Low riskAsia · Eastern AsiaJapan 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.
Compiled by Voyax Health from CDC Travelers' Health: Japan. Editorial sections reviewed by Voyax Health pharmacists ·
Overall risk
Low risk
Malaria
None
Best time to visit
March to May and October to November. Summer (June to September) is hot and humid with a typhoon season, and Japanese encephalitis season in rural areas.
Travel health in Japan
Japan is one of the safest destinations in the world for health: tap water is drinkable everywhere, food hygiene is exemplary, there is no malaria or yellow fever, and hospitals are excellent. The health work is administrative rather than infectious. Japan restricts or bans a surprising number of common US medications, including some ADHD stimulants, pseudoephedrine cold remedies and codeine products, and bringing them without the right paperwork can mean confiscation or worse. Beyond that, plan for summer heat and humidity, and for Japanese encephalitis vaccination only if you will spend a long time in rural farming areas in summer.
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.
Seasonal timing
When health risks peak through the year — plan around them.
Peak
July to August
Heat illness
Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka reach 95 °F with high humidity. Thousands of heat-stroke hospitalisations a year; hydrate and rest midday.
Peak
June to October
Japanese encephalitis
Rural farming areas, mainly Kyushu and western Japan. Very low risk for typical tourist itineraries; vaccination for extended rural stays.
Peak
August to October
Typhoons
Disrupt trains and flights, particularly Okinawa, Kyushu and the Pacific coast.
Water & food safety
Water
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Japan, including from public fountains and hotel bathrooms. Bottled water is convenient but unnecessary.
Food
Food safety standards are among the highest anywhere; raw fish and eggs are safe in reputable establishments. Travellers with shellfish or buckwheat (soba) allergies should carry allergy cards in Japanese. Fugu (pufferfish) is safe from licensed restaurants only.
Medications
Drugstores (Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia) are everywhere and stock Japanese over-the-counter products, but many US medications are unavailable or sold in different strengths. Pharmacists rarely speak English outside big cities. Bring your own prescription medications with the required paperwork.
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 JapanOn the ground
Medical facilities
Excellent nationwide. Large cities have hospitals with English-speaking staff (St. Luke's International in Tokyo, for example) and the Japan National Tourism Organization runs a hotline to find them. Care is expensive without insurance; hospitals expect payment at the time of treatment.
Travel insurance
Recommended. Japan does not accept US health insurance and a short hospital stay can cost thousands of dollars; skiing and hiking should be covered if planned.
Emergency numbers
Police
110
Medical / Ambulance
119
Fire
119
U.S. Embassy
+81-3-3224-5000
Japan travel health FAQ
Can I bring Adderall or other ADHD medication into Japan?▼
Amphetamine-based medications such as Adderall are prohibited in Japan and cannot be brought in under any circumstances, even with a prescription. Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) requires advance import permission. Use Voyax Health's Japan medication checker to see the status of each of your prescriptions before you travel.
Do I need any vaccines for Japan?▼
Routine vaccines up to date, including measles, and hepatitis A and B for most travellers as a general precaution. Japanese encephalitis vaccination is only for extended stays in rural farming areas during summer. There is no malaria or yellow fever.
Is Japanese tap water safe?▼
Yes, everywhere in Japan, including in hotels, restaurants and public fountains. It is among the safest municipal water in the world.
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Plan your Japan trip
Get vaccines, prescriptions and a personalized health plan for Japan — matched to your itinerary and travelers.
Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health: Japan · 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.