I moved to Japan a couple of weeks ago. Supposedly, this is my motherland, but I have spent little time in Japan since I was a teen. There are so many things I am confused about. I would appreciate your advice on the following:
1. Dental care: How do I find a good dentist in Tokyo? I feel more comfortable visiting an American dentist. Dental hygene is fairly important, including dental cleaning, and stuff like that, but it's a bit horrifying to look at people's teeth here. No offense, but I have to be honest.
2. Health care: Likewise, how do I find a good doctor for my primary physician? I don't mind a Japanese doctor, but I have had some bad experience with them. Maybe I shouldn't expect the same doctor-patient relationship here. To me, my doc is to help me maintain good health, and should be a professional advisor as well. So, I need a doctor knowing that doctors and patients are at the same level, neigher is higher nor lower. I don't obey to a doctor just he/she is a physician.
3. Driver's license: I have driven in the States for over 20 years, but never in Japan. Based on my web search, I would have to take a driving test, which could be tricky. Do you have any tips as to how to get a license with no time?
Other things are more manageable, but have been unpleasant. When looking for a place to live, I see lots of ads saying "Foreigners are OK." I mean.... OMG, it's so sad that they say things like this in the 21st century in the second largest economy. And it takes 3 weeks to get a cash card issued from a Japanese bank. I thought they would give me one on the spot, and I was wrong. But, the purpose of this posting is to seek advice on the above three. So, I would appreciate your practical recommendations, and I don't need personal opinions on those I need help on.
Thanks much in advance!!!
1. Dental care: How do I find a good dentist in Tokyo? I feel more comfortable visiting an American dentist. Dental hygene is fairly important, including dental cleaning, and stuff like that, but it's a bit horrifying to look at people's teeth here. No offense, but I have to be honest.
2. Health care: Likewise, how do I find a good doctor for my primary physician? I don't mind a Japanese doctor, but I have had some bad experience with them. Maybe I shouldn't expect the same doctor-patient relationship here. To me, my doc is to help me maintain good health, and should be a professional advisor as well. So, I need a doctor knowing that doctors and patients are at the same level, neigher is higher nor lower. I don't obey to a doctor just he/she is a physician.
3. Driver's license: I have driven in the States for over 20 years, but never in Japan. Based on my web search, I would have to take a driving test, which could be tricky. Do you have any tips as to how to get a license with no time?
Other things are more manageable, but have been unpleasant. When looking for a place to live, I see lots of ads saying "Foreigners are OK." I mean.... OMG, it's so sad that they say things like this in the 21st century in the second largest economy. And it takes 3 weeks to get a cash card issued from a Japanese bank. I thought they would give me one on the spot, and I was wrong. But, the purpose of this posting is to seek advice on the above three. So, I would appreciate your practical recommendations, and I don't need personal opinions on those I need help on.
Thanks much in advance!!!
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コメント(6)
Hi.first of all,about dentist, actually there are tons of dentist in Japan now.
So,they tend to be kind recently,because too many rival.
you should ask neighbors opinion about dentist.
They should know which is good and bad.
And about hospital. speaking of same level about doctor and patient,you should go to big hospital.
Doctor at his own clinic tends to misunderstand himself. I mean he thinks he is higher position than patient. But doctor at a big hospital is little better ,I think. because they are hired.
Well,It's not always but often.
Anyway,if you dont have many neighbors to ask about that yet,you can check through internet too.
I hope you can live in Japan comfortably. Ty!
So,they tend to be kind recently,because too many rival.
you should ask neighbors opinion about dentist.
They should know which is good and bad.
And about hospital. speaking of same level about doctor and patient,you should go to big hospital.
Doctor at his own clinic tends to misunderstand himself. I mean he thinks he is higher position than patient. But doctor at a big hospital is little better ,I think. because they are hired.
Well,It's not always but often.
Anyway,if you dont have many neighbors to ask about that yet,you can check through internet too.
I hope you can live in Japan comfortably. Ty!
To drive right away you simply need an international permit which you would have had to obtain from the DMV in USA before moving here. If you didn't get that, then it's too late.
Regarding the driving test;
if you have an American drivers license then the written test is 10 questions and done on a computer with English instructions. The road signs on the screen will still be in Japanese as you would encounter them on the roads, but the instructions are both verbal and written in English or a couple of other languages.
As you ay already be wondering, there is a physical driving test for North American drivers as we drive on the "wrong" side of the road. The test is done on an enclosed course at the test center (no public roads) and is a very concise obstacle course. But you will be given the basic layout before the test starts. However, the police office grading you will probably only speak in Japanese unless you specifically make an appointment for an English speaking office (which I don't suggest if you are in a hurry).
I failed the test my first time and barely passed the second time due to very minor errors (ZERO TOLERANCE) such as making my left turn too wide. I heard of others failing for not checking all the mirrors, specifically the giant mirror that sits at the top of a pole at the intersection (Who put that there?)
Before all this, you will have to mail your license to JAF to have it translated.
As for the other questions, there is a free help enter in Tokyo you can call for referrals but I think the notes on #2 (trip) are great advice. Go to a big hospital and ask you neighbor. I visited 3 dentists and the 1 guy recommended the 2nd who in turn advised me to see the 3rd dentist as my teeth (and communication limits) could best be treated by this 3rd dentist. Actually, the 1st dentist mainly catered to children, the 2nd was an older guy with antiquated gear so to chase me away he suggested this younger dentist with fancy cameras and some English speaking skills. So, be brave and ASK around town.
Regarding the driving test;
if you have an American drivers license then the written test is 10 questions and done on a computer with English instructions. The road signs on the screen will still be in Japanese as you would encounter them on the roads, but the instructions are both verbal and written in English or a couple of other languages.
As you ay already be wondering, there is a physical driving test for North American drivers as we drive on the "wrong" side of the road. The test is done on an enclosed course at the test center (no public roads) and is a very concise obstacle course. But you will be given the basic layout before the test starts. However, the police office grading you will probably only speak in Japanese unless you specifically make an appointment for an English speaking office (which I don't suggest if you are in a hurry).
I failed the test my first time and barely passed the second time due to very minor errors (ZERO TOLERANCE) such as making my left turn too wide. I heard of others failing for not checking all the mirrors, specifically the giant mirror that sits at the top of a pole at the intersection (Who put that there?)
Before all this, you will have to mail your license to JAF to have it translated.
As for the other questions, there is a free help enter in Tokyo you can call for referrals but I think the notes on #2 (trip) are great advice. Go to a big hospital and ask you neighbor. I visited 3 dentists and the 1 guy recommended the 2nd who in turn advised me to see the 3rd dentist as my teeth (and communication limits) could best be treated by this 3rd dentist. Actually, the 1st dentist mainly catered to children, the 2nd was an older guy with antiquated gear so to chase me away he suggested this younger dentist with fancy cameras and some English speaking skills. So, be brave and ASK around town.
trip, thanks much.
I'm moving to a new apartment in Tokyo, and living by myself for the first time in Japan. It's ironic that i speak perfect Japanese and I look very Japanese, but I don't know much about my motherland. I was picturing more like what i had in the States but, I have to realize this is Japan. I'll just ask around. There are lots of gaijin at my new work place, and they might be able to help me. i shouldn't undermine the gaijin network.
I'm moving to a new apartment in Tokyo, and living by myself for the first time in Japan. It's ironic that i speak perfect Japanese and I look very Japanese, but I don't know much about my motherland. I was picturing more like what i had in the States but, I have to realize this is Japan. I'll just ask around. There are lots of gaijin at my new work place, and they might be able to help me. i shouldn't undermine the gaijin network.
Pancho,
oh, you are the best, man!
many thanks. I was getting a bit insecure, not being able to drive, not being able to do this and that and blah, blah, blah.... My independence was at risk, that's what i felt. I do speak perfect Japanese, but i don't understand what they say in this country, and shit happens. Maybe the non-verbal communication is what I still have to get used to.
I might go back to the States on summer vacation and get an international license, but that still is a temporary one, anyway, and won't function as a piece of ID here. I'll just get everything done, rather than procrastinating.
True, it took me a couple of years to find the dentist that I really felt comfortable with in the States, anyway.
Thanks for bailing me out.
oh, you are the best, man!
many thanks. I was getting a bit insecure, not being able to drive, not being able to do this and that and blah, blah, blah.... My independence was at risk, that's what i felt. I do speak perfect Japanese, but i don't understand what they say in this country, and shit happens. Maybe the non-verbal communication is what I still have to get used to.
I might go back to the States on summer vacation and get an international license, but that still is a temporary one, anyway, and won't function as a piece of ID here. I'll just get everything done, rather than procrastinating.
True, it took me a couple of years to find the dentist that I really felt comfortable with in the States, anyway.
Thanks for bailing me out.
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