Create meetup in Tokyochevron_right
Select a place on the map to change the location.
I want to meet
Verified required?
wants to visit a museum at fmd_goodCity Museum
want to meet at fmd_good Common Place
wants to take a walk at fmd_goodCommon Place
wants to do some sport at fmd_goodCommon Place
wants to take a walk at fmd_goodCommon Place
wants to visit a temple at fmd_goodLocal House
explore Tokyo Guides
bar_chart Trends in Tokyo
How's your experience with these hospitals?
Hatanodai Hospital (HH)
Showa University Hospital (SUH)
Center Hospital for National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM)
Tokyo Metropolitan Hiroo Hospital (TMHH)
For background, I recently visited my gynaecologist to hear about some test results and was expecting to hear treatment plan thru medicine since we were talking about it in a previous session. However, she was worried about a part of the result and she thinks I need to visit a bigger hospital.
Based on my language limitation, she recommended HH and NCGM but considering my location, she also mentioned SUH and HH with a caution about lack of English support but she thinks I can get by with them if I'm okay with my basic Japanese (Unfortunately, I'm not confident with my basic Japanese even if I've been around for a decade.)
She gave me time to do some research and will give me a referral letter after I decide on which hospital.
Based on availability of English communication alone, I'm trying to decided between TMHH and NCGM.
TMHH might be more accessible in terms of commute (45mins vs 65mins)
Based on reddit post, NCGM sounds good as someone shared some details of good experience with NCGM but seemed specific to pregnancy. On the other hand another recommended a specific doctor from TMHH but no details.
Based on info on hospital websites, TMHH seems to have a friendlier schedule for consultation (morning + afternoon as I have preference for afternoon appointments to minimize absence from work). NCGM might have restriction for first consultation to morning.
I'm still in the process of confirming this limitation as there's no support for inquiries on Saturdays.
For other hospitals, I tried calling up SUH to see what I can get as basic information but as expected, it's difficult to make inquiry with my limited Japanese.
If I check Google review, there's a mix. It's a bit scary sometimes to see the negative reviews but what I can summarize so far in addition on what else I could scour on internet:
TMHH good hospital with English support but some emphasis on being an emergency hospital
NCGM good hospital with English support but there seems emphasis on it being a research hospital
SUH is about 10min taxi ride away; a university-affiliated hospital with some positive reputation about obgyn based on research. (I think they're on top 3)
HH location proximity is same as SUH but difficult to find info to let me keep it in consideration
So, I'm trying to collect more info with the idea I'm going for extra consultation with possibility of operation.
Any tips/advice you have on how to do my research better about these hospitals is appreciated.
tldr) need to decide on hospitals recommended by gynaecologist doctor for referral due to findings. I'm trying to collect more info that can help me decide better. At the moment, I am only able to collect very limited info.
ngl i'd lean toward NCGM over TMHH here. the 20min extra commute matters less than being able to actually understand your doctor when they're explaining something complicated, and NCGM's english support is more established for non-pregnancy stuff too. i had a friend go there for a thyroid issue and they had a dedicated interpreter for the whole consultation, not just a nurse who kinda speaks english.
one thing nobody mentioned yet - TMHH being an emergency hospital means they might prioritize acute cases over scheduled referrals. if you need an operation, you don't want to be bumped because someone came in with a heart attack. NCGM is more predictable for planned procedures.
for SUH and HH, honestly your doctor is right to be cautious about japanese. ten years living here and still not confident is a real thing, and medical terminology is a whole different beast. even if you can order coffee you don't want to mishear "cancer" vs "cyst" in a treatment discussion.
one practical tip - call NCGM's international office directly on monday morning. they usually have english speakers who can confirm the first consultation time rules. their website might be outdated on that.
honestly between NCGM and TMHH i'd go NCGM too but for a different reason. the language support at TMHH can be hit or miss depending on which doctor you get, they have an international office but not all the actual physicians are comfortable in english. NCGM's whole deal is that they treat foreign patients regularly so the doctors themselves are used to explaining in english, not just the front desk.
one thing to check though - NCGM's obgyn department can be really busy because they're a research hub. if you need surgery you might wait longer for scheduling compared to TMHH. my coworker waited almost 3 months for a non-emergency procedure there while TMHH got her in within 6 weeks.
the commute difference is real but honestly 45 vs 65 minutes on the tokyo subway is basically the same in terms of mental energy. i'd base it on whether you can get afternoon appointments consistently at NCGM. if they force morning only for first visit, that might be a dealbreaker for work. TMHH definitely does afternoon slots for referrals.
for what it's worth, both hospitals are solid choices. you're not really making a bad decision here, just picking between good options. the referral letter from your current doctor will help a lot with getting seen quickly at either place.
fwiw I've been to NCGM a few times for follow ups and the English support is legit - they have actual interpreters on staff not just doctors who speak some English. the morning only first visit thing is annoying but if you book it early you can prob be out by 10am and still make it to work by lunch
one thing I'd add about TMHH is it's a designated emergency hospital which means they sometimes get really busy with walk ins and your scheduled appointment might get delayed. happened to a friend who waited 2 hours past her appointment time there. NCGM is more structured with appointments since they're more research focused
also check if you need a referral letter from your current doctor - some hospitals in Tokyo won't accept you without one and the process of getting that letter can take a few days. your gynecologist mentioned HH and NCGM so she prob has a relationship with them which means the referral process will be smoother
Things to Do in Tokyo (2026)
Start your Tokyo journey at the Tokyo Tower (4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato), which offers panoramic views from its 150-meter observation deck for 1,200 yen. For a more modern perspec… 🗼 Iconic Landmarks
Start your Tokyo journey at the Tokyo Tower (4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato), which offers panoramic views from its 150-meter observation deck for 1,200 yen. For a more modern perspective, head to the Shibuya Sky observation deck (2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya) for 2,000 yen, open until 10 PM. Both spots are less crowded on weekday mornings.
⛩️ Cultural Temples and Shrines
Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa (2-18-9 Kaminarimon, Taito), Tokyo's oldest temple, open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM. For a quieter experience, explore the Meiji Jingu Shrine (1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya), set in a large forested area and free to enter. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
🍜 Must-Try Food Experiences
Sample authentic ramen at Ichiran Shibuya (1-22-7 Jinnan, Shibuya), where individual booths let you focus on the tonkotsu broth, starting at 1,290 yen. For a unique twist, try conveyor-belt sushi at Uobei Shibuya (1-19-3 Jinnan, Shibuya), with plates from 100 yen. Reservations are not needed, but expect short queues.
🏯 Hidden Neighborhoods
Explore Yanaka, a district that survived WWII bombings, with narrow lanes and traditional shops like Yanaka Ginza shopping street (3-11-1 Yanaka, Taito). For a bohemian vibe, wander Shimokitazawa (Kitazawa, Setagaya), known for vintage stores and indie cafes. Both areas are best explored on foot in the afternoon.
🚇 Getting Around
Use the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway networks, with a 24-hour pass costing 800 yen for unlimited rides on most lines. The Suica or Pasmo IC cards are rechargeable and work on trains, buses, and even vending machines. Avoid rush hour (7:30-9 AM and 5-7 PM) to travel comfortably.
🌃 Best Evening Spots
Watch the sunset from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku), where the free observation deck is open until 10 PM. For nightlife, head to Golden Gai in Shinjuku (1-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku), a maze of tiny bars with a cover charge of around 500 yen. Reservations are recommended for popular bars.
🌸 Seasonal Highlights
Cherry blossom season in late March to early April draws crowds to Ueno Park (5-20 Uenokoen, Taito), with over 1,000 cherry trees. For autumn foliage, visit Rikugien Garden (6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo) in November, lit up at night for 1,000 yen. Check the Japan Meteorological Corporation's forecast for peak dates.
🎁 Unique Souvenirs
Buy traditional crafts at Kappabashi Kitchen Town (3-18-2 Nishiasakusa, Taito), famous for realistic plastic food samples and kitchenware. For quirky gifts, explore Don Quijote stores, like the one in Shibuya (1-16-5 Udagawacho, Shibuya), open 24 hours and offering everything from electronics to snacks. Prices are reasonable, and tax-free shopping is available for tourists.
honestly this is a solid list, you've hit the major spots. one thing i'd add is that the Tsukiji Outer Market is worth a morning even if the inner market moved to Toyosu. the stalls there for tamagoyaki and fresh uni on skewers are unbeatable, and it gets packed by 9am so go early.
for a cheap meal that slaps, try CoCo Ichibanya for curry rice. there's one near basically every station and you can customize the spice level and toppings. it's not fancy but it's a real Tokyo staple that tourists often overlook.
also if you're into temples, the walk from Senso-ji down Nakamise-dori is fun but the side streets in Asakusa have smaller shrines and old-school snack shops that are way less crowded. i stumbled on a tiny place selling matcha soft serve for 350 yen last time and it was better than the touristy ones.