Getting a Predeparture Certificate of Negative COVID-19 Test in Tokyo

More and more countries are requiring evidence of a negative SARS-CoV-2 test before you board your flight departing Tokyo. While many assume a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test is needed, the exact requirements vary by country and even by state within a country, so you should check the relevant requirements of the test before you get one. Tests are not free, and your government health insurance does not cover the cost of elective testing, so you’ll be stung for the full amount—with prices ranging from ¥10,000 to ¥48,400. Around ¥32,000 seems to be the most common price point.

If you think you might have contracted COVID-19, you should call your local hokenjo (public health center) to arrange an official government test. You should not go to the following centers (with a few exceptions) if you have symptoms of COVID-19. Additionally, please note that these testing centers are for people LEAVING JAPAN. If you are planning to arrive in Japan, please check our Guide to Arriving in Japan article. If you just want a test and aren’t planning on travel then (as of late Dec 21 / Jan 22) there are now some places to get a free COVID-19 test in Tokyo.

Important points to consider

All the prices below include the cost of the test as well as issuance of a certificate in English that you will need for your flight check-in. If you don’t need a certificate, depending on the center, the test might be slightly cheaper.

We’ve only included in-person testing centers since the certificates are less likely to be rejected than online/do-it-yourself test kits. One provider (even linked to from the the JAL website) overcomes this by doing a video consultation while you’re doing the test, but for the sake of simplicity, we’ve left online tests out.

Before signing up for a test, you should also be very sure that you are getting the right test. For example, some clinics only offer antibody tests (新型コロナウイルス抗体検査) or antigen tests which are not the same as PCR tests. The testing method (saliva/nasal/nasopharyngeal) may be important depending on your destination country. Some clinics specialize in tests for China and Hawaii (two paricularly popular destinations), while others specifically exclude those places—so make sure the test measures up.

Although this might seem rather obvious, don’t leave your test until the last minute—make your booking early. For the cheaper options, there are reports of testing centers being booked out far in advance.

Another consideration is if you are traveling with children. If they require a test and certificate, then you should mention this when you reserve your appointment. If the clinic doesn’t have a pediatrics department, they may refuse to do the test on anyone under 18 years old.

“Fit to fly” COVID test centers in Tokyo

The information below was accurate at the time of publicaton. However, the various clinics may change the details at any time, so make sure you confirm the details with each clinic when you book. Also note that this list is not comprehensive. As of writing, there were approximately 200 clinics just in Tokyo offering tests for SARS-CoV-2. We’ve endeavored to include the ones that have English sites (some below still only have sites in Japanese). We’ve also excluded any clinics with a turn around longer than 2 days.

If you want a much denser list of clinics throughout Japan (without pricing or links), check the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s official list.

Airport testing centers

If you are in an extreme rush or you are leaving urgently, then getting tested at the airport might be your only option. Getting your result may take hours and there may be a wait, so make sure you reserve in advance and turn up very early at the airport so you can get the result before you check-in.

¹We advise extreme caution with this option. It’s intended as a cheap mass-market testing service and we have had reports of their testing centers in Tokyo refusing service to customers intending to board international flights. Also note that their testing centers are in Terminals 1 and 2—the terminals for domestic flights.
²After hours tests and tests without a reservation are ¥46,500

Bunkyo Ward

Chiyoda Ward

Chuo Ward

¹Tests are only done at 8:15 am or 8:30 am on weekdays.

Koto Ward

Meguro Ward

Minato Ward

¹Same day expedited certificate for an extra ¥3,300/person

Nerima Ward

¹Certificate available but cost not listed. Not clear if test price includes consumption tax.

Ota Ward

Shibuya Ward

Shinagawa Ward

Shinjuku Ward

¹Site states that the test is for travel to China.

Taito Ward

¹If you’re an international student in Japan, the fee is ¥20,000

Toshima Ward

¹There might be an extra charge for the certificate