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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.

Recommended

COVID-19

Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.

Recommended

Hepatitis A

Consider hepatitis A vaccine if you'll be visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or eating street food.

Recommended

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travelers under 60, and may be considered for those 60 and older.

Recommended

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.

Recommended

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.

Situational

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.

Situational

Tick-borne Encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis risk exists. Focus on avoiding tick bites through protective clothing and repellents.

Situational

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for Japan - no risk and not required for entry.

Situational

Disease risks

Altitude Sickness

Mount Fuji (3,776m); overnight hikes; mild exercise first 48 hours.

Moderate risk

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 Japan

Emergency numbers

Police

110

Medical / Ambulance

119

Fire

119

U.S. Embassy

+81-3-3224-5000

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Sources: 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.