Vaccinations for Japan: Everything you need to know

Going to Japan soon? The Land of the Rising Sun is a favourite among British tourists for a good reason. The combination of its stunning untouched nature and vibrant cities, along with the fascinating culture is what makes this country such a popular travel destination.

But before you leave the UK, you might need to take certain health precautions and check whether you’ve received the right vaccines. In this guide, we’ll help you figure out whether you should get any additional vaccinations for Japan.

And if you need a cost-effective way to handle your finances across borders, check out the Wise card from the money services provider Wise. It can help you get ready for your stay in Japan and save money while travelling abroad. You can pay and withdraw cash like a local for low fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate.

Do I need vaccinations for Japan?

If you’re visiting Japan for a holiday or a short-term visit, you aren’t required to get vaccinated in order to enter. However, there are vaccines you should consider getting. Some are recommended to all travellers, while others are advised for certain groups, such as those with underlying medical conditions.

Japan is generally viewed as a medically-safe location for tourists with high-quality medical care. But, you should still take care to be prepared for a new environment and exposure to new foods and bacteria.

In general, it’s advisable to get the necessary vaccines at least 6 weeks ahead of your trip, so try to make time for this.¹

What vaccinations are required for Japan?²

The exact vaccinations you might need will depend on how long you’ll be in Japan for and what activities you plan on doing while you’re there.

Let’s cover all the travel vaccinations for Japan.

Standard UK primary vaccines and boosters

You should be up-to-date on all standard primary vaccinations. There are many of them, including the MMR, polio or tetanus vaccine.

It’s also very important to get boosters whenever they’re necessary. For example, if you’ve received your last tetanus shot over 10 years ago, make sure you get another booster dose before leaving for Japan.

Hepatitis B

If you plan on undergoing procedures involving needles in Japan, such as tattoos and piercings, a hepatitis B vaccine is a good idea. This disease is mostly spread through blood, so your activities in Japan are very important.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. These mosquitoes live near rice fields and swamps, so it’s hard to avoid them if you visit these rural areas. Besides getting vaccinated, make sure you avoid mosquito bites and cover your skin.

Bat rabies

This disease is quite rare and the chances of you catching it are rather small. Unless you plan on visiting caves in Japan, you should be completely safe. If you do end up getting vaccinated, continue avoiding any contact with bats.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)

Like the name says, this infection is spread mainly through tick bites. The risk of contagion is higher in the warm months between spring and autumn. Even if you get the vaccine, try to cover your skin when you’re spending long periods of time outdoors or in rural areas.

Health Tips for Travelling to Japan

There aren’t any major health risks in Japan at the moment. However, taking some basic precautions can help you avoid most of them in the future. Let’s mention some things you should do to make sure your trip to Japan goes smoothly.

If you’re on any medication, check in advance with the Japanese Embassy in the UK whether you can bring it to your trip. Even some common over-the-counter medicines are considered stimulant drugs in Japan, such as medicine for allergies or certain painkillers.³

When it comes to water in Japan, you shouldn't have any issues, because tap water is safe to drink. In some mountainous regions, it even comes directly from mountain springs. Speaking of water, make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if you’re visiting in the warmer months.⁴

Unfortunately, besides Japanese encephalitis, mosquitoes in Japan can also cause dengue infections. This disease causes flu-like symptoms, but it can get more serious with time. It’s recommended to wear protective clothing and avoid areas with a lot of mosquitoes during the day.²

Lastly, make sure you have a travel health insurance policy. You never know when you might need some sort of medical help.

Travelling to Japan? Use the Wise Card for low-cost spending abroad

That’s all you need to know about required and optional vaccines for Japan, along with some tips for staying healthy during your trip. However, make sure you look for any official updates before heading off.

When it comes to holiday spending, the Wise card, from the money services provider Wise, is a convenient choice. For a one-time cost of just £7, you can spend and withdraw like a local in Japan and 150+ more countries. You can also send money to pay for a rental car, accommodation, or the like while still in the UK.

With the Wise card, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account*.

Sign up with Wise today 💰

Please see the Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise fees & pricing for the most up-to-date information on pricing and fees.

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 25-July-2024