Prefecture Directory · Kanto
Tochigi 栃木県
Tochigi Prefecture lies north of Tokyo in the Kanto region, known for Nikko's UNESCO shrine complex, Nasu highland resort area, and a significant manufacturing base including automotive and electronics production. The prefecture has a growing foreign resident population from Vietnam, China, Brazil, and the Philippines concentrated in manufacturing towns. Utsunomiya is the prefectural capital and main commercial center.
Healthcare landscape
Jichi Medical University Hospital in Shimotsuke is the prefecture's most internationally experienced facility and a major teaching hospital for the region. Regional hospitals in Utsunomiya and Tochigi City provide acute and specialist care across the central corridor. TIA21 (Tochigi International Association) operates the Consultation and Support Center for Foreign Residents with human advisors in multiple languages and an 83-language electronic translation system.
Multilingual medical support
Tochigi Consultation and Support Center for Foreign Residents
Tochigi International Association (TIA21) / 公益財団法人栃木県国際交流協会
- Phone
- 028-627-3399
- Hours
- Tuesday–Saturday 9:00–16:00; closed Sunday, Monday, national holidays, 29 Dec–3 Jan
- Languages
- Japanese, English, Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, plus additional languages via electronic translator (83 languages)
Tochigi Consultation and Support Center for Foreign Residents — TIA21 →
International patient resources
Sources include prefecture official pages, JNTO listings, and prefectural hospital associations. Verify language availability directly before visiting.
| Institution / Resource | Source |
|---|---|
| Jichi Medical University Hospital (自治医科大学附属病院) | tia21.or.jp |
| Nasu Red Cross Hospital | aphn.org |
| Okubo Clinic (Mibu-machi) | travelershospital.com |
Public health center (保健所)
Tochigi 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.
Tochigi Prefecture health department website →
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