Booking Acupuncture During a Short Trip to Tokyo: What to Prepare Before You Land

Booking acupuncture during a short trip to Tokyo is easiest if you message the clinic before you land: share your travel dates, where you are staying and what is bothering you, and book one to two weeks ahead (or more for weekends). This FAQ-style guide is built from the questions overseas visitors most often ask us at Fuji Wellness, an appointment-only clinic in east Tokyo — what to bring, our opening hours around Japanese public holidays, how to find the bus, what happens at a first visit and who should check with a doctor first.

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Updated October 2026 — reviewed by Sunny Pham Sensei (Lệ Nhật Sensei), Japan National Acupuncture License No. 196186 (鍼師) / 195591 (灸師). Written by the Fuji Wellness team, based locally in Edogawa City, east Tokyo.

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How far ahead should I book?

For a trip of a week or less, we suggest getting in touch one to two weeks before you arrive, and earlier if you need a weekend or public holiday morning, which are the most requested slots. Short stays leave little room to move an appointment, so the earlier you share your dates, the more options you will have.

You can book through our contact page or WhatsApp. Appointments are required; we cannot see walk-ins.

What should I send and bring before my visit?

What to tell us when you book

The most helpful messages include:

Your travel dates and the days and times you are free
Where you are staying (for example Asakusa, Ueno, Ginza or near Tokyo Disney Resort), so we can suggest a realistic route
Your main concerns — for example neck and shoulder stiffness after the flight, lower-back pain or headaches. It is fine to list several; many couples and families send us a list for each person before the visit
Relevant health history, such as past injuries or surgery, pregnancy, or conditions such as diabetes or heart problems
Your preferred language — consultations are available in English, Vietnamese and Japanese

What to bring on the day

Imaging reports. If you have had an X-ray or MRI for the problem, bring the report (a photo on your phone is fine). Visitors on honeymoon or longer trips sometimes bring X-ray results so we can understand a long-standing back or neck issue.
A list of your medications, especially blood thinners, diabetes medication or anything for blood pressure. If you are carrying prescription medicine into Japan, check the Ministry of Health’s rules on bringing medicines before you fly.
Comfortable, loose clothing that can be rolled up above the knee and elbow.
Your accommodation address in case you need help with directions.

Imaging and medication lists help us take a careful history. They do not replace a diagnosis from a doctor.

Booking for two: back-to-back sessions

Couples and friends often book back-to-back sessions so they can travel to and from the clinic together. Honeymoon couples staying in Asakusa, for example, sometimes combine a morning session with an afternoon at Tokyo Skytree or Kameido Tenjin. When you message us, give both names and each person’s concerns so we can plan enough time. For ideas on what to do afterwards, see our east Tokyo one-day itinerary.

When is the clinic open?

Day	Hours
Monday–Thursday	9:00–12:00 and 14:00–17:00
Friday	Closed
Saturday, Sunday	8:00–12:00
Japanese public holidays	8:00–12:00 (morning only)

Japanese public holidays switch to morning-only hours, even when they fall on a weekday. The remaining national holidays in 2026, according to Japan’s Cabinet Office holiday list, are:

Monday, October 12 — Sports Day
Tuesday, November 3 — Culture Day
Monday, November 23 — Labour Thanksgiving Day

For the year-end and New Year period, please check our News page or message us for year-end hours.

How do I find the clinic without getting lost?

Allow a buffer of 20–30 minutes on top of the journey time, especially for your first visit. Taking the wrong train is common: for example, the JR Sobu Rapid Line stops at Kinshicho and Shinkoiwa but not at Kameido, and Kinshicho’s bus terminal is at the South Exit, not the North Exit.

The simplest route:

Take the JR Sobu Line or Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line to Kinshicho.
Leave by the South Exit and go to the bus terminal in front of the station.
Take Toei bus 錦25 or 錦27 for about 15 minutes.
Get off at Komatsugawa-keisatsusho-mae (小松川警察署前) and walk about 3 minutes.

From Kameido, buses 錦25, 錦27 and 亀26 take about 10 minutes; from Ryogoku, the 錦27 runs direct in about 25 minutes. Searching “Fuji Wellness” in Google Maps with “Transit” selected will show live bus times. Door to door, allow about 35–40 minutes from Asakusa, Ueno, Ginza or Tokyo Station, or around 25 minutes by taxi from Tokyo Disney Resort. Full details are in our guide to getting to Fuji Wellness.

If you are running late, send us a quick WhatsApp message so we can adjust.

What happens at a first visit?

Consultation in English (or Vietnamese or Japanese). We ask about your concerns, history, medications and what you are hoping for, and look at any reports you brought.
Assessment and explanation. Sunny Pham Sensei explains the suggested approach and answers your questions before anything starts. You can say no to anything at any time.
Treatment. Japanese-style acupuncture uses fine, single-use sterile needles; moxibustion (warmth) may also be suggested.
Aftercare tips for the rest of your trip, such as pacing walking days.

The NCCIH notes that acupuncture has relatively few reported complications when performed by trained practitioners using sterile needles, and that research suggests it may help some people with certain pain conditions such as back or neck pain. Results vary, and we do not promise outcomes. Before your visit you can also read about our clinic and our English-speaking acupuncture service.

Payment and cancellations

Price: the first visit is ¥5,500.
Insurance: we do not currently accept health insurance. If you have travel insurance, check with your insurer whether acupuncture is covered.
Payment methods: please ask when you book which payment methods are available. JNTO’s medical guide for visitors notes that many smaller clinics in Japan are cash only, so it is wise to carry some cash in Japan generally.
Changing or cancelling: plans change on short trips. If you need to cancel or move your appointment, please message us as early as you can so the slot can go to another visitor.

Who should consult a doctor first?

Acupuncture is not a substitute for medical care. Please see a doctor before booking — or instead of booking — if you have:

Sudden, severe or unexplained pain, or pain after a fall or accident
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain and swelling in one leg after a flight — call 119 if severe
Numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control
Fever, or signs of infection
A bleeding disorder or you take blood thinners (tell us either way)
A pacemaker or other implanted device, or you are pregnant (tell us before booking)

For help finding an English-speaking doctor, the Tokyo Metropolitan “Himawari” service on 03-5285-8181 answers in English every day from 9:00 to 20:00. Our post on neck and shoulder stiffness after a long flight explains warning signs in more detail.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book acupuncture in Tokyo for a short trip?

For a stay of a week or less, contact the clinic one to two weeks before you arrive, and earlier if you want a weekend or public holiday morning. Sharing your dates and concerns in advance makes it much easier to find a time that fits your itinerary.

Is Fuji Wellness open on Japanese public holidays?

Yes, but only in the morning. On public holidays the clinic is open from 8:00 to 12:00, the same as Saturdays and Sundays. The remaining 2026 holidays are October 12, November 3 and November 23. The clinic is closed every Friday.

What should I bring to my first acupuncture appointment?

Bring any X-ray or MRI reports related to your problem, a list of your current medications, and loose, comfortable clothing that can be rolled up above the knee and elbow. Let the clinic know in advance about pregnancy, blood thinners, a pacemaker or any recent surgery.

Can couples book acupuncture sessions together?

Yes. Couples and friends can book back-to-back sessions so they can travel together. When booking, include both names and each person’s main concerns so enough time is set aside.

Is the consultation really in English?

Yes. Consultations at Fuji Wellness are available in English, Vietnamese and Japanese, so you can explain your symptoms and ask questions in your own language.