Which vaccines do you need for Japan?
Information checked against: TravelHealthPro · CDC Travelers’ Health · WHO where relevant. Last checked: 7 October 2026. Entry requirements can change at short notice. Always verify current rules before departure.
1. Routine vaccinations
Everyone should be up to date with routine vaccines for their age — including measles (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-polio. Bring your records so missing doses can be caught up.
2. Recommended for most travellers
- TetanusCheck your course is complete; a booster may be advised if your last dose was over 10 years ago and care may be limited.
3. Recommended for some travellers, based on risk
- DengueVaccine suitability depends on previous dengue infection and other factors; bite avoidance is key.
- Hepatitis BFor longer stays, possible medical or dental treatment, sexual exposure or close contact with local people.
- Japanese encephalitisFor longer or rural stays and outdoor activity in areas and seasons with transmission.
- RabiesFor likely animal contact, remote travel, longer stays or limited access to urgent rabies treatment.
- Tick-borne encephalitisFor hiking, camping or forest work in endemic areas during the tick season.
- InfluenzaSeasonal flu protection for those at higher risk or travelling during the flu season.
Entry requirements and certificates
No yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry under the International Health Regulations.
Entry rules can change at short notice; confirm them close to departure.
Yellow fever in Japan
Transmission risk
No yellow fever transmission risk is listed for Japan.
Vaccine recommendation
Yellow fever vaccine is not generally recommended for Japan itself.
Certificate
No yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry under the International Health Regulations.
Malaria in Japan
No malaria risk is listed for Japan.
This is not a prescription. Discuss malaria prevention with a travel-health clinician. If you develop a fever during or up to a year after visiting a risk area, seek medical help urgently and mention your travel.
Other travel health risks
- Altitude
- Biting insects or ticks
- Influenza
- Outdoor air quality
- Schistosomiasis
- Sexually transmitted infections
What travellers to Japan should consider
City stays in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka usually have a different travel-vaccine profile from prolonged rural outdoor travel. Japanese encephalitis advice is itinerary-dependent, not a reason to assume every visitor needs the vaccine. Routine protection and your medical history remain important.
High-altitude areas mean acclimatisation planning matters; vaccines do not prevent altitude illness.
Rabies vaccination is usually discussed for travellers with likely animal contact, adventurous or remote trips, or limited access to urgent care.
Japanese encephalitis vaccine may be considered for longer stays or rural, outdoor travel during transmission seasons.
Hiking, camping or forest activities in spring and summer can bring tick exposure, so tick-borne encephalitis protection may be discussed.
Avoid swimming or wading in fresh water where schistosomiasis is reported.
Day-biting mosquitoes can spread infections such as dengue, so bite avoidance is worthwhile throughout the trip.
For many short holidays from Malta to Japan, the main step is confirming that routine vaccinations such as tetanus and measles are up to date.
- Discuss prolonged rural stays and outdoor exposure.
- Carry suitable documentation for regular medication.
- Keep routine vaccinations up to date.
Tell us about your trip
Book travel-health consultationTravelling to Japan?
Your exact vaccination needs depend on your previous vaccines, itinerary, trip length and individual health circumstances. Book a travel-health consultation at Spinola Clinic in Malta. Vaccine availability and prices should be confirmed with the clinic.
Book travel-health consultationSources and review
Information checked against official sources on 7 October 2026. Next scheduled check: 7 October 2027.
Travel Vaccine Malta is independent and not affiliated with these organisations. Guidance is summarised in our own words.