These are the most common questions from our international patients. If you have a different question, you can message us on WhatsApp or by email before booking.
Will I need to undress during the session?
You can keep your clothes on if you prefer. Loose clothing works best — soft trousers and a t-shirt are ideal. If the director needs to look at or touch a specific area, he will explain why and ask your permission first. You can say no at any point. Many patients receive treatment fully clothed.
What if I don’t speak Japanese?
The clinic director, Yusuke Sakata, speaks fluent English. All consultations, treatments, and follow-up messages are in English when you need them to be. The booking system, intake forms, and payment are available in English. You do not need to speak any Japanese to visit OQ.
My English is not fluent. Is that a problem?
No. Many of our international patients are not native English speakers. The director speaks clearly and slowly when needed, and will check that you have understood. You can also write things down, use a translation app on your phone, or send a written message before your visit.
Can I bring a family member or friend with me?
Yes. You are welcome to bring a spouse, parent, sibling, or trusted friend to your appointment. They can stay in the treatment room for the whole session if you prefer. Please let us know in advance so we can prepare a comfortable space.
Can I bring my baby or young child to my own appointment?
Yes. Many parents come with a baby or small child. Please tell us in advance. For longer sessions, it can help to bring a second adult to watch the child, but this is not required.
I have religious or cultural needs. Will these be respected?
Yes. Please tell us before your visit if you have specific needs. We have supported patients with many different needs in the past, for example:
- Female patients who prefer a family member to be present
- Patients who prefer minimal physical contact
- Patients observing fasting periods who need a specific session time
- Patients who prefer to remain fully clothed throughout
- Patients with specific prayer times during the day
We do our best to adjust. Nothing will be done without your permission.
Is osteopathy safe during pregnancy, for children, or for elderly family members?
Yes, when done by a trained osteopath. The director holds a BSc(Ost) from Swansea University, UK, and has worked with pregnant women, newborns, children, and elderly patients for nearly 20 years. Techniques are adjusted for each person’s age and condition. If a treatment is not appropriate for you, we will say so clearly.
How do I pay? What payment methods are accepted?
OQ accepts most common payment methods:
- Cash — Japanese yen only
- Credit and debit cards — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, and most international cards
- Mobile payments — Apple Pay, Google Pay
- QR code payments — PayPay and most major QR payment apps in Japan
If you plan to use UnionPay, Alipay, or WeChat Pay, please send us a short message before your visit so we can confirm. Payment is made at the end of your session. We cannot exchange foreign currency, but ATMs and currency exchange are available near the clinic.
What happens if I am late?
Please contact us as soon as you know — by WhatsApp, email, or phone.
- Less than 15 minutes late: We will try to give you the full session.
- More than 15 minutes late: If another patient is scheduled right after you, we may not be able to see you that day. If the schedule allows, we can give you a shorter session. Please message us so we can check.
Kyoto public transport is reliable, but please allow extra time if you are new to the city. A short message when you realize you will be late helps us plan.
Can I ask questions before booking?
Yes. Before making an appointment, you can send a message through WhatsApp (+81-90-2046-5348), email (oq.kyoto@gmail.com), or our website contact form. The director usually replies within 24 hours. Many international patients send questions first, and we welcome this.
Book your first visit online →
OQ Kyoto · Established February 2007 · Book online · WhatsApp
Frequently asked questions about diversity, international patients, transgender care, and accessibility. For our full statement, see the Inclusivity Statement.
A. Diversity & partner accompaniment
We welcome every person regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or family structure.
Can my same-sex partner come into the treatment room with me?
Yes. Let us know when you book, or just tell us when you arrive. The treatment rooms are fully private, so you can both settle in comfortably.
How should I fill in the “Relationship” field on the intake form?
Use whatever language fits you — partner, spouse, family, friend, or anything else. There is no required wording. If anything on the form feels off, please tell us and we will adjust.
Can same-sex couples receive fertility care?
Yes. We welcome same-sex couples for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum support, regardless of marital status or partnership form. OQ has decades of clinical experience in paediatrics, pregnancy, women’s health, and postpartum care. See our Fertility & conception support page.
Can I specify how I’d like to be addressed?
Yes. Let us know on the intake form or when you book. First name, surname, honorific, no honorific — whatever feels right. You can also share preferred pronouns (he/she/they/etc.) and we will use them.
Can my partner sit in during the treatment?
Yes, partners are welcome in the treatment room if you’d like. For the first visit we usually recommend having the intake conversation one-on-one so we can listen closely, but if that doesn’t feel right for you, please tell us.
I heard OQ is LGBTQ-friendly. Is that accurate?
Yes. A skeleton model holding a rainbow “WELCOME ALL PEOPLE” sign has stood at our entrance since the clinic opened in February 2007. It’s a marker of how OQ has always operated. Full details on our Inclusivity Statement.
Could marital status or family structure ever be a reason to turn me away?
No. We do not refuse care based on gender identity, sexual orientation, family structure, or marital status. The intake form is flexible — adapt it to fit you.
How do I let you know if I need any particular accommodation?
Tell us in advance via WhatsApp (+81-90-2046-5348), phone, the contact form, or the intake form. You can also mention it when you arrive. We’ll do our best to make it work.
B. International patients & English service
Visitors to Kyoto, business travellers, and foreign residents are all welcome.
Can I receive treatment in English?
Yes. Director Yusuke Sakata speaks English fluently and trained at Swansea University, Wales, UK (BSc Ost). The entire visit — intake, treatment, post-treatment explanation — can be in English. See the English homepage.
I’m visiting Kyoto / on a business trip. Can I book just one session?
Yes, visitors and business travellers are very welcome. Common reasons include lower back pain, neck and shoulder tension, jet lag, fatigue from walking, and trouble sleeping. For same-day or next-day appointments, WhatsApp (+81-90-2046-5348) is the most reliable way to reach us.
I live in Kyoto as a foreign resident. Can I become a long-term patient?
Of course. We support patients over many years for pregnancy, postpartum, paediatric, women’s health, and general body care. Everything can be done in English if Japanese is difficult for you.
I live overseas but am visiting Japan. Can I book ahead?
Yes, advance bookings from abroad are welcome. We can also discuss concentrated short-term care while you’re in Japan. Sending us your concerns and dates via WhatsApp ahead of time makes things smoother.
How do I book in English?
Our online booking system SimplyBook has a full English UI. Or simply WhatsApp us and we’ll book the slot for you.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are all accepted. For weekend and holiday sessions, a Stripe pre-payment option is also available.
C. Transgender care
We have clinical experience with body care during hormone therapy and with tension patterns associated with gender dysphoria.
I’m transgender. Can I talk to you about physical concerns?
Yes. OQ does not prescribe or administer hormone therapy, but we do have clinical experience providing body care for transgender patients. We won’t ask about your gender identity or orientation beyond what is clinically relevant. We begin by listening to your own body’s story.
Can you help with physical changes during hormone therapy?
Yes, this is something we work with. Common physical shifts — fluid retention, joint awareness, neck and shoulder tension, sleep changes, breathing patterns, chest tightness or sensitivity, skin sensitivity — can all be supported with whole-body osteopathy. We don’t comment on hormone therapy itself; we support your day-to-day body experience alongside your specialist medical care.
Do you work with tension patterns related to gender dysphoria?
Yes. We listen to your body’s story and work with patterns of tension, restricted breathing, and postural habits. The goal isn’t to “fix” gender dysphoria but to help you feel more at home in the body you’re in. We also work with physical effects from chest binding, postural strain, and breathing restriction.
How do I share my pronouns and how I’d like to be addressed?
Tell us on the intake form or when you book. First name, they/them, no honorific — anything works. You can change your preference at any time and we’ll update it.
Is there a gender field on the intake form? Is it required?
There is one, primarily for clinically relevant reasons (pregnancy possibility, hormone therapy status, etc.). You’re not required to fill it in — you can leave it blank, or share only what’s needed verbally during the intake conversation.
D. Accessibility
We’ll be straightforward about what our building allows and what accommodations we can offer.
Can I come in a wheelchair?
The first-floor treatment room is wheelchair accessible. Director Sakata’s appointments — paediatrics, pregnancy, women’s health, whole-body care — are on the first floor. However, Co-Director Omura’s stroke rehabilitation and gait work are on the second floor, which is accessed by stairs only. If stairs aren’t feasible, please contact us via WhatsApp (+81-90-2046-5348) ahead of time so we can discuss whether Omura can see you on the first floor.
Can I bring my service animal (guide dog, mobility-assistance dog, hearing dog)?
Yes. Per Japan’s Service Animal Act, service animals are welcome, including in the treatment room. Letting us know in advance helps us prepare the bed and waiting area appropriately.
Can a family member come in to assist?
Yes, companions are welcome. If you need help changing, moving, or using the restroom, just let us know — appointments are fully scheduled with generous time, so there’s no rush.
What if stairs to the second floor for stroke rehabilitation are difficult?
Please reach out before your visit. We’ll explore whether Omura can see you on the first floor. There is a handrail but no elevator. With a companion’s support or assistance from clinic staff where possible, we’ll do what we can.
Is childcare available?
Yes — please request it when you book. This is a common arrangement for pregnant or postpartum patients arriving with an older child, and we have experience supporting it.
Question not covered here?
Reach out via WhatsApp, phone, or the contact form — we’re happy to help.
Message us on WhatsApp