RResidents in Japan

Looking for advice with going to Doc – just moved

  • September 10, 2025

Hello!

I am at my wits end with how my body is feeling so I wanted some advice on how the healthcare system is and what sort of experiences other people have had since living in Japan. For context, I was here as a tourist for 6 months until May, and then came back on a WHV at the end of July – I live with my bf who is Japanese.

When I came over the first time, I started to get a few issues with going to the toilet – I barely was able to by the end of the tourist visa. I know this has been touched on a few times in this sub but instead of going and buying more random laxatives etc from the pharmacy, I wonder who is actually best to speak to about this.

Things I have tried:

  1. Colac – gave me the opposite and was awful and painful

  2. Magmitt – doesn't really help

  3. Eating more fruit and veg and not eating rice etc

  4. Going to an english speaking clinic and getting an x ray (just showed backup) and getting prescribed something I can buy from pharmacy anyway

  5. Went to hospital clinic thing (Japanese speaking) and she palpated my stomach and said I am absolutely fine. I requested further testing or CT scan and they said they didn't want to because I am a young woman (?)

  6. Leaving Japan (this actually somehow sorted the issue and I felt alot better and became regular but wasn't solved completely)

  7. GP appt in UK before coming back (fit test and some other test) was fine

I definitely have a slight bit (alot) of anxiety about this, and want to sort it. If anyone has dealt with this same issue and found a more permanent solution to their diet or recommended clinics, I would be very grateful to know. I am based in Tokyo! Although, after going to two clinics and not really discovering much, I am wondering whether it is worth pushing more and getting another appt or just accepting it probably is a change of routine / anxiety thing.

Right now, daily life feels pretty hard and tiring and I feel drained with all of it tbh. I would be thankful if anyone has any advice they can offer 🙂 I also apologise for any tmi haha.

by notionunicorn23