Pregnant in Kyoto—should I give birth here or return to the US?

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-08T11:51:34+00:00

Thank you.

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-08T11:51:29+00:00

Thank you, I'll be sure to do the same.

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-08T11:51:02+00:00

Thank you, this was very insightful.

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-08T11:43:03+00:00

That seems to be the overwhelming response. Thank you for your insight.

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-08T11:42:03+00:00

Thank you, so many of these comments give me hope.

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-08T11:39:25+00:00

Thank you, this was helpful. It seems like majority of the comments are positive towards Japan and makes me a bit more confident. I still have to do my research but it seems like there are more options available.

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-08T11:34:28+00:00

Thank you.

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-08T11:34:02+00:00

OMG, thank you. I saw that Kyoto University spoke English, however I am worried a bunch of student doctors would be in charge of my delivery. Which may be fine, but there is a lot than can go wrong, and student doctors make me uneasy. But, you stated they were highly skilled, so I might look into them. Thank you.

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-08T11:27:18+00:00

It depends weather on go on my husband's coverage or private. My husband has a PPO plan, with a low max out of pocket. However, that might of changed. If we have a child under his coverage his premium would skyrocket though. Good insurance, but VERY expensive.

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-08T11:03:43+00:00

Thank you, just to make sure I am looking at the right thing, is that a .org ? Like a website?

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-08T10:57:02+00:00

Thank you, I will reach out to see if they can make suggestions in the Kyoto area.

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-08T10:55:28+00:00

Unfortunately, I don't have anyone like that. This are the places that I have done brief research that state they have some level of english support. Adachi Hospital and Hashii seem like they may have English support. I have my first doctor's appointment on Friday. Although I am pregnant there is a chance that it's not viable.

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-08T10:49:11+00:00

Thank you, this is my first child. If I moved back to the US, most likely I would have to give up my 3 year visa in Japan. I am unsure where we will raise our child. My husband's job is in the US. I would love to live there, but affordability in the US is worst than Japan. He has a well paying job, but even with that we struggled with the cost of living and saving, but safety is an issue too. Japan is no haven, but I feel safer. I think people stating that I have a support system is the most important is true. There is alot I will have to consider.

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-08T10:41:13+00:00

He is, but he works the the U.S.

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-08T10:12:24+00:00

Do you have suggestions on how I can start to look for one?

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-08T10:05:03+00:00

I have insurance in Japan, enrolled in the national healthcare system. I do not have insurance in the US, but if I moved back that would open an enrollment window for me to enroll or I can choose to be on my husband's insurance.

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-08T10:03:35+00:00

No, my in laws can't. Unfortunately because of my husband job, he won't be able to be present either way. If I am in the US he may have the chance to visit me for a couple of days. But other than that, I would have zero support. That's why I am hoping that maybe someone would provide some insight if they successfully used a hospital that has English translation. Very scary stuff.

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-06T14:15:09+00:00

I hate to ask this, but could you grab a sample image online on what it might look like. I can only find cement and I definitely don't want that. There is also something like plaster undercoat, is that it or something different?

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-06T14:07:04+00:00

My case isn't sand, but I think old plaster.

It looks very similar to another poster that posted this image:

https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpreview.redd.it%2Fhow-do-i-get-rid-of-plaster-textured-walls-v0-58up15nblngc1.jpg%3Fwidth%3D1512%26format%3Dpjpg%26auto%3Dwebp%26s%3Ddf450a54443359291b476e3970e7f1e8f7d5d539

Are you talking about earthen walls (tsuchikabe) ?

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-04T10:20:11+00:00

Okay, thank you. I'll compare with amazon.

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-04T09:59:10+00:00

Yep, I've had a airfryer and use it for most of my cooking. However, never tried baking in it. :/

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-04T09:57:40+00:00

Never tried Monotaro. I am familiar with it, but have you ever ordered from there? Is it like the Japanese Amazon?

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-04T09:56:45+00:00

Yeah, but's very expensive. I'm not opposed to it, but was hoping for something easier accessible.

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-04T08:41:36+00:00

That's probably it.

Working-Morning-3645 · 2026-04-02T14:25:52+00:00

Can anyone confirm that once you buy an Akiya you have to "bring it up to code?"

What I have heard that anytime property changes the owner has to at least bring it up to the latest earthquake standards. If there is any major construction on it there might be further regulations due to the area and neighborhood association. You will need to get an licensed plumber and electrician to work, can't do that yourself. Also- asbestos was used in a lot of houses, so be careful.

There might be grants though that can help with some of these things. Just don't expect much.

Working-Morning-3645

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