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Vaccines for Japan

5 vaccines recommended. See what you need, how much it costs, and book online.

Vaccines for Japan destination photo

Description

Japan is a high-income, modern country with excellent healthcare and a low overall risk to travellers, from the neon of Tokyo and Osaka to the temples of Kyoto and the ski slopes of Hokkaido. No vaccinations are legally required for entry from the UK, and there is no malaria or Yellow Fever risk. The main travel-health consideration is Japanese Encephalitis, which may be recommended for longer stays or extensive rural travel, particularly in rice-growing areas during the summer and autumn transmission season.

Recommended Vaccines

These vaccines are strongly recommended for travel to Japan. Our pharmacist will advise which are most relevant to your specific itinerary.

Travel Health Tips for Japan

Practical tips to help you stay safe, healthy, and prepared throughout your trip.

Travel tip 1

  1. Japan is very safe and hygienic — tap water is safe to drink and food-borne illness risk is low.

Travel tip 2

  1. Japanese Encephalitis is a small risk for most short city-based trips, but worth discussing if you are staying for a month or more or spending time in rural rice-growing areas in summer or autumn.

Travel tip 3

  1. Make sure your tetanus, diphtheria, and polio (DTP) booster is up to date — recommended every 10 years.

Travel tip 4

  1. Carry comprehensive travel insurance with medical cover — healthcare in Japan is excellent but expensive for visitors.

Travel tip 5

  1. Pharmacies are widely available, but bring an adequate supply of any regular medication, as some common UK medicines are restricted in Japan.

Travel tip 6

  1. Summers are hot and humid — stay hydrated and use sun protection, especially in July and August.

When to Get Vaccinated

Ideally 6–8 weeks before departure if Japanese Encephalitis (2 doses 28 days apart) or Rabies (3 doses over 21–28 days) is recommended for your itinerary. Hepatitis A and a DTP booster can be given in a single same-day appointment for last-minute travellers.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (late March to May) for the cherry blossom and autumn (October to November) for the foliage are the most popular seasons. Winter (December to February) is ideal for skiing in Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps. The Japanese Encephalitis transmission season is mainly summer to autumn in rural rice-growing regions.

UK Government Health Advice

Official recommendations from UK health authorities for travel to Japan. Always consult a healthcare professional for advice tailored to your specific itinerary.

NHS Fitfortravel — Japan

“Recommended vaccines for Japan may include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Japanese Encephalitis depending on your itinerary, length of stay, and activities. Tetanus should be up to date.”

Accessed May 2026

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NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro — Japan

“There is no risk of malaria in Japan. Japanese encephalitis occurs mainly in rural rice-growing and pig-farming areas; risk is highest from summer to autumn. Vaccination is recommended for some travellers based on their planned activities and duration of stay.”

Accessed May 2026

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Get Protected Before Your Trip to Japan

Free travel consultation included. Same day appointments available.

Book an AppointmentCall 0207 405 1039