Cardiology in Tokyo

Cardiology is a branch of medicine concerned with disorders of the heart. It is the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of such conditions as heart failure, coronary artery disease, congenital heart defects, and much more. Doctors who specialize in this branch of internal medicine are known as a cardiologist.

What Does Cardiology Involve?

Cardiology involves tests, including electrocardiogram to record the electrical activity of the heart, exercise test to see the changes of heart rhythm, echocardiogram that provides an ultrasound picture showing the structure of the heart, and cardiac catheterization to collect data and help relieve a blockage. There are numerous different treatments within cardiology for various different heart disorders, such as valvuloplasties, angioplasties, stenting, congenital heart defect corrections, as well as coronary thrombectomies. Nearly all treatments for heart diseases are major surgery and are performed under general anesthetic. 

How Long Should You Stay in Tokyo?

Your length of stay in Tokyo depends on which procedure you underwent. In general, you need to stay in the hospital for several days and also to stay in the country for an additional fourteen days or until your cardiologist allows you to travel home.

How Long is the Recovery Time?

The recovery period can be different from one person to another, depending on your overall health and any complications. You should expect to progressively regain your energy and go back to your normal activity level in about four to eight weeks after treatment, particularly following surgical treatments. 

What Aftercare Should You Consider?

You may need to attend regular follow-up appointments, either with your cardiologist in Tokyo or in your home country. You must make some lifestyle adjustments after you recover, including eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, stop smoking, and limit your alcohol intake, to prevent future heart disease or complications. Your cardiologist may recommend you to get a cardiac rehabilitation, which will improve your health after treatment and help you recover after surgery.

What is the Success Rate for Cardiology?

Generally, the success rate depends on the specific procedure and your specific condition. Cardiology has helped millions of people around the world and if performed by experts, the risk of serious complications is very low. However, just like any other treatment, there are some risks to be aware of, such as bleeding, stroke, heart rhythm problems, blood clots, infection, valve dysfunction, and death.

Are there Alternatives to Cardiology?

Those who suffer from heart disorders do not have any other alternatives besides going to a cardiologist. However, if you do not want to undergo surgery or take any medication, you need to talk to your surgeon for the best alternative for your specific case.

What Should You Expect Before and After the Procedure?

Disorders of the heart can be dangerous, life-threatening, cause painful symptoms, and interfere with your ability to perform daily activities. After you have been treated by a cardiologist, you may be cured of your disease and your symptoms are relieved. 

Cardiology in and around Tokyo

About Tokyo

Tokyo is Japan’s capital. It is one of the 47 prefectures of the country. There are over 13.9 million people estimated to live there. The capital is a giant metropolis that offers tourists the chance to indulge in the traditional Japanese culture, eat in one of its delicious restaurants, or learn more about modern life. One of the most popular sights in Tokyo is the cherry blossoms that fill the streets and parks with pink petals in Spring. The soft pink petals are an icon of the country.

Among the 30 million people who traveled to Japan in 2018 are medical tourists. With a vast range of high-quality medical services and facilities, Tokyo has a large contribution to the country’s growing medical tourism. it has numerous public and private hospitals that offer outstanding healthcare. These hospitals are equipped with cutting-edge medical technology and highly qualified doctors. Many doctors and medical professionals speak fluent English.

As Japan was ranked the highest in five-year survival rates of lung cancer and esophagus cancer patients from 2010 to 2014, the most sought-after medical procedure is Tokyo oncology treatments. There are many medical facilities in the area that are JCI-accredited and offers a wide range of treatments including Breast Augmentation procedures.

Popular Areas in Tokyo

Tokyo is sprawling with many extraordinary attractions and sights. It is the perfect mixture of traditional and modern. From temples, shrines, futuristic infrastructure, robot restaurants, booming nightlife, nature to anime, all coexist peacefully here.

To see a beautiful city view, climb up the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and Tokyo Tower. Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, and learn more about the history and traditions. The temple is surrounded by numbers of Japanese restaurants that serve authentic dishes including Sushi, Tempura, and Sukiyaki. Tourists can also try a variety of traditional activities like wearing a Kimono dress.

Not far from Asakusa is Ueno, where one of the biggest parks in Tokyo is located. Ueno Park is the perfect place to spend a beautiful day. The park consists of a zoo, museums, historical monument, and green spaces. To try out Tokyo’s futuristic and modern side, come to the first digital art museum in the world, MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM — teamLab Borderless. Experience a unique interactive art with the latest technology and immerse in multiple digital art exhibitions.

Shopping is also one of the main attractions in Tokyo. Tourists most favorite places to shop are Ginza, Nakamise Shopping Street, as well as Takeshita Street and Omotesando in Harajuku. For anime or Disney fans, attractions such as Ghibli Museum, Fujiko F Fujio Museum, Pokemon Center, Tokyo One Piece Tower, Nakano Broadway, Akihabara, Tokyo Disneyland, and Tokyo Disney Sea are some of the best places to visit.

Weather and Climate in Tokyo

Tokyo is a year-round destination because it has temperate weather with four distinct seasons.

• Summer is hot and humid with an average temperature of 21 to 32 °C. Sometimes it can get as high as 40 °C. this season starts in June and ends in August. June sees a lot of rainfall while August is the start of typhoon season.
• Autumn lasts from September to November. The typhoon season peaks in November. The weather during this season is mild with less humidity. It is pleasantly warm in October, making it one of the best times to travel in Tokyo.
• Winter comes in December and lasts until February. The weather is dry and sunny with an average temperature of around 2 °C to 12 °C. The temperature rarely drops below 0 °C. There is very little snow in Tokyo.
• Spring starts in March to May. The temperature increases gradually during this season, with an average of 13 °C in the afternoon and 5 °C in the morning and evening. The sky is mostly clear during this season and it is also one of the best times to visit Japan because of the cherry blossoms.

Getting Around in Tokyo

Located around 60km east of central Tokyo, Narita International Airport is the main international gateway to Tokyo. The airport serves both domestic and international flights to almost every major city in the world. Budget airlines such as Jetstar Japan, Peach, and Eastar Jet operates flights from this airport.

Rail, bus, taxi, or car rental are available for tourists to reach the city center from Narita Airport. There are several train types to choose from. The Main Line (regular commuter train) in Keisei Line is the most affordable one, it costs around ¥1,190 to ¥1,230 ($10 to $11.3) and it connects with the Toei Asakusa Subway Line and the Yamanote Line. For faster travel, choose the Skyliner train that takes only 36 minutes to Nippori. This train costs around ¥2,470 ($22.7). There is another train known as the Sky Access Express train that offers better access to Tokyo. A trip to Asakusa takes about 58 minutes and costs around ¥1,290 ($11.9).

A taxi might not be the best option since it’s very expensive, it usually costs over ¥20,000 ($184) from Narita Airport to Tokyo. The more affordable option is the shared minibus which cost ¥6,180 ($57) per person. Buses are comfortable, the Limousine Bus costs around ¥2,880 ($26.5) and the Tokyo Shuttle costs around ¥900 ($8) to ¥1,000 ($9).

Tokyo is served by one of the best public transport systems in the world. Trains and subways are the best way to get around the city. It is the cheapest and fastest mode of transportation. Taxis are easily available and can be hailed on the street except in areas like Ginza, where taxis are only allowed to stop in taxi stands. The base fare is ¥430 ($4) for the first 1.5 km and ¥80 ($0.7) for every 237 meters.

Tourist Visas in Tokyo

Japan allows citizens of 68 countries and territories to stay in the country for up to 90 days. Citizens of Indonesia, Brunei, and Thailand are granted a 15-day visa-free trip. The country has a visa for a medical stay that grants long-term stays to medical tourists and approval for visa holders to travel back and forth between their home countries and Japan. Foreign visitors who visit Japan on tourist visas can also receive medical services, except for long-term therapies and surgeries that require more than three months.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Japanese Yen (¥). There is around ¥111 per $1.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available and can be found in post offices or convenient stores (especially 7-Eleven). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops but it is advisable to always bring cash. Tipping is optional.
3. Local Language: Japanese is the official language. Most people speak limited English but many restaurant menus and signs are written in both Japanese and English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The main religion is Shintoism and Buddhism. There is a small group of Christians in the city.
5. Public Holidays: There are sixteen major public holidays in Japan. The city hosts annual festivals including Fuji Matsuri, Hinode Matsuri, and Tenno Matsuri.