Prefecture Directory · Hokkaido
Hokkaido 北海道
Hokkaido is Japan's largest and northernmost prefecture, encompassing roughly 20 percent of the country's land area. Sapporo, the prefectural capital, is the main hub for commerce, education, and advanced medical care. The prefecture has a growing population of foreign residents in agriculture, hospitality, and technology sectors.
Healthcare landscape
Hokkaido University Hospital and Sapporo Medical University Hospital are the prefecture's primary advanced-care facilities. Outside Sapporo, regional hospitals in Asahikawa, Hakodate, and Obihiro serve large catchment areas. The Hokkaido International Exchange and Cooperation Center (HIECC) operates a multilingual consultation line and can assist foreign residents with locating medical resources anywhere in the prefecture.
Multilingual medical support
北海道外国人相談センター
公益社団法人 北海道国際交流・協力総合センター（HIECC）
- Phone
- 011-200-9595
- Hours
- 月曜日〜金曜日 9:00〜12:00 / 13:00〜17:00（土日祝・年末年始12/29〜1/3休）
- Languages
- やさしい日本語, 英語, 中国語（簡体字）, 中国語（繁体字）, 韓国語, フィリピン語（タガログ語）, ベトナム語, ロシア語, インドネシア語, タイ語, ネパール語, ミャンマー語
Public health center (保健所)
Hokkaido Prefecture operates public health centers (保健所, hokenjo) across its municipalities. Public health centers manage infectious disease surveillance, maternal and child health programs, and mental health consultation. Contact the prefectural health department or your municipal office to locate the nearest hokenjo.
Emergency numbers in Japan
- Ambulance / Fire: 119
- Police: 110
- Japan Helpline (24-hr English): 0570-000-911
- JNTO Tourist Helpline: 050-3816-2787 (available for medical referrals)
See our emergency guide for full details on calling an ambulance and communicating with emergency services in Japan.
Last reviewed: September 2026