Japan

Recommended Vaccinations For Japan

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is risk of hepatitis B in Japan, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is risk of hepatitis A in Japan, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

One dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) is recommended to infants 6 to 11 months prior to international travel.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is not normally given for travel to Japan.

Rabies Vaccine

The rabies vaccine is recommended for travellers whose activities or work may bring them into direct contact with bats.

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Japanese encephalitis does not usually occur in urban areas or large cities and thus vaccination is not required for travel to large cities. However, vaccination is recommended during the high-risk months if travellers engage in extensive outdoor activities in rural areas.

Recommended Medications For Japan

There are no recommendations for Japan at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Japan

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of hepatitis A in Japan.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever does occur in Japan.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk of hepatitis B in Japan.

For Some Travellers

Scrub Typhus

This disease generally occurs year-round in Japan.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in the country.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever outbreaks have occurred in Japan.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring hantavirus in Japan through contaminated food or by coming into contact with someone infected with the virus.

Measles

There is a risk of exposure to measles in the country.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

There is a possible risk of tick-borne encephalitis in southern Hokkaido from March to November. There is a possible risk in Shimane Prefecture, Honshu also.

Schistosomiasis

This disease is present in this country and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Rabies

Rabies may be present in bats. There are no rabid dogs in Japan, however bats are known to carry lyssavirus (bat rabies). Therefore most travellers are considered to be at low risk.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis does not usually occur in urban areas such as Tokyo and other major cities. Rare and sporadic cases do occur on all islands from July to November, except Hokkaido. The risk for travellers is very low, but may increase with extensive outdoor activity in rural areas.

Safety & Security in Japan

Personal Safety

The crime rate is low in this country, and most travellers have no safety or security trouble. Travelers are advised to remain vigilant in the districts of Kabukicho, Roppongi, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro. With respect to your personal safety, be as cautious and aware of your surroundings as you would be at home. Public transportation is usually safe. Walking at night is normally safe.

There have been reports of tourists having their drinks drugged and experiencing credit card fraud, particularly in the Roppongi and Kabuki-cho districts of Tokyo. Never leave drinks unattended and pay attention to the way drinks are prepared and served. Avoid carrying credit cards or large amounts of cash in nightclubs in this area.

After the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami, there was extensive structural damage and loss of life, as well as a risk of nuclear radiation in northeast Japan. However, areas outside of the Japanese evacuation zone are not subject to radiation levels associated with a health risk, and most areas of the country have returned to normal.

Earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons and volcanic activity can occur in Japan. Follow updates from the Japan Meteorological Agency closely for information about natural disasters.

If visiting Japan for less than 90 days, you must carry your passport with you at all times.

Tension with North Korea persists and could escalate without warning.

Exercise caution if participating in mountain climbing or other outdoor adventure activities. Always do so with a group or an experienced guide. Climbing Mount Fuji is not advised during the off-season (September-June) due to higher safety risks. Ensure travel and medical insurance is purchased before departing and ensure your insurance policy covers outdoor adventure activities.

Driving in Japan is generally safe, however, during winter months, heavy snowfall may make driving dangerous.

It is illegal to smoke in the streets of some parts of Tokyo and other cities.

There are strict regulations for importing medication, including prescription medication for allergies. Consult Japanese authorities for more detailed information.

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Japan but same-sex marriage is not. Nevertheless, LGBTI travellers are unlikely to experience discrimination. All travellers should note, however, that public displays of affection should be avoided in respect of the country’s customs.

Extreme Violence

There is no recent history of terrorism. However, regional tension with neighbours such as China and North Korea can impact the security situation at any time. This include random missile launches by North Korea. For such a situation, ‘take shelter’ alerts have been issued in parts of Japan.

Political Unrest

Protests and demonstrations are rare in Japan. However, pro-nationalist demonstrations have taken place and can involve hostility for foreign countries. Minimize safety risk by avoiding any large public or political gatherings.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid all travel to the exclusion zones around the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant due to the health risk posed by radiation. These areas are identified by Japanese authorities and can be found at the following website: http://www.meti.go.jp/english/earthquake/nuclear/roadmap/pdf/20130807_01.pdf