Medical Summary
The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).
General Information
Japan is an advanced economy classified as high income. Located in eastern Asia between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, climate classification ranges from humid temperate (no dry season) to humid cold (no dry season).
Vaccinations
Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, Japanese encephalitis, measles, mumps, rubella, mpox, rabies, or tick-borne encephalitis. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
Malaria
See also: Library article for Malaria
The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)
No statement given.CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)
Areas with malaria: None.
Drug resistance: Not applicable.
Other Concerns
Travelers' Diarrhea
See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea
Minimal risk (comparable to that in other industrialized countries) exists throughout the country. Community sanitation and food safety measures are generally good, and health concerns related to food and beverage consumption are minimal. Risk for viral gastroenteritis (e.g., norovirus) may be elevated based on season, traveler itinerary, and/or level of community transmission.
Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.
Other Food-Borne Illnesses
Precautions to prevent brucellosis, seafood poisoning may be needed.
Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases
Lyme disease, scrub typhus may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.
Other Disease and Health Risks
Additional concerns include air pollution, altitude illness, enteroviruses, helminths, leptospirosis, marine hazards, medication restrictions, radiation, schistosomiasis, sexually transmitted infections.
Consular Advice
The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.
Terrorism Risk
No intrinsic risk of attack by terrorist groups exists, but unforeseen attacks are possible.
Crime
Low risk of violent crime (sexual assault) and low risk of petty crime exist throughout the country, mainly in Tokyo, on subways and commuter trains, and in the entertainment and nightlife districts of Roppongi, Kabukicho, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro.
Scams involving exorbitant fees for services have been reported.
Risk exists of robberies and/or assaults occurring after consuming intentionally drugged food or drink; tourists are frequently targeted.
Water Safety
Rent water sports equipment from reputable operators. Scuba dive only with personnel certified by PADI or NAUI, and use equipment only from PADI- or NAUI-certified dive operators.
Transportation Safety
Low risk of traffic-related injury or death exists. The road traffic death rate is less than 7 per 100,000 population, the lowest risk category.
Speed laws are poorly enforced.
Airline Safety
The US Federal Aviation Administration has determined that the civil aviation authority of this country oversees its air carriers in accordance with minimum international safety standards.
Natural Disasters
The typhoon season is from May through December, especially in southern areas, including Okinawa Prefecture. Floods, mudslides, and landslides may occur.
Winter storms occur. Avalanches may occur, especially in Hokkaido Prefecture and western areas of Honshu Island.
Seismic and volcanic activity frequently occur.
Consular Information
Selected Embassies or Consulates in Japan
- United States: [+81] 3-3224-5000; jp.usembassy.gov
- Canada: [+81] 3-5412-6200; www.japan.gc.ca
- United Kingdom: [+81] 3-5211-1100; www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-tokyo
- Australia: [+81] 3-5232-4111; japan.embassy.gov.au
Japan's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries
- In the U.S.: www.us.emb-japan.go.jp
- In Canada: www.ca.emb-japan.go.jp
- In the U.K.: www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp
- In Australia: www.au.emb-japan.go.jp
