For International Patients
外国人の方へ
Our Features
English-speaking Clinic for Tourists in Kyoto | Kurita Clinic
(No Japanese Health Insurance Required)
Feeling unwell while traveling in Kyoto?
Kurita Internal Medicine & Endoscopy Clinic provides medical care for tourists who do not have Japanese health insurance.
We are located in central Kyoto, just a short walk from Shijo-Omiya Station, and can see many patients on the same day depending on symptoms.
Can you see me today?
Yes, in many cases.
-
Mild to moderate symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or fever
Same-day consultation may be available -
Severe pain, heavy bleeding, chest pain, or life-threatening conditions
We may refer you to an emergency hospital
Please note
Colonoscopy (large intestine endoscopy) is not performed on the first visit.
If needed, we will explain the next steps clearly.
Fees (Without Japanese Health Insurance)
We clearly explain fees before any tests or procedures.
For patients without Japanese health insurance:
-
Initial consultation fee: ¥22,000 (tax included)
Additional tests (blood tests, ultrasound, X-ray, etc.) are charged separately
Typical total cost
For most tourist visits, the total cost is typically between ¥30,000 and ¥50,000, depending on symptoms and required tests.
Please note that this is only the initial fee. Additional charges will apply if an endoscopy or other procedures are performed at a later date.
Payment methods
-
Cash
-
Credit cards (availability may vary)
How long will it take?
-
Consultation only: about 30–45 minutes
-
Consultation with tests: about 60–90 minutes
In most cases, you can continue sightseeing after your visit.
How to make an appointment
STEP1
Call us or book online
STEP2
Tell us your symptoms
STEP3
Visit the clinic at your appointment time
What to bring
-
Passport
-
Cash or credit card
-
Travel insurance documents (if you have them)
-
List of current medications (if applicable)
Language Support
-
Basic medical consultation in English is available.
-
Translation apps may be used during the visit.
-
If you require full interpretation, please bring a companion.
-
We aim to communicate clearly and honestly within our language capabilities.
Services we provide for tourists
-
Internal medicine consultation
-
Gastroenterology consultation
-
Gastroscopy (stomach endoscopy) when clinically appropriate
-
Blood tests and basic imaging tests
What is an Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy?
An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible scope with a camera at its tip is inserted through the mouth or nose to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
At our clinic, we use the latest endoscopic equipment also adopted by university hospitals, allowing for highly accurate diagnosis.
During the examination, tissue samples (biopsies) may be taken when necessary, enabling the diagnosis of various conditions.
Procedure Flow of Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
STEP1
The Day Before the Examination
-
Please finish your meals by 10:00 PM.
-
After that, you may drink water or tea, but do not eat anything until the examination is completed.
-
You may take your regular medications as usual unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. If specific instructions have been given in advance, please follow them.
STEP2
Morning of the Examination
-
Do not eat breakfast.
-
Take your regular medications as usual.
-
However, if you are taking medications for diabetes or antithrombotic drugs, you may need to stop them. Please contact us in advance and follow your doctor’s instructions.
STEP3
Visit to the Clinic
-
Upon arrival, we will confirm that you have not eaten breakfast and check your physical condition through a brief questionnaire. You will also be given medication to reduce foam in the stomach.
-
If you request a painless procedure, a sedative will be administered intravenously at this stage.
-
The endoscopic examination will then be performed. The procedure typically takes about 5 minutes from insertion to completion.
-
The examination is conducted on a stretcher. If sedation is used, you will be moved to a recovery room afterward and rest for approximately 30 minutes until you wake up.
-
After the examination, the doctor will explain the results while showing you the endoscopic images in the consultation room.
What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy (colorectal endoscopy) is a procedure in which a flexible tube with a camera at its tip, called an endoscope, is inserted through the anus to examine the large intestine and part of the small intestine.
If polyps are detected during the examination, they can be removed on the spot.
At our clinic, we use the latest endoscopic equipment also introduced in university hospitals, enabling more accurate diagnosis.
Procedure for a Colonoscopy
STEP1
The Day Before the Examination
On the day before the examination, please consume a specially prepared diet designed to minimize residue in the intestines.
Finish dinner by 9:00 PM. After that, you may continue to drink water or tea.
Before going to bed, please take one dose of the prescribed liquid laxative.
If you are taking antithrombotic (blood-thinning) medications, you may need to temporarily discontinue them. Please consult your doctor in advance.
STEP2
The Morning of the Examination
On the morning of the examination, you will begin drinking a bowel cleansing solution gradually from early morning to clean the colon.
Please note that on the day of the examination, you must refrain from consuming anything other than water or tea until the procedure is completed.
STEP3
From Arrival to the Examination
Please arrive at the clinic at least 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
After arrival, you will change into examination clothing. If you request sedation, it will be administered intravenously.
You will then be guided to the examination room and lie on a stretcher, where the procedure will begin.
The endoscope is inserted up to the cecum (the end of the large intestine) and then slowly withdrawn while carefully observing the intestinal lining.
If polyps are removed, the procedure may take slightly longer, but it generally lasts about 15–30 minutes.
After the examination, you will be moved to a recovery room on the stretcher and asked to rest for approximately 30 minutes until you are fully awake.
Once the examination is completed, the doctor will explain the results in the consultation room while reviewing the endoscopic images.
Colonoscopy Preparation Video (English Version)
Location
Kurita Internal Medicine & Endoscopy Clinic
-
2-minute walk from Shijo-Omiya Station
-
About 10 minutes by taxi from Kyoto Station (traffic dependent)
Our clinic is easy to access from central Kyoto hotels and tourist areas.
Access
62 Ayaomiyacho Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, 600-8383, Japan
If you are coming on foot from Hankyu Omiya Station or Shijo-Omiya Station
Exit through the ticket gates at Shijo-Omiya Station and head up to street level via Exit 2 (toward Hankyu Omiya Station).
Turn south on Omiya-dori (toward Kyoto Municipal Rakuyu Junior High School) and walk straight ahead.
After crossing Ayanokoji-dori, you will see Kyoto Municipal Rakuyu Junior High School on your right.
Next to the junior high school is Shijo-Omiya Pharmacy, and our clinic is located on the first floor of the building right beside it.
Important Notice
Availability of same-day appointments depends on patient volume and medical condition.
We appreciate your understanding.
FAQ for Tourists
(Without Japanese Health Insurance)
Q1. Can I visit the clinic without an appointment?
Yes, walk-in visits are accepted, depending on availability and your medical condition.
However, to reduce waiting time, we strongly recommend calling or booking online in advance, especially during busy hours.
Q2. How much will it cost if I don’t have Japanese health insurance?
For patients without Japanese health insurance:
-
Initial consultation fee: ¥22,000 (tax included)
-
Additional tests (blood tests, imaging, etc.) are charged separately
In most cases, the total cost ranges from ¥30,000 to ¥50,000, depending on your symptoms.
We always explain the estimated cost before performing tests or procedures.
Q3. Can I get an endoscopy on the same day?
-
Gastroscopy (stomach endoscopy): May be possible if medically appropriate
-
Colonoscopy (large intestine endoscopy): Not performed on the first visit
If an endoscopy is needed, we will explain the safest and most appropriate schedule for you.
Q4. Do you provide medical care in English?
We provide basic medical consultation in English.
Simple explanations are available, and translation apps may be used if needed.
If you require full interpretation or complex discussion, please bring an English-speaking companion.
Q5. Can I use my travel insurance at the clinic?
We do not directly process overseas travel insurance claims.
However, we can issue standard medical receipts, which you may submit to your insurance company yourself.
Please check the claim procedure with your insurance provider.