Living in Japan as an expat or foreign resident comes with many rewards — but navigating the healthcare system in a second language is not one of them. If your employer has asked you to get an annual health checkup (kenkou shindan, 健康診断), or you simply want to stay on top of your health, finding a clinic that conducts the entire process in English can feel like a challenge.
\n\n\n\nJapan’s workplace health checkup system is one of the most comprehensive in the world, but the paperwork, instructions, and results are almost always in Japanese. Many foreign residents end up postponing their checkups — or skipping them entirely — because they don’t know where to go or what to expect.
\n\n\n\nAt SAKURA International Clinic Asakusa, we provide full health checkups in English, from the initial consultation through to the final results report. Whether you need a company-mandated annual checkup or a voluntary screening, our multilingual medical team will guide you through every step.
\n\n\n\nOur Health Checkup Menu
\n\n\n\nOur standard health checkup covers all the items required under Japan’s statutory health examination (ippan kenkou shindan) and is designed to meet the requirements of most employers operating in Japan.
\n\n\n\nBasic Health Checkup – What’s Included
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- Medical interview (monshin) — A doctor will review your medical history, lifestyle habits, and any current concerns — entirely in English. \n\n\n\n
- Physical measurements — Height, weight, BMI, and waist circumference. \n\n\n\n
- Blood pressure measurement — Systolic and diastolic readings. \n\n\n\n
- Vision test — Standard visual acuity screening. \n\n\n\n
- Hearing test — Audiometry at 1,000 Hz and 4,000 Hz. \n\n\n\n
- Urinalysis — Screening for sugar, protein, and occult blood. \n\n\n\n
- Blood tests — Complete blood count (CBC), liver function (AST, ALT, gamma-GTP), lipid panel (LDL, HDL, triglycerides), fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c. \n
Optional & Advanced Examinations
\n\n\n\nFor examinations that require specialized equipment — such as ECG (electrocardiogram), chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, or gastroscopy — we can provide a referral letter (紹介状) to a partner hospital with English-speaking staff. The referral letter fee is ¥11,000.
\n\n\n\nIf your employer requires specific tests beyond our basic panel, please let us know when you book your appointment and we will advise on the best course of action.
\n\n\n\nUnderstanding Japan’s Health Checkup System
\n\n\n\nJapan has one of the most structured preventive healthcare systems in the world. If you’re new to the country, here’s a quick overview of how health checkups work.
\n\n\n\nStatutory Health Checkups (法定健診)
\n\n\n\nUnder Japan’s Industrial Safety and Health Act (Roudou Anzen Eisei Hou), employers are legally required to provide health checkups for all employees. There are two main types:
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- Pre-employment checkup (雇入れ時健診) — Required before or shortly after starting a new job. Covers 11 standard items including blood tests, urinalysis, and chest X-ray. \n\n\n\n
- Annual checkup (定期健診) — Required once a year for all employees. The scope depends on the employee’s age and job type, but typically mirrors the pre-employment checkup. \n
If you work for a company in Japan — whether Japanese or foreign-owned — your employer is obligated to arrange (and usually pay for) these checkups. However, many companies leave it to individual employees to find a clinic, which is where the language barrier becomes a problem.
\n\n\n\nSpecific Health Checkups (特定健診 / メタボ健診)
\n\n\n\nIf you are 40 years or older and enrolled in Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) or a company health insurance plan (shakai hoken), you are eligible for a Specific Health Checkup. This screening focuses on metabolic syndrome risk factors — waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipid levels. Your local municipality or health insurer will typically send you a voucher (juken-ken) by mail.
\n\n\n\nNingen Dock (人間ドック) – Comprehensive Screening
\n\n\n\nA ningen dock is a comprehensive, voluntary health screening that goes far beyond the statutory checkup. It typically includes CT scans, endoscopy, tumor markers, and other advanced tests. Ningen dock examinations are conducted at hospitals and specialized screening centers, usually cost ¥50,000–¥150,000, and take half a day to a full day.
\n\n\n\nOur clinic does not offer ningen dock directly, but we can provide a referral to an English-friendly facility if you are interested in a more comprehensive screening.
\n\n\n\nWho Should Consider Our Health Checkup Service?
\n\n\n\nOur English-language health checkup is designed for anyone who lives or works in Japan and prefers to communicate with their doctor in English. Common profiles include:
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- Employees of foreign-owned companies — Your HR department needs English-language results for headquarters reporting. We provide a professionally formatted English report that meets international standards. \n\n\n\n
- Freelancers and self-employed foreign residents — Without an employer to arrange your checkup, it’s easy to let it slip. We make the process straightforward and hassle-free. \n\n\n\n
- Spouse visa holders — If you’re in Japan on a dependent visa and not covered by an employer’s checkup program, you can still take proactive steps to monitor your health. \n\n\n\n
- Working holiday visa holders — A quick health checkup before or during your stay gives you peace of mind, especially if you plan to work in physically demanding roles. \n\n\n\n
- International students — Some universities require health checkup results as part of enrollment. Our English report is accepted by most institutions. \n
How It Works – From Booking to Results
\n\n\n\nGetting a health checkup at our clinic is a simple, streamlined process. Here’s what to expect:
\n\n\n\nStep 1: Book Your Appointment
\n\n\n\nContact us via WhatsApp on WhatsApp or through our online booking form. Let us know if your employer requires any specific test items so we can prepare in advance. Morning appointments are recommended, as some blood tests require fasting.
\n\n\n\nStep 2: Visit the Clinic
\n\n\n\nSAKURA International Clinic Asakusa is located 1 minute on foot from Asakusa Station. Bring your health insurance card (if applicable), photo ID, and any checkup voucher provided by your employer or municipality. Please fast for at least 8 hours before your appointment if blood glucose testing is included.
\n\n\n\nStep 3: Consultation & Examination (60–90 minutes)
\n\n\n\nThe entire process — from check-in to the final consultation — is conducted in English. A doctor will review your medical history, perform the physical examination, and collect samples for lab analysis. Most checkups are completed within 60 to 90 minutes.
\n\n\n\nStep 4: Receive Your Results (English Report)
\n\n\n\nYour results will be compiled into a comprehensive English-language health report. This report includes all test values, reference ranges, and the doctor’s interpretation. Results are typically available within 5–7 business days and can be sent to you digitally or picked up in person.
\n\n\n\nStep 5: Follow-Up & Referral (If Needed)
\n\n\n\nIf any results require further investigation, our doctor will explain the findings and, if necessary, provide a referral letter (紹介状) to a specialist or hospital. The referral letter is available in English and costs ¥11,000.
\n\n\n\nPricing
\n\n\n\nOur health checkup is priced at a flat rate with no hidden fees:
\n\n\n\n| Item | Price (tax included) |
|---|---|
| Standard Health Checkup (all items included) | ¥55,000 |
| English Health Report | Included |
| Referral Letter (if needed) | +¥11,000 |
The ¥55,000 fee is all-inclusive — it covers the medical interview, all physical measurements, blood tests, urinalysis, and the English-language results report. No additional consultation fees apply. Payment can be made by credit card, debit card, or cash.
\n\n\n\nDepending on your insurance plan and employer arrangement, some or all of the cost may be reimbursable. Please check with your company’s HR department or health insurer for details.
\n\n\n\nCorporate & Group Health Checkups
\n\n\n\nAre you an HR manager at a foreign-owned company in Tokyo? We offer corporate health checkup programs tailored for international teams.
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- Bulk scheduling — We can accommodate multiple employees on the same day or across a set period. \n\n\n\n
- English reports for every employee — All results are delivered in a standardized English format suitable for overseas headquarters. \n\n\n\n
- Dedicated account coordination — A single point of contact for scheduling, billing, and follow-up. \n\n\n\n
- Compliance support — We help ensure your company meets Japan’s statutory health checkup requirements under the Industrial Safety and Health Act. \n
For more details on our corporate health checkup services, visit our Corporate Health Program page or contact us directly via WhatsApp.
\n\n\n\nFrequently Asked Questions
\n\n\n\nDo I need an appointment for a health checkup?
\nYes, appointments are required for health checkups. This allows us to allocate sufficient time for your examination and ensure that any fasting requirements are communicated in advance. You can book via WhatsApp or our online booking form. Same-week appointments are often available.
\nHow long does it take to receive my results?
\nMost results are ready within 5–7 business days. Once your report is complete, we will notify you by email or WhatsApp. You can choose to receive the report digitally (PDF) or pick up a printed copy at the clinic.
\nCan I get an English-language health report?
\nAbsolutely. Every health checkup at our clinic includes a comprehensive English-language report at no additional charge. The report contains all test values, normal reference ranges, and the doctor’s comments — ready to submit to your employer, insurance provider, or for your personal records.
\nDo you offer ningen dock (comprehensive screening)?
\nWe do not perform ningen dock examinations at our clinic, as these require specialized imaging equipment such as CT scanners and endoscopes. However, we can provide a referral letter (¥11,000) to a partner hospital that offers ningen dock with English-speaking staff. Please ask us for a recommendation during your visit.
\nHow much does a health checkup cost?
\nOur standard health checkup is ¥55,000 (tax included), which covers all examination items and the English results report. If a referral letter to a specialist or hospital is needed, the additional fee is ¥11,000. Depending on your employer or insurance arrangement, some or all of the cost may be reimbursable.
\nBook Your Health Checkup Today
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSAKURA International Clinic Asakusa — 1 min from Asakusa Station
Open every day, 9:00–17:00 | Languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese
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Related Pages
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- Corporate Health Checkup Program \n\n\n\n
- English-Speaking Clinics in Tokyo \n\n\n\n
- Clinics Near Asakusa \n