Doctors in Hakuba: Where to Go if You Need Medical Care on Holiday
Having a medical emergency while on holiday can be stressful — especially in a mountain town like Hakuba. Whether it’s a skiing injury, flu symptoms, or something more serious, it’s good to know where to go for help.
Here’s an overview of the main medical and healthcare services in Hakuba, including doctors, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and hospitals with emergency departments.
We’ll be sharing more detailed guides about each of these services in upcoming posts — stay tuned!.
Medical Centres and Doctors in Hakuba
There are two main medical clinics in Hakuba that can help with most non-emergency medical issues:
🏥 Shintani Clinic
A long-established, family-run clinic, Shintani Clinic is trusted by locals for its affordable and reliable medical care. Operated by Dr. Shintani and his son, the clinic runs on a first-come, first-served basis — so arriving early is your best bet if you want to be seen quickly.
Things to know before visiting:
💴 Cash only (no credit card payments)
🕓 No appointment necessary
🩻 Imaging available: X-ray, CT, and Ultrasound
🌍 Hakuba International Clinic
The Hakuba International Clinic (HIC) is the newer of the two and is conveniently located between Happo and Echoland. The clinic’s doctors and staff speak fluent English, making it ideal for international visitors.
HIC is well-equipped to handle tourist-related injuries — especially those from skiing and snowboarding — and accepts credit card payments. No appointment is required; simply walk in and wait for the next available doctor.
What to expect:
💳 Credit cards accepted
🕓 No appointment necessary
🩻 Imaging available: X-ray and Ultrasound
💰 Prices reflect international/tourist rates (see Google Reviews for current feedback)
The Inside Word from Peak Sports Physio
We’re lucky to have such high-quality doctors in Hakuba — Japanese medical practitioners are known for their thoroughness and professionalism.
However, one limitation we often see is a lack of ongoing rehabilitation support for common ski and snowboard injuries. At Peak Sports Physio, we regularly treat clients who’ve had knee ligament or cartilage injuries (ACL, MCL, meniscus) that were simply X-rayed, given crutches, and sent home — without a plan for pain management, swelling control, or rehabilitation.
That’s where physiotherapy comes in.
If you’re unsure whether you need to see a doctor, physiotherapist, or both, feel free to visit our clinic, call us, or send us a WhatsApp message. We’re here to help you get back on your feet — and back on the slopes — safely.