Tokyo Medical

During my time in Tokyo, I’ve been unlucky enough to have to visit a doctor and dentist. Both of these services, however, were first rate, so I’m passing on their details with my recommendation. If you’re an English speaker and you have a medical need in Tokyo, these are the places to go.

DOCTOR

Tokyo British Clinic

Daikanyama Y Bldg. 2F
2-13-7 Ebisu-Nishi
Shibuya-ku
Tokyo
150-0021

Phone: (03) 5458-6099

Nearest station: Ebisu

http://www.tokyobritishclinic.com

The Tokyo British Clinic is run by English expat, Dr. Symonds. He & Dr. Wan were excellent. It was very easy for me to get an appointment and the receptionists speak fluent English. Bare in mind that you will have to pay (my examination and medicine came to about £100); no NHS here.

Do be aware that, on the map on their site, up does not equate to North, left does. I didn’t realise and got lost for 90 minutes trying to find the place. However, armed with this knowledge, the practice is actually pretty easy to get to from Ebisu station.

DENTIST

Dr. Hitomi Hayashi D.D.S.

Fujimi Dental Clinic
4F Chuo Building 21
1-8-21 Ginza
Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Tel: 03-3563-4022 (English)

Nearest stations: Yurakucho JR (overland) or Ginza Itchome (metro)

http://www.fdclinic.com/english/

I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Hayashi. I’m a nervous patient when it comes to dentistry, having had some awful experiences in the UK, but Hayashi-san was very understanding. Her English is near-native, she explained every single step of what she was doing, was fast, but incredibly thorough (I was numbed, drilled, root canaled, filled and fitted with a temporary resin cap in under 90 minutes and felt no pain at all) and, on top of that, she’s a really nice, friendly person. We sorted out all the details of my appointment via her email address (on the website) and she even invited me to email her if I have any more problems or questions.

The Fujimi offices are the most stylish dental practice you’ll ever see, immaculately clean and decorated, with calming videos of fish playing on screens all around. The two receptionists and the dental nurse also spoke good English.

Again, be aware that this service doesn’t come cheap, but you get what you pay for and it was the best experience I’ve ever had at the dentist.

Both of the above come with my highest recommendation.