Giving Birth in Japan

Introduction

Giving birth in Japan is a well-organised process, and the standard of care is high. This guide covers what to expect from the moment labour begins through to leaving the hospital — including what to bring, how long you will stay, and how much it typically costs.

When to Go to the Hospital

When labour begins, call your hospital first — do not go straight there. A nurse or midwife will ask about your contractions and advise you when to come in. Arrange transport in advance with your partner, a family member, or a taxi.

Signs of labour

• Waters breaking (破水): Call your hospital immediately and go in — even if you have no contractions. Use a clean sanitary pad and do not bathe.
• Regular contractions (陣痛): For first-time mothers, call when contractions are coming every 10 minutes and have been consistent for at least 1 hour. For second or subsequent births, call earlier — around every 15 minutes — as labour tends to progress faster.
• Bloody show (おしるし): A small amount of pink or brown mucus discharge. This means labour is approaching — usually within hours to a few days. You do not need to go to the hospital yet.

What to Bring

Your hospital will provide a packing list (入院準備リスト) at around your 7–8 month checkup — follow their list, as what is provided varies between hospitals. The following items are standard at most facilities:

Documents

• Maternal and Child Health Handbook (母子健康手帳)
• マイナ保険証 (My Number Card registered as health insurance) — or 資格確認書 (Health Insurance Eligibility Certificate) if you haven't set up マイナ保険証 yet. The old 健康保険証 is no longer valid as of December 2024.
• Residence card (在留カード)
• Hospital appointment card or patient ID

For the mother

• Front-opening pyjamas or nightgown — 2 to 3 sets (needed for breastfeeding)
• Nursing bra
• Non-slip slippers
• Toiletries (some hospitals provide basics — check in advance)
• Phone charger

For going home

• Newborn outfit for the baby
• Baby blanket
• Car seat (required if travelling home by car)

Our hospital bag guide goes through the three-bag system Japanese hospitals expect, and the items — postpartum underwear, a donut cushion — that families from abroad rarely think to pack.

Delivery Options

The large majority of births in Japan are natural vaginal deliveries (自然分娩) — this is the standard and assumed default at most facilities. Other options include:

• Epidural birth (無痛分娩): Available at around 30% of maternity facilities in Japan, mostly in major cities. It is not available at all hospitals, and even where it is offered it may only be available during daytime hours. There is typically an additional cost of around 100,000–150,000 yen. If you want an epidural, confirm availability at your hospital early in pregnancy.
• Caesarean section (帝王切開): Either planned in advance or performed as an emergency. Unlike natural birth, a C-section is classified as a medical procedure and is covered by Japan's public health insurance — you pay the standard 30% co-payment on the medical fees.

The Hospital Stay

Hospital stays in Japan are longer than in many other countries. Use this time to get support from nurses and midwives on breastfeeding, bathing your baby, and newborn care.

During the stay, nursing staff will guide you through breastfeeding, nappy changing, umbilical cord care, and bathing your baby. Your newborn will also receive a hearing screening and metabolic screening (タンデムマス検査) — both are standard and free of charge.

Delivery Costs

Natural childbirth is not covered by Japan's public health insurance — it is treated as a non-medical event. The average cost across Japan is around 500,000 yen, though this varies significantly by location and facility. Costs in Tokyo average 625,000–650,000 yen, while rural areas tend to be lower. That national average is close to the lump-sum birth allowance, which is set to cover most of a straightforward delivery. Additional options such as a private room or special meals will increase the total further.

All parents enrolled in Japanese public health insurance (including international residents on National Health Insurance or employer insurance) are entitled to a lump-sum birth allowance (出産育児一時金) of 500,000 yen per birth. Most hospitals participate in the direct billing system (直接支払制度), meaning the subsidy is paid directly to the hospital — you only pay the difference at discharge.

For full details on the birth allowance and how to claim it, see our dedicated article: Lump-Sum Birth Allowance (Shussan Ikuji Ichijikin).