Japan Travel Health Guide
Low risk
Japan carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Overall risk
Low risk
Malaria
None
Best time to visit
Year-round
Recommended vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Make sure all your routine vaccines are up to date, including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles vaccines.
COVID-19
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.
Hepatitis A
Consider hepatitis A vaccine if you'll be visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or eating street food.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travelers under 60, and may be considered for those 60 and older.
Measles
Measles cases are rising worldwide. Make sure you're fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine at least two weeks before travel. Infants 6-11 months need an early dose.
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommended if you're moving there long-term, staying a month or more, or doing outdoor activities in rural areas. Not recommended for short urban trips.
Rabies
Rabies risk is low in Japan and vaccines are widely available. Pre-exposure vaccination depends on your planned activities and access to medical care.
Tick-borne Encephalitis
Tick-borne encephalitis risk exists. Focus on avoiding tick bites through protective clothing and repellents.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for Japan - no risk and not required for entry.
Disease risks
Altitude Sickness
Mount Fuji (3,776m); overnight hikes; mild exercise first 48 hours.
Medications
Import & legality
Japan bans or restricts a surprising number of common medications — including some ADHD stimulants (e.g. Adderall), strong cold/allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine, and codeine products. Bringing a banned drug, even with a prescription, can mean confiscation or detention. Some medications require a Yakkan Shoumei import certificate arranged in advance.
Check my medications for JapanEmergency numbers
Police
110
Medical / Ambulance
119
Fire
119
U.S. Embassy
+81-3-3224-5000
More country guides
China carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Hong Kong carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Macao carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Plan your Japan trip
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Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.