Physiotherapy for people who want to move — not just treat pain.
Support for expats and international families in Japan, focused on how the body organises movement, not isolated symptoms.
Pain may be what brought you here and movement is what we explore.
Many people arrive at Yokohama Physio while searching for help with lower back pain, knee pain, or shoulder discomfort.
These experiences matter —
but they are starting points, not the focus of our work.
Meet the founder -
Yuji Kitano
Bridging the gap between world-class care and the expat community in Japan.
After working as a physiotherapist in both New Zealand and Japan, I began to notice something beyond physical pain.
Many foreigners in Japan weren’t just struggling with injuries; they were also struggling to be understood. Language barriers, unclear systems, and rushed appointments often made getting care stressful and overwhelming.
That experience stayed with me.
Yokohama Physio was created so expats and international families could receive care in a place where they feel heard, safe, and supported — without having to explain themselves twice.
— Yuji Kitano, Founder & Lead Physiotherapist
How sessions work
Sessions are not based on diagnosing or fixing isolated body parts.
Instead, we look at how your whole body coordinates movement, breathing, and load — and how these patterns may be influencing discomfort, restriction, or recurring pain.
This approach is often helpful for people who:
feel stuck despite previous treatment
have recurring issues without clear answers
want to understand why their body feels the way it does
Lower back pain, knee pain related to walking, running, or sports
Shoulder discomfort or stiffness
Neck or upper-body tension
Ongoing or recurring pain without a clear diagnosis
Common reasons people find their way here
These are common entry points — not the goal of the session.
This work may be a good fit if you:
Want clear communication in English
Are interested in understanding movement, not just symptoms
Prefer a calm, focused, one-to-one environment
Have tried symptom-based care with limited results
This may not be a fit if you are looking for:
Passive treatment only
Quick fixes for a single symptom
High-volume, short appointments
What People Are Saying
“Yuji is very knowledgeable and always helps my body feel better!
He listens to my concerns, provides thoughtful feedback, and shares creative exercises that really do make a difference!”
— Maia & Alex Shibutani, former Olympian 
“I compete in wheelchair athletics. Yuji has amazing techniques and knowledge that can instantly improve any physical pain I have! He also helps me come up with ideas to improve my athletic performance.”
— Atsuro Kobata, Former Para-lympian, T34 Japanese record holderFrequently Asked Questions
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People often come to Yokohama Physio because of lower back pain, knee pain, shoulder discomfort, or recurring issues.
While these experiences are important, sessions do not focus on treating individual symptoms. We explore how movement patterns influence how pain is experienced.
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Many people who come here have already tried physiotherapy, massage, or exercise programs.
This work focuses less on protocols and more on how your body organizes movement — often revealing patterns that were previously overlooked.
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You don’t need one.
Many clients arrive without a clear explanation for their symptoms.
Sessions begin with movement and observation, not labels. -
We operate on a reservation-only basis, ensuring a private space for your visit.
Feel free to bring your children along.
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Once you enter the stable period, there is no problem. Some clients visit us up until their due date.
Additionally, we do not perform treatments while you are lying on your stomach. Instead, we ensure that the treatment is carried out in a position that does not put a burden on your body, so you can feel at ease.
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We understand that physiotherapy can be a significant financial commitment for some people. If affordability is a concern, please message us directly, and we’ll do our best to explore flexible options or alternative solutions that can work for you.
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Yes, we do. Please contact us for availability.
Service Fee
All services are private-pay only.
You can pay by cash or credit card.
You can often claim your sessions through major international insurance companies; however, we do not accept Japanese National Health Insurance.
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🩺 Initial Consultation, Assessment, Treatment, and Exercise Prescription
The first 15–20 minute session focuses on identifying the root cause of your condition. We will also discuss your prognosis—how long recovery may take and what to expect throughout the process.
If we suspect an underlying medical condition or believe that hospital-based care is more appropriate, we will not proceed with treatment and will refer you to the relevant medical professional. In such cases, only the consultation and assessment fee of ¥3,500 (tax included) will apply.
Physiotherapy Treatment and Exercise Prescription
Following the initial assessment, the 40–50 minute treatment session includes:
Targeted hands-on treatment
A customised exercise program to support your recovery
A clear treatment roadmap to help you achieve long-term results
This approach ensures you receive a comprehensive, individualised care plan tailored to your condition and recovery goals.
Fees and Payment
The total cost for the Initial Consultation + Treatment Session is:
¥19,800 (tax included)Payment can be made by credit card or cash.
We also provide all necessary receipts and documentation for private insurance reimbursement, if required.
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Physiotherapy Follow-Up Sessions
Each follow-up session includes 40-60 minutes of tailored physiotherapy treatment and exercise prescription to support your recovery and progress.
Fee: ¥17,600 (inc. tax) per session.
These sessions are designed to build on your initial assessment, addressing your specific needs and goals.
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At Yokohama Physio, we offer personalised massage therapy that blends advanced techniques such as deep tissue, myofascial release, and an optional facial treatment. As certified Structural Integrators, we focus not just on relaxation, but also on long-term relief and improved movement.
We specialise in:
Chronic pain relief
Posture correction
Prenatal & postpartum care
Pelvic floor therapy
Relaxation
Performance enhancement
Each session is tailored to your individual needs for effective and wholistic results.
Available on Thursdays only (for now)
Treatment options:
60 minutes – ¥14,300
90 minutes – ¥20,900
120 minutes – ¥27,500
Facial add-on (30 minutes) – ¥8,800
All prices include tax. (From May 2025)
Please contact us directly to book your session. Online booking is not available at this time.
Ready to explore a different approach?
If this way of working resonates with you,
you’re welcome to get in touch or book a session.
From Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Minatomirai Line):
Take Exit 5.
Walk straight along Motomachi Shopping Street for about 7 minutes.
You will see the Wisteria Motomachi Building on your right.
Take the elevator to the 5th floor, and Room 512.
Our location
From Ishikawacho Station (JR Negishi Line):
Take the Motomachi Shopping Street Exit.
Walk towards the Motomachi Shopping Street.
Continue for about 5 minutes.
The Wisteria Motomachi Building will be on your left.
Walk in and take the elevator to the 5th floor, and Room 512.
