna, Ginowan
Departments: Internal medicine, cardiology, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, OB-GYN, ENT, dermatology, urology, radiology, rehabilitation, dentistry
Highlights: Advanced treatment and specialists available.
⚠️ Note: English support may vary depending on the department.
🦷 Dental Clinics with English Support
Grace Dental Clinic – Nakagusuku
📍 364-1 Minamiuehara
General and pediatric dentistry, oral surgery.
✅ Friendly, patient, and clear English explanations.
SUNABE SMILE Dental Clinic – Chatan
📍 1-105 Miyagi
✅ Great for routine care. Located in a foreigner-friendly area.
LIFE DENTAL CLINIC – Ginowan
📍 6-24-9 Oyama
✅ Welcoming atmosphere and bilingual support.
Minnano-Haisha-san (みんなの歯医者さん) – Okinawa City
📍 2-16-2 Goya
✅ Popular among expats for its English-speaking staff.
🩺 Internal Medicine & General Clinics
Aiwa Clinic – Nishihara
📍 766-2 Ikeda
✅ Reliable for general checkups, cold, and flu symptoms.
Tokeshi Clinic – Okinawa City
📍 2-5-11 Higashi
✅ Kind staff and English-speaking support available on certain days.
Life Care Clinic Nagahama – Yomitan
📍 1530-1 Nagahama
✅ Trusted by foreign residents in the area.
👁 Ophthalmology (Eye Clinics)
Gushiken Eye Clinic – Uruma
📍 1371-1 Gushikawa
✅ Provides eye care and vision exams with occasional English support.
San Ai Eye Clinic – Okinawa City
📍 1-3-28 Yamauchi
✅ English-friendly. Call ahead for confirmation.
Hayakawa Eye Clinic – Ginowan
📍 2-2-2 Nodake
✅ Known for thorough vision testing.
👶 Women’s Health & OB-GYN
📍 801 Higa, Kitanakagusuku
OBGYN Yui Clinic – Okinawa City
📍 2444-3 Noborikawa
✅ Excellent support for pregnant foreign residents. Bilingual care available.
⚠️ Before You Go
- English-speaking staff may not always be available, especially on weekends or holidays.
- Fluency levels can vary by staff or department.
- Always call ahead to confirm English availability. ( Eigo hanase masuka? = Can you speak English?)
- For emergencies, Chubu Tokushukai or Nakagami Hospital are your best options.
- If communication is difficult, prepare a note in Japanese describing your symptoms or use a translation app.
🆘 Emergency Numbers
🚑 Ambulance / Emergency (Fire Department): 119
Final Thoughts
Getting sick in a foreign country can feel stressful—but in central Okinawa, you’re not alone.
Many hospitals and clinics actively welcome foreign residents and offer English-friendly care.
With a little preparation and the right contacts, you can access high-quality medical services with confidence and peace of mind.
Bookmark this guide and the Okinawa International Medical Info site for when you need them—your health is worth the extra step. 🌿
