Right now, international travel means getting tested for Covid-19. But the Tokyo clinics that offer coronavirus tests and certificates for travellers are rather pricey, with packages starting at ¥20,000. In contrast, the Covid-19 Coronavirus PCR Test Centre Shinbashi offers tests for just ¥2,900 – plus ¥6,000 (excluding tax) for a negative certificate – with test results provided the next day.
This is the most affordable price we've seen so far for a voluntary PCR test in Tokyo. So even if you're not planning to travel, and don't have any coronavirus symptoms, you can still get tested for your own peace of mind without breaking the bank.
Opening this Friday, December 4, the new test centre will operate daily (including public holidays), providing saliva-based Covid-19 tests only. You’ll have to make a reservation in advance (in Japanese only) and if you want a certificate with your negative test result, the centre will provide an online consultation with a doctor from the Medical Corporation Wakokai for an additional fee of ¥6,000. (Note: Be sure to check the rules for your airline and the destination you're travelling to, as some may not accept saliva-based PCR tests.)
The Shinbashi centre is aiming to ramp up its capacity, with a goal of testing 20,000 people daily from January 2021. It even offers test kits for organisations that want to ensure their staff are safe.
Note that you won’t be able to pay in cash; payments can only be made via credit card or digital services such as Line Pay or Pay Pay.
Covid-19 Coronavirus PCR Test Centre Shinbashi is located at New Shinbashi Building 1F, 2-16-1 Shinbashi, Minato, Tokyo. Opening hours: 8am-9pm, Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday & holidays 10am-6pm.
Heading home for the holidays? Check our guide on travelling in and out of Japan as a foreign resident.
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