What Vaccines Are Needed to Travel to Japan

When you want to travel to Japan, there is no vaccine forced on tourists, with only some vaccines suggested just in case. You could vaccinate yourselves and your family members travelling with you against the diseases selectively or totally.

No Need of COVID-19 Vaccination for Entry

Since April 29th, 2023, neither the negative test result of COVID-19 within 72 hours before your departure nor the valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate have been required for all travelers to Japan. However, if you show symptoms of COVID-19 at the customs, you may be asked to receive a test. Thus, you’d better have finished your vaccination before going to Japan even though it’s not demanded any more, and keep a good physical condition when you arrive in the country.

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Japanese encephalitis, aka epidemic encephalitis B, is a disease that is spread by mosquito bites. If your destination is a high-prevalence area of Japanese encephalitis or you would stay there for a long time, it’s suggested to vaccinate against Japanese encephalitis. Besides, if you are going to join in activities that are susceptible to Japanese encephalitis, such as outdoor events that would expose you to mosquitos (visit rural areas, go hiking or camping in the wild, etc.), it’s also advised to be vaccinated.

Travelling with Children: Hepatitis A & Rabies

Hepatitis A vaccination is suggested for those who are about to have high-risk activities, such as those people are likely to get infected through contaminated water or food in undeveloped tiny towns or rural areas. As children is the high-incidence group of Hepatitis A, it’s the best to vaccinate your children against it before travelling to Japan.

If you would like a parent-child trip to get close to some wildlife, vaccination against rabies is optional. But it’s not necessary as long as you won’t have direct contact with the wild animals.

Measles & Poliomyelitis Vaccinations for Babies

When you take you baby less than one years old on the trip to Japan, Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine can be inoculated in addition to the regular one.

Poliomyelitis vaccine is a regular and necessary vaccination for babies. You can make your baby get vaccinated against poliomyelitis whether you’re taking the baby on the trip to Japan or not.

Regular Vaccines for Your Travel to Japan

Some regular vaccines are advised to have been inoculated before travelling to Japan, actually before any international travel. Also, it’s believed that most people have vaccinated previously. These vaccines include that against chickenpox, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, flu, measles, mumps, rubella, poliomyelitis, and shingles. You may also have the up-to-date vaccinations before your trip alternatively.

By the way, if you wish to stay for a long term in Japan, such as studying or working in the country, a tuberculosis screening may be carried out before the entry to Japan.