It can be one of the most emotional moments of your life: finding out you’re pregnant or not. If you’re residing in Japan or visiting, the process can be mystifying if you don’t speak Japanese well.
Where to get a Pregnancy Test in Japan? How do you use it? Is it accurate? Can we visit a doctor who speaks English? In this comprehensive post, we will explain everything you need to know about taking a pregnancy test in Japan. Let’s get it.
Where to Buy a Pregnancy Test in Japan
In Japanese, they called it ( 妊娠検査薬 (にんしんけんさやく / ninshin kensa-yaku ) which is a pregnancy test. You can easily buy Pregnancy Test Japan at:
- Drugstores (薬局 / yakkyoku) such as Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, Tsuruha
- Convenience stores (コンビニ / konbini) like FamilyMart or Lawson (less common)
- Internet retailers such as Amazon Japan or Rakuten
When using Pregnancy Test Japan for in-store purchasing, please walk up to the aisle with feminine hygiene supplies (often located near where ovulation kits or sanitary pads are displayed), where you will find boxes of pregnancy test kits.
Unless you ask:
“Do you have a pregnancy test kit? 「妊娠検査薬はありますか？」(Ninshin kensa-yaku wa arimasu ka?)
How Much Do Pregnancy Tests Cost in Japan?
In Japan, generally, Pregnancy test costs are affordable, with prices ranging from:
- ¥400 to ¥900 for a single test
- ¥1,000 to ¥1,800 for a box of two
More expensive tests may offer early detection or digital results about the pregnancy.
Popular Pregnancy Test Brands in Japan
Here are several brands that are most commonly used and trusted:
| Brand | Japanese Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Check One | チェックワン | Very popular, reliable |
| Clearblue | クリアブルー | Digital version available |
| P-Check | ピーチェック | Affordable and basic |
| Dotest | ドゥーテスト | Early detection options |
Most tests are stick-style, though some are digital. Instructions are typically in Japanese (though some brands include English or clear diagrams).
When Should You Take a Pregnancy Test?
One thing I like about the Japanese system is that if you do want to test early, Japanese pregnancy tests are recommended to be used 1 week after your natural period date (生理予定日の1週間後 / seiri yoteibi no isshuukan-go). This results in better clusters. Take the test too early, and you might see a false negative even if you are pregnant.
How to Use a Pregnancy Test Kit in Japan
Here’s how tests work (though always check the instructions):
- Remove the cap from the stick.
- Urinate directly on the absorbent tip for 5–10 seconds
or
Collect urine in a clean cup and dip the stick for 5 seconds. - Wait 1–5 minutes (depending on the brand).
- Check the result window.
How to Read the Result:
- Two lines (陽性 / yousei) = Pregnant
- One line (陰性 / insei) = Not pregnant
- No lines = Invalid test (try again)
Even a faint second line usually means positive.
What If You Don’t Understand the Result?
After Pregnancy Test Japan. If the result and instructions are in Japanese, you may not be able to read or understand them. So here are some common words with English meanings:
| Japanese | Pronounse | English Meaning |
| 陽性 | yousei | Positive (pregnant) |
| 陰性 | insei | Negative (not pregnant) |
| 判定窓 | hantei mado | Result window |
| 尿をかける | nyou o kakeru | Urinate on (the stick) |
| 使用方法 | shiyou houhou | How to use |
| 1週間後 | isshuukan go | One week later (after missed period) |
You can also use Google Translate to instantly translate instructions.
What To Do After a Positive Test in Japan
If you have a positive test result, the next course of action is to visit a doctor or a women’s clinic (婦人科 / clinic) to confirm the pregnancy through a complete blood count test or an ultrasound test.
You can also receive support and inquire about available options. When to See a Doctor:
- 5-6 weeks after your last period
- With earlier visits, you may not hear a heartbeat just yet
English-Speaking Clinics and Hospitals in Japan
If you’re not a native speaker or fluent in Japanese, here are some clinics that offer English support for foreigners:
Tokyo:
- Tokyo Medical & Surgical Clinic (Hiroo)
- Jikei University Hospital International Clinic
- Roppongi Ladies Clinic
Osaka:
Fukuoka:
- Fukuoka International Medical Center
- Kyushu University Hospital (some English support)
Search for:
“婦人科 英語 外国人対応 (fujinka eigo gaikokujin taiou)” – OB-GYN English foreigner support
Or check: Japan Healthcare Info (JHI) – they help foreigners book medical appointments.
Confirming the Pregnancy at the Clinic
The doctor will usually:
- Ask about the date of your last period
- Check and confirm with an ultrasound that you are pregnant
- Describe your possible choices (keep on, abortion, etc. )
- Give you a Maternal and Child Health Handbook (母子手帳 / boshi techo) if you decide to keep the pregnancy
This handbook serves as the universal guide for prenatal care, vaccinations, and birth records in Japan.
Related Vocabulary for Pregnancy Test Japan
| Word | Japanese | Meaning |
| Pregnancy | 妊娠 (にんしん / ninshin) | Being pregnant |
| Test | 検査 (けんさ / kensa) | Test or exam |
| Period | 生理 (せいり / seiri) | Menstrual period |
| OB-GYN | 婦人科 (ふじんか / fujinka) | Women’s hWomen’slinic |
| Positive | 陽性 (ようせい / yousei) | Pregnant |
| Negative | 陰性 (いんせい / insei) | Not pregnant |
| Health insurance | 健康保険 (けんこうほけん / kenkou hoken) | Used to cover part of the cost |
Local Tips for Pregnancy Test Japan
- Always check expiration dates on test boxes.
- Please avoid using the first thing in the morning unless the box recommends it. Most are OK anytime.
- If you’re asking, show the package photo to a staff member.
- Many tests are kept behind counters in some stores; don’t be afraid to ask.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I buy a pregnancy test kit in Japan without a Resident Card or a Passport?
Yes. No ID or prescription is required for a pregnancy test at Pregnancy Test Japan.
Q2. Is a Japanese pregnancy test accurate?
Yes. Most are over 99% accurate if used correctly and after a missed period.
Q3. Are there early detection tests in Japan?
Yes! Brands like Dotest and Clearblue offer 早期妊娠検査薬 (souki ninshin kensa-yaku) for early detection up to 6 days before your missed period.
Q4. Can I take a pregnancy test in Japan as a tourist?
Absolutely. Anyone can buy and use a test. Medical care may require up-front payment if you’re uninsured.
Q5. How much does a pregnancy confirmation at the doctor’s doctor’sound ¥5,000–¥10,000 for the first visit without insurance.
Final Thoughts of Pregnancy Test Japan
Not sure if you’re yet? Taking a pregnancy test in Japan doesn’t have to be overwhelming or terrifying. The majority are accurate, easy to locate, and reasonably priced. With this guide, you now know where to go, what to look for, and how to interpret your results. And if you want more support, Japan has just about as many English-friendly clinics to help.
Do not worry or panic about the result; you are not alone. There are many options, support networks, and services to help you every step of the way.
