Health is one of the key questions that comes to mind when visiting a new country. What is the healthcare system like in Japan? Which diseases should not be overlooked? What vaccination requirements apply to tourists? Which hospitals should you contact in case of emergencies or illness? What are consultation hours?… Find all the information you need in this article.

Most of the dangerous infections that continue to plague countries in South and East Asia – such as dengue and typhoid – have been completely eradicated from the archipelago. However, the country does face occasional outbreaks of infectious diseases such as rubella and measles, which have been somewhat more prevalent in recent years.

What about Covid-19?

Thanks to strict controls, the number of Covid-19 cases in Japan has dropped significantly, reducing the risk of contracting the virus. Since April 29, 2023, the country has relaxed most pandemic-related measures. While wearing a mask is still recommended on public transport and in enclosed spaces, social distancing is no longer enforced.

Since this date, travelers are no longer required to take a PCR test or present a certificate to enter Japan. This applies to all tourists.

With the exception of travelers from sub-Saharan Africa or Latin America, who are required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate, no vaccination pass is required to enter Japanese territory. However, it is recommended to have certain vaccinations and keep them up to date.

Which vaccinations are recommended or necessary for a trip to Japan?

Among the vaccinations recommended by the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare are measles, rubella, mumps, diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, pertussis, chickenpox, influenza, and encephalitis.

You should also have a booster for hepatitis A to avoid the risk of food or water-borne illness; hepatitis B if you plan to get a tattoo, undergo surgery, or have sexual contact with a new partner; and rabies if you plan to explore Japanese caves or engage in outdoor activities where you might encounter bats.

Japanese encephalitis, a mosquito-borne disease not to be overlooked

Japanese encephalitis is a virus transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, primarily found in rural areas. Although cases are rare, this disease can be fatal. Those at greatest risk are people living in or traveling to these areas, particularly near rice paddies and pig farms.

To protect yourself, vaccination is recommended for expatriates and travelers staying in rural areas during the transmission period. The vaccination schedule consists of two injections spaced one month apart, with a possible booster between 12 and 24 months.

In addition to vaccination, it is crucial to adopt protective measures against mosquito bites: use repellents, wear long clothing, and sleep under mosquito nets.

The IXIARO vaccine is effective from 2 months of age and can be administered quickly if you have an imminent departure. Remember to consult an international vaccination center for more details.

If you need to see a doctor, note that Japan has a wide range of medical providers. The issue is not so much technical – even if hospitals offer better service efficiency than clinics – but rather linguistic. Except in the capital Tokyo, you will not find any English-speaking doctors. English-speaking practitioners are somewhat more numerous. In any case, the company of a bilingual person is advised to serve as an interpreter.

Medical costs in Japan

While Japan is renowned for its ultra-advanced healthcare system, this also comes at a cost. A simple consultation costs approximately €80, for example.

In any case, it is always preferable to travel with insurance. Check with your bank card services – Visa and Mastercard generally cover the first three months of travel. You can also obtain travel insurance for the duration of your

stay with private travel insurance that will cover any incident and assist you if needed.

Useful addresses

Below is a list of some Japanese healthcare facilities where English-speaking and/or English-speaking doctors practice:

• The National Center for Global Health and Medicine Headquarters: 1-21-1, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0052 Phone: 033-202-7181
• Tokyo Medical and Surgical Clinic

Headquarters: 32 Shibakoen Bldg 2F Shibakoen 3-4-30 Minato-ku Phone: 033-436-3028

• Yamakawa Clinic

Headquarters: 3-21-1 Myojin-cho Hachioji-shi, Tokyo Phone: 042-660-7887

• Horikawa Clinic and Hospital

Headquarters: 865 Horikawa-Imadegawa-agaru Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-0056 Phone: 075-441-8181

• Hiromoto Clinic

Headquarters: 3-1-2 Yano-minami Aki-ku, Hiroshima Phone: 082-888-5077