Egg Freezing & IVF in Japan

Japan attracts many medical travellers from around the world mainly because of its advanced cancer treatments and research breakthroughs in regenerative medicine. The country uniquely incorporates its Kampo traditional medicine methods with modern medical technology. Significant research has been made in the fields of robotics, minimally invasive surgery, and therapy using stem cells. Japanese medical tourism is also making a mark in infertility procedures, cosmetic surgery, and orthopaedics. There are also several medical and physiological Nobel laureates residing in the country.

Japan is world-famous for Proton Beam Therapy used in oncology treatments where radiation only targets cancerous cells and prevents damage to healthy tissues. The list of best hospitals that offer medical tourism services includes St. Luke’s International Hospital, University of Tokyo Hospital, and Osaka University Hospital. Facilities that offer medical treatment to tourists are typically located in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The healthcare system is under the regulation of the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare to provide world-class standards and protocols to residents and medical tourists alike.

Japan is a beautiful destination with a rich history and culture. Visit Kyoto’s gorgeous temples and Tokyo’s iconic Shibuya Crossing, sample food at Japan’s markets or take in awe-inspiring scenery while hiking up Mount Fuji. The gardens of Japan are breathtaking, and one of the finest ones is located in Korakuen. To experience the charm of Japan's bygone era, visit the Nakasendo historic trail or the Gokayama gasshou-zukuri buildings. Go to Chita Bay in August to see the stunning Giant Lantern Festival. Watch a sumo tournament in Nagoya and Tokyo. Medical tourists frequent casual restaurants that are called izakaya, ippin-ryoriya, kappo, and koryoriya to eat Japanese cuisine staples such as rice, ramen, and raw fish. Lastly, experience an onsen/natural hot spring bath in Hokkaido and Yubatake.

You must also be aware of the customs prevalent in Japan society to avoid offending the locals. Speaking of bathing in an onsen, many hot spring resorts, public baths, and swimming pools do not allow tattooed people in. Wearing a swimsuit is also not permitted in the baths. There are also laws and safety measures you need to remember. You must always carry your passport in Japan because you might get asked for it any time of the day, even when you're just heading to the convenience store. Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas outdoors. When riding bicycles, stay on the left side of the road. Pay your respects when visiting temples and shrines. Tipping is not customary. Always take your shoes off before entering a house, ryokan, or temple. The Japanese associate the act of sticking chopsticks into rice with funerals so be sure to avoid doing this while eating.

The Shinkansen is Japan's world-famous bullet train. You can hop on one from Tokyo to reach other cities around the country. The subway makes it easy for tourists because maps, guides, ticket machines, and station names are available in multiple languages. Ticket prices could be steep so plan your routes ahead of time by visiting English-language website guides. Taxis in Japan have doors that automatically open and close so you don't have to do it yourself. Have someone write your destination in Japanese characters and hand it to your driver. This comes in handy because some drivers are not fluent in English. When riding a bus, arrive at the terminal a half hour before the schedule because boarding starts 10 minutes before departure.

The Japanese government strongly supports fertility treatments

The Japanese government exhibits strong support for treatments using assisted reproductive technology and encourages younger people to have children. Providing daycare and a monthly allowance to families with children are just some of its own subsidy programs. It also offers modern fertility treatments such as direct sperm injection into the uterus while the woman is ovulating and using frozen embryos.

Generally, the Japanese workaholic culture is a major hindrance to women who want to be mothers. Data released by the Sumitomo Life Insurance Co. revealed the difficulty that Japanese women face. The majority of them have a hard time pursuing both fertility treatment and their careers. These women hope that Japan society could offer them more support.

Same-sex marriage is prohibited in Japan. In consequence, IVF treatment is also not allowed for queers and unwed women. According to an article in Human Rights Watch, lawmakers in Japan should push for equal access to fertility treatments for all women and the LGBTQ+ community.

Japanese is the primary language while Korean and Chinese are also spoken. The language barrier is probably the trickiest part of having your medical treatments in Japan. Some people in the cities speak English but it's helpful if you use a translation app and familiarize yourself with common Japanese phrases.