Doctors or Devils: Finding a Clinic in Japan

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Top Photo: valelopardo on Pixabay

It’s every traveler’s worst nightmare: you’ve finally made it to that place you’ve always wanted to get to. Whether it be a short trip or the beginning of a much longer stay, you’re finally there. And then, it happens: you don’t feel well.

And it’s bad enough to the point that a Band-Aid or Tylenol won’t do the trick. You have to go see a doctor. But the bigger hospitals have stopped taking walk-ins for the day & require reservations. So that means you’re either in for a visit with the gentleman on the left, or the guy on the right:

But fear not! For as long as you have an idea of what to expect, visiting a smaller clinic (クリニック) in Japan as not really as imposing as it may seem.

When I first came to Japan, I obviously did not have my insurance squared away yet, and I woke up one day with blood in my eye! It’s safe to say I panicked and cried, thinking I was about to go blind.

The fact that I was alone in a hotel room in Japan during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic made it so much worse. I immediately searched for “blood in my eye” and at least Google didn’t tell me I was about to lose my sight. I managed to find an English-speaking optometrist in Umeda, Osaka who allowed me to visit him without insurance or an advanced reservation.

Many doctors in the bigger cities will speak English or at least make an effort to try some form of English. And they are often, in my experience, kind to foreigners, which makes the visit much easier. I found my doctor with a simple Google search, called to inquire if English-speaking was possible, and if I could drop in on short notice. There was a form to fill out with simple details about my life and daily habits (all in Japanese). I paid about ¥5000 for the visit since I was uninsured, and he reassured me that the blood would slowly go away in the next week.

Recently, I have also been visiting a dentist to have some work done.
I suddenly got a toothache that lasted about 4 days. One Saturday morning it was so intense that I just had to visit a dentist. Upon researching dentists in Japan, I found to my dismay that they tend to close early on Saturdays. A co-worker of mine told me that usually dentists also speak English, but the reviews online said otherwise.

Once again, I looked up dentists in my area and learned there are 2 things I looked for: 1. Ratings and 2. English-speaking ability. As I mentioned before, most dental offices are closed by midday on Saturdays, but I managed to find one about 45 minutes from where I live that speaks English (YAY!) and stayed open quite late. I called to confirm and a Japanese speaker answered, who then gave the phone to an English speaker who turned out to be the dentist himself.

Upon my arrival, they checked my temperature and I had to fill out one of those forms again. Japanese dental procedures are quite different from where I come from. I am normally terrified of dentists, but in Japan it’s relaxing and pain-free. It could just be this specific dentist, but he was gentle and quite patient with all my questions. Turns out I needed a root canal! In the time since, my dentist has always been very attentive and careful not to cause me any pain. If I feel the slightest twinge, he always says sorry.

All in all, when you need to visit any clinic, Google is your best friend. Things to remember: check ratings, reviews and always call to inquire and confirm. I know calling might be a bit scary if you don’t speak Japanese, but they can’t see you over the phone so really there is no cause for embarrassment. When visiting, make sure to carry your insurance card, if you have one, or else you will have to pay the full sum. If the forms are in full Japanese and you are having difficulty, don’t worry! The staff will help you fill it out.

I know the title implied that the doctors here can be devils, but really, it’s quite the opposite. I am ever so grateful for the kindness I have experienced so far. Typically, people are afraid of doctors because of the pain factor, but rest assured you are in good hands if you ever need to visit a doctor while in Japan. They are amazing at what they do and will definitely take care of you. Thanks for reading!

Photo Credits:

Top Photo: valelopardo on Pixabay

Additional images provided by Irasutoya

All other content (text) created by the original author and © 2020 MUSUBI by Borderlink

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Natalia Lalgee

From Trinidad and Tobago
Has just begun the first of many years in Japan!