List of English-Speaking Doctors and Pediatricians in Fukuoka

There is a very specific type of panic that hits expat parents around 2:00 AM.

It usually starts with a cough from the bunk bed, followed by the undeniable heat of a fever radiating off a small forehead. Back in Michigan, I knew the drill: call our pediatrician, maybe hit the 24-hour urgent care down the street where the receptionist knew my name.

But when we first moved to Fukuoka, that 2:00 AM fever felt different. It felt like a test. Do I know where to go? Can I explain “wheezing” in Japanese? Will they accept our insurance?

If you are reading this, you might be in that panic right now, or you are smart enough to be planning ahead. Either way, take a deep breath. Fukuoka has excellent medical care, and yes, there are doctors who speak English.

Here is our family’s “little black book” of English-speaking clinics and pediatricians in Fukuoka City, along with the reality of navigating the Japanese medical system with kids—from our cautious eldest daughter (who treats every stethoscope like a threat) to our youngest (who treats every waiting room like a jungle gym).

Note: For a broader look at settling into life here, check out our pillar guide on Living in Fukuoka with Kids: The Complete Expat Guide to Moving & Settling In (2026).

The “Big Three” English-Friendly Clinics for Families

When we need a doctor who can explain things clearly in English without me having to mime “stomach pain” like a bad game of charades, these are the places we go.

1. Fukuoka Sanno Hospital (Momochihama)

  • Best for: Comprehensive care, vaccinations, and when you’re worried and want “the works.”
  • Location: Momochihama (Near Fukuoka Tower)

This is the heavyweight. Sanno is a large, modern hospital that feels more like a hotel than a clinic. It’s clean, efficient, and they explicitly state that “Most doctors speak English.”

We took our eldest here when she had a persistent cough that wouldn’t quit. She was terrified (as usual), but the staff were incredibly patient. The pediatrician didn’t just speak functional English; he was fluent enough to joke with her, which is the only way to get her to lower her guard.

2. International Clinic Tojinmachi (Tojinmachi/Jigyo)

  • Best for: General illness, internal medicine, and expats who miss the Western style of consultation.
  • Location: Tojinmachi (Near Ohori Park)

Dr. Schlemper is somewhat of a legend in the Fukuoka expat community. He is Dutch, speaks perfect English (and Japanese), and runs a clinic that feels very familiar to anyone from Europe or North America.

Important Note: This is primarily an Internal Medicine clinic. While they see older children (generally over 1 year old), it isn’t a dedicated “pediatric” clinic with cartoons on the wall. We go here when we (the parents) are sick, or for general check-ups for the kids.

3. Hakata Hinoki Clinic (Hakata Station)

  • Best for: Weekends (Open Saturdays and Sundays!), travel vaccinations, and convenience.
  • Location: Hakata Station Area

Sickness has a cruel habit of striking on Friday evenings or Sunday mornings. Most Japanese clinics are closed on Sundays and Thursday afternoons. Hakata Hinoki Clinic is our savior because they are open on weekends.

They have a “Foreigner-friendly” policy and cover Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Pediatrics. It’s located right near Hakata Station, making it incredibly accessible if you are coming from outside the city center.

For the Parents: Mental Health & Internal Medicine

Moving to a new country is stressful. I remember the first six months in Fukuoka—I loved it, but the logistics of setting up a house and schools were overwhelming. If you need support, don’t ignore it.

Yuai Clinic (Daimyo/Tenjin)

Located in the heart of Daimyo (near the Ritz Carlton), Yuai Clinic offers Internal Medicine and Psychosomatic Medicine. They have an English page and provide support for stress, insomnia, and general physical health. It’s very central, so you can combine a visit with a run to the shops in Tenjin.

Emergency & After-Hours Care

If it is the middle of the night or a major holiday, regular clinics will be closed. Here is what you do.

Fukuoka City Emergency Medical Center (Momochihama)

  • Japanese Name: Fukuoka-shi Kyukan Shinryo Center (福岡市急患診療センター)
  • Location: Next to the Fukuoka City Museum and Fukuoka Tower.

This is the main hub for night and holiday emergencies. It handles Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, and more.

  • Warning: It is purely for emergencies. They will give you enough medicine to last until regular clinics open.
  • Language: It is hit-or-miss with English here. Bring your phone with Google Translate ready.

The “Magic Number”: #8000

If your child is sick at night and you aren’t sure if you need to go to the ER or if it can wait until morning, dial #8000. This connects you to a pediatric nurse or doctor (available 7 PM to 7 AM on weekdays, and weekends).

  • Note: Service is usually in Japanese. If you don’t speak Japanese, use the Interpretation service below.

Fukuoka City Medical Interpreting Call Center

This is a resource very few people know about, but it is gold. Phone: 092-286-9595 They offer 24/7 telephone interpretation in English (and many other languages). You can call this number, and they will interpret between you and the Japanese doctor or pharmacist. We have used this twice, and it de-escalated a very stressful situation instantly.

Practical Tips for Visiting a Doctor in Fukuoka

1. The “Medicine Notebook” (O-Kusuri Techo)

In Japan, you receive a small notebook called an O-Kusuri Techo. Every time you get a prescription, the pharmacist puts a sticker in it. Bring this to every appointment. It helps the doctor see what your child has taken recently, preventing drug interactions. We keep ours in the same pouch as our insurance cards and Using IC Cards in Fukuoka with Kids: Easy Transport for Family Travel (Sugoca/Nimoca cards), so we never forget it.

2. Shoes Off

Almost all clinics require you to take off your shoes at the entrance and wear provided slippers.

  • Parent Hack: My youngest hates the slippers (they are too big and she trips), so we always bring a pair of thick socks for her to wear inside.

3. The “Honyaku” Reality

Even at an “English-speaking” clinic, the receptionist might not speak English. Don’t be shy about using a translation app (like DeepL or Google Translate). Type out your child’s symptoms before you leave the house:

  • Fever (38.5°C)
  • Coughing at night
  • Rash on stomach Showing this screen to the receptionist saves everyone time and confusion.

A Note on “Bedside Manner”

Back in Michigan, our pediatrician was high-energy and chatty. In Japan, doctors can sometimes seem more reserved or quiet. It doesn’t mean they aren’t listening or don’t care; it’s just a different cultural style of professionalism.

Our eldest daughter actually prefers the quieter Japanese style—she finds it less overwhelming. Our youngest? Well, she usually needs a doctor who can move fast before she tries to escape the exam room.

Finding a doctor is like finding a good pair of jeans—you might have to try a couple before you find the perfect fit for your family. Start with the ones on this list, and you’ll be in safe hands.

If you are looking for more ways to make life easier with little ones in the city, check out our guide on Fukuoka with Toddlers & Babies: Stroller-Friendly Spots & Nursing Guide. Stay healthy!