Comprehensive answers to common questions about stem cell therapy, our treatments, costs, safety, and what to expect as an international patient at Rakan Clinic Tokyo.
Stem cell therapy uses your body's own regenerative cells to repair damaged tissues. At Rakan Clinic Tokyo, we harvest adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from a small fat sample, culture and expand them in our certified Cell Processing Center (CPC) over 6-8 weeks, then reintroduce them via injection or IV infusion to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and regenerate tissue.
Stem cell therapy at Rakan Clinic Tokyo is effective for osteoarthritis (knee, hip, shoulder), degenerative disc disease, rotator cuff injuries, tendon and ligament damage, sports injuries, chronic joint pain, and general anti-aging and wellness. Our orthopedic specialists assess each patient individually to determine suitability.
We offer Super Rich PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, exosome infusions (UC, DP, and BM sources), NMN IV drips, NAD+ IV therapy, and comprehensive preventive testing including NAD+ levels, telomere length, vitamin panels, and gut microbiome analysis.
Adipose (fat) tissue contains a much higher concentration of mesenchymal stem cells compared to bone marrow—up to 500 times more per gram. The harvesting procedure is also less invasive and less painful. Both sources produce effective MSCs, but adipose-derived cells offer practical advantages in yield and patient comfort.
Most patients begin with a single session. Based on your condition and response, we may recommend booster treatments every 4-6 months. We offer packages of 3 sessions per year or 6 sessions over 2 years for patients seeking ongoing regenerative benefits.
Yes. We frequently combine stem cell therapy with PRP injections for synergistic effects, and many patients add exosome or NMN/NAD+ therapy to their treatment plan. Our physicians design personalized protocols based on your specific goals and condition.
A single stem cell therapy session starts from ¥3,750,000 (approximately $25,000 USD). Our 3-session annual package is ¥9,075,000 (~$60,500), and the 6-session two-year package is ¥17,250,000 (~$115,000). All prices include consultation, fat harvesting, CPC processing, injection, and follow-up care.
Stem cell therapy is not covered by Japanese national health insurance or most international insurance plans. However, some private international insurance policies may offer partial reimbursement. We provide detailed documentation and receipts that you can submit to your insurer.
Our pricing includes the initial consultation, adipose tissue harvesting, stem cell culture and expansion in our CPC, quality assurance testing, the injection or infusion procedure, and follow-up appointments. There are no hidden fees.
Super Rich PRP starts from ¥295,500 (~$1,970). Exosome infusions are ¥82,500 (~$550) per vial. NMN drips range from ¥41,250 to ¥110,000 (~$275-$733) depending on dosage. NAD+ IV therapy ranges from ¥45,000 to ¥130,000 (~$300-$867). See our treatments page for complete pricing.
Autologous stem cell therapy (using your own cells) has an excellent safety record. Since we use your own adipose-derived cells, there is no risk of immune rejection. All procedures at Rakan Clinic Tokyo comply with Japan's PMDA regulations and are performed in our certified CPC under strict quality control protocols.
Yes. Japan has one of the world's most comprehensive regulatory frameworks for regenerative medicine under the Act on Regenerative Medicine (2014). All stem cell treatments must be registered with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and processed in certified Cell Processing Centers. Rakan Clinic Tokyo is fully compliant with all regulations.
A Cell Processing Center (CPC) is a certified facility where stem cells are isolated, cultured, and prepared for treatment under pharmaceutical-grade sterile conditions. Our in-house CPC at Rakan Clinic Tokyo ensures full quality control over cell viability, sterility, and potency—something not possible when cell processing is outsourced.
Side effects are typically minimal. The fat harvesting site may have mild soreness for 1-2 days. The injection site may experience temporary swelling. Serious complications are extremely rare with autologous stem cell therapy performed in a certified facility. Our medical team monitors you throughout the process.
Stem cell therapy may not be suitable for patients with active cancer, severe blood disorders, active systemic infections, or certain autoimmune conditions during flare-ups. Pregnant women should also defer treatment. Our physicians conduct thorough screening to ensure patient safety.
Rakan Clinic Tokyo is located in Azabudai Hills, one of Tokyo's most prestigious and accessible districts. The nearest station is Kamiyacho Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line), a 5-minute walk away. From Narita Airport, the clinic is approximately 90 minutes by Narita Express and subway. From Haneda Airport, it is approximately 45 minutes.
Yes. We offer comprehensive international patient support including English-language consultations, multilingual coordination staff, assistance with travel logistics and hotel recommendations, visa documentation letters, and remote follow-up consultations after you return home.
The initial consultation and fat harvesting can be completed in a single visit (1-2 days in Tokyo). After the 6-8 week cell culture period, you return for the injection procedure (1-2 days). Some patients combine both visits with tourism. For PRP, exosome, or NMN/NAD+ therapy, a single visit of 1-2 days is sufficient.
Yes. We offer remote video consultations where our physicians review your medical history, imaging, and symptoms to determine whether you are a good candidate for treatment. This allows you to plan your trip with confidence before committing to travel.
Azabudai Hills is home to the Janu Tokyo hotel, a luxury wellness hotel that is a partner of Rakan Clinic. The surrounding Roppongi-Azabu area has numerous international hotels at all price points, from luxury to business class, all within easy reach of the clinic.
Initial improvements in pain and inflammation are typically noticed within 2-4 weeks. Progressive improvements continue over 3-6 months as tissue regeneration occurs. Maximum benefits are usually achieved by 6 months. Results vary depending on the condition and individual response.
Many patients experience sustained benefits for 12-36 months from a single treatment. Longevity depends on the condition, severity, lifestyle factors, and whether booster treatments are pursued. Our physicians recommend personalized follow-up schedules to maximize long-term outcomes.
Follow the personalized rehabilitation plan provided by our team. This typically includes targeted physical therapy, gradual return to activity, anti-inflammatory nutrition, adequate sleep, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on treated joints.
Light walking and daily activities can resume immediately. Low-impact exercise typically resumes at 2-4 weeks. Higher-intensity training and sports are gradually reintroduced at 6-12 weeks based on your progress and treatment area. Our team provides a detailed return-to-activity timeline.
Follow-up appointments at 1, 3, and 6 months include physical examination, functional assessment, and imaging review to track healing progress. For international patients, we offer remote follow-up via video consultation so you do not need to return to Tokyo for every check-in.
Our team is ready to help. Contact us for a personalized consultation or to discuss your specific situation.