Your First Visit
This page explains what to bring, what will happen, and how we manage the language difference.
About language
Our doctor speaks English. You can explain your symptoms in English and hear the diagnosis and treatment plan in English, directly — this is the part of the visit where being understood matters most.
Our reception and nursing staff do not speak English. Check-in, the medical history form and payment are handled with a translation app, which works well but takes a little longer.
Written documents — the history form, certificates, referral letters and prescriptions — are in Japanese.
A few things make the visit smoother:
- Write down your symptoms before you arrive: when they started, what makes them worse, and anything you have already taken. This helps at reception, before you see the doctor.
- Bring the packaging or a photo of any medicine you are currently taking.
- If you are bringing a child, note their vaccination history if you have it.
We are not able to arrange interpreters. If you would prefer one present, please arrange it yourself before you come.
What to bring
My Number card used as an insurance card, a certificate of eligibility, or a health insurance card. If you do not have Japanese insurance, please see the section below.
If you have one — for example a child medical subsidy certificate issued by your city.
Your okusuri-techo, or a photo of the medicines you are taking.
Required for childhood vaccinations and infant health checks.
Especially helpful if you do not speak Japanese.
If you do not have Japanese health insurance
You can still be seen. Without Japanese public health insurance, you pay the full cost of the consultation and any medicines yourself.
We will give you a receipt. If you hold travel insurance and need documents to make a claim, please tell us at reception before your consultation — documents we issue are written in Japanese, and some certificates carry a fee.
We cannot bill overseas insurance companies directly.
What happens during your visit
Reception
Show your insurance card, if you have one. You will be asked to fill in a short form about your symptoms and medical history. It is in Japanese — please ask, and staff will help you with a translation app.
Waiting
Please take a seat. Your name will be called in Japanese, so it helps to let reception know if you are worried about missing it.
Consultation
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you. Tests may be carried out if needed.
Payment
Pay at reception by cash or card. If a prescription is issued, take it to a pharmacy — the nearest ones are close to the clinic.
When you need a hospital
We are a neighbourhood clinic. If your condition needs specialist care, testing we do not have, or admission to hospital, we will refer you to a larger hospital nearby. Referral letters are written in Japanese.
Questions before you come?
Please telephone the clinic on 043-486-0200. Calls are answered in Japanese only, so if language is a difficulty, coming to reception in person is often easier — staff will use a translation app with you.
☎ 043-486-0200