Thinking of getting LASIK in Japan as a foreigner? You’re not alone — and you probably have a lot of questions. As someone who actually had LASIK in Japan, I’ve put together the 5 most common questions people (especially foreigners) ask before deciding to do it here.

This post is based on my personal experience, plus some helpful facts you might want to know before booking that first free consultation.

1. Can foreigners even get LASIK in Japan?

Yes, definitely! Whether you’re a long-term resident or just visiting Japan, you can get LASIK here as a foreigner. Many clinics in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka are open to international patients, and some even offer free initial checkups.

I had mine done at Shinagawa LASIK Center in Osaka, and there were quite a few other non-Japanese patients there. As long as you bring your ID or passport and follow the instructions, it’s no problem.

2. Is it hard to communicate with the doctors or staff?

Personally, I speak Japanese, so I had no issue communicating during my appointments — everything was done in Japanese. The doctors and staff were very professional and clear.

But if you don’t speak Japanese, don’t worry! At Shinagawa LASIK Tokyo, there are English-speaking doctors available. While it may depend on the schedule, many clinics are used to foreign patients and provide English materials and support to help you understand the procedure.

Tip: It’s always a good idea to call ahead and ask if English support is available on your consultation day.

3. How much does LASIK cost in Japan?

LASIK in Japan is actually quite affordable compared to Western countries. Most procedures range between ¥100,000 and ¥350,000, depending on the type (like basic LASIK or advanced options like Amaris 750S, which I had).

There are often discounts if you bring a referral code (like mine 👀), and initial checkups are usually free.

4. Do I need someone to accompany me on LASIK day?

Yes — or at least, I really recommend it.

I went home alone after my procedure, and honestly, it was rough. My eyes were extremely sensitive to light and painful to open without the painkiller drops, which wore off halfway through my one-hour train ride. I couldn’t open my eyes for long and ended up blinking constantly just to stay comfortable.

If you can, have someone go with you, or stay in a hotel near the clinic so you can rest safely afterward.

5. Is LASIK in Japan safe for high prescriptions?

This was one of my biggest worries. I had -7.0 and -5.5 vision with 1.5 astigmatism, and not all clinics accept high prescriptions. I actually visited a different clinic first that rejected me because they only accepted up to -6.

Luckily, Shinagawa LASIK accepted me after checking my corneal thickness and confirming it was safe. So yes, LASIK is possible for high prescriptions in Japan — but a proper checkup is essential.

Final Thoughts

Getting LASIK in Japan as a foreigner might sound intimidating, but it’s more accessible than you think — and truly worth it if glasses or contacts are holding you back.

If you’re still on the fence, feel free to read more of my LASIK experiences or use my discount voucher to get a discount at Shinagawa LASIK Center. You can fill out the form or send me a message anytime!