In short
- Osteopathy for back pain in central Kyoto, in fluent English with Yusuke Sakata BSc(Ost).
- We look at why your back is under strain — your hips, ribs, breathing and pelvis — not only the spot that hurts.
- First visit 60 minutes. No referral needed. Book online or message us on WhatsApp.
If you’re visiting Kyoto or living here and dealing with back pain — whether it’s a dull ache, a sharp catch when you move, or something that’s been hanging around for months — you’re in the right place.
At Kyoto Osteopathy Center OQ, we offer English-speaking osteopathic treatment for back pain. No need for a Japanese interpreter. Just book online and come in.
- Language: Full English with Yusuke. Basic English with Sota.
- First visit: 60 min — ¥14,300 (Yusuke) / ¥11,000 (Sota)
- Insurance: Not covered by Japanese health insurance
- Location: 2 minutes from Hankyu Omiya Station
What kind of back pain do we treat?
We see a wide range of people. Some have had scans and been told “nothing’s wrong.” Others have a diagnosis but haven’t found lasting relief. A few are visiting Kyoto when a familiar problem flares up.
Common presentations we treat:
- Lower back pain and lumbar stiffness
- Sciatica and radiating pain into the leg
- Disc-related pain (herniation, protrusion)
- Spinal stenosis symptoms
- Postural strain from desk work or long travel
- Back pain during pregnancy
- Pain that keeps coming back despite treatment elsewhere
How does osteopathy approach back pain differently?
Most back pain treatment focuses on the painful area. Osteopathy starts there too — but then asks why that area is under strain.
The spine doesn’t operate in isolation. How your hips move, how your ribs expand when you breathe, whether there’s tension through your diaphragm or pelvis — all of these influence how load is distributed through your back.
At OQ, we work with the body as a whole. That means hands-on assessment from your feet to your neck, not just the spot that hurts. Treatment may involve soft tissue work, joint mobilisation, and articular techniques. The approach is precise rather than forceful — osteopathy is a clinical assessment and treatment process, not a relaxation or wellness service.
The aim isn’t just to reduce your pain during the session. It’s to understand why the pattern keeps recurring and to start changing it.
Infographic
What influences how load is distributed through your back
- 1RibsHow your ribs expand when you breathe.
- 2DiaphragmWhether there is tension through your diaphragm.
- 3BackAll of these influence how load is distributed through your back.
- 4Hips & pelvisHow your hips move, and whether there is tension through your pelvis.
What to expect at your first visit
The first session is 60 minutes.
We’ll spend time listening — what happened, when it started, what makes it better or worse, what you’ve already tried. Then a physical assessment, followed by hands-on treatment.
Everyone responds differently. Some people notice a change after the first session; a pattern that has built up over time usually needs more than one visit. At the end, we’ll give you a clear picture of what we found and what we’d recommend.
You don’t need a referral. Just book online below.
Who will I see?
Yusuke Sakata BSc(Ost) — Ground floor (1F)
Full English sessions available. Specialises in whole-body assessment, cranial osteopathy, and complex or recurring conditions. Also works with pregnant women, infants, and systemic health issues.
→ First visit 60 min ¥14,300 / Follow-up 40 min ¥11,000
Sota Omura PT, MSc — One floor up (2F)
Basic English communication available (uses translation tools when needed). Physical therapist with additional osteopathic training. Specialises in lower back pain, sciatica, hip and knee issues, and post-stroke rehabilitation. Also offers gait analysis.
→ First visit 60 min ¥11,000 / Follow-up 60 min ¥11,000
Frequently asked questions
Is there an English-speaking osteopath for back pain in Kyoto?
Yes. Yusuke Sakata BSc(Ost) conducts sessions fully in English. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Osteopathy from Swansea University, Wales. He has completed EVOST, a five-year postgraduate course in evolutionary medicine in osteopathy at morphologicum in Belgium.
His clinic is on the ground floor (1F) of our building in central Kyoto, easily accessible from Kyoto Station.
Can I see you even if I’m only in Kyoto for a few days?
Yes. Osteopathy works best as a planned course, so ideally we would see you at least twice. In practice, about seven in ten of our international visitors can only come once because of their travel schedule, and many of them tell us they are glad they came. If one session is what your trip allows, we plan it that way and do everything we can in that single hour. Just mention it when you book.
Is osteopathy the same as chiropractic or massage?
No. Osteopathy is a distinct clinical discipline. Yusuke uses high-velocity joint techniques (HVLA) only occasionally and only when they suit you; Sota does not use them. Sessions are not relaxation massage. The focus is diagnostic — understanding why a problem exists — followed by hands-on treatment aimed at restoring function.
Do I need to bring anything?
Nothing special. Wear comfortable clothing if possible. We may ask you to remove shoes or an outer layer for the assessment.
Is osteopathy covered by Japanese health insurance?
No. Osteopathy in Japan is private (self-pay). We don’t accept Japanese public health insurance. Some travel insurance policies cover manual therapy — it’s worth checking yours.
Book your appointment online →
No need to call. No Japanese required. Book online, come to the clinic.
Related pages
→ Back to English top page
→ About Yusuke Sakata
→ Fees & access
Getting to know OQ Step 1 of 6: What’s going on in my body?
NextWhy look beyond where it hurts?
Why your osteopath often works on places that don’t hurt.