What vaccines do I need for Japan?

Japan has the lowest infectious-disease risk of our destinations. CDC lists Hepatitis B as the main travel vaccine. Hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies only come up for specific plans.

Are any vaccines required for entry to Japan?

No vaccines are required for general entry to Japan. Travel vaccine decisions should be based on CDC recommendations and your itinerary, not entry rules.

How long before travel to Japan should I get vaccines?

Book a travel health appointment 4–6 weeks before departure. Some vaccines need multiple doses or a minimum interval before travel, so earlier is better.

Vaccines for Japan — Required & Recommended

All destinations

Planning a trip to Japan? Japan has the lowest infectious-disease risk of the destinations on this site, and CDC lists Hepatitis B as the main travel vaccine to have up to date. Hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies only come into the conversation for specific plans like street-food travel, rural stays, or farm and forest activities. See a travel doctor 4–6 weeks before you leave so they can decide what, if anything, you need.

There is no malaria in Japan. Dog rabies is not common, and tick-borne encephalitis is present but CDC does not currently recommend the vaccine for travel to Japan.

Required for entry

No vaccines are currently required for entry to Japan from most countries.

Recommended for most travellers

CDC advises these for all visitors to Japan.

Blood & Body Fluids

Hepatitis B

A liver infection spread through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical or cosmetic equipment. Recommended for most travellers, especially those with longer stays or possible medical exposure.

The full series is three doses over 6 months. An accelerated 4-dose schedule (0, 7, 21 days, 12 months) is available when combined with Hepatitis A. Partial protection starts after the first dose.

Recommended for some travellers

Depends on your itinerary, activities, duration, or health.

Food & Water

Hepatitis A

A contagious liver infection spread through contaminated food and water. Most travellers to regions with less reliable sanitation should get this vaccine.

Mosquito

Japanese Encephalitis

A mosquito-borne virus affecting the brain, found in rural parts of Asia. Risk is highest during rice-paddy season in rural areas.

Animal Contact

Rabies

A fatal viral disease spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — most often dogs, bats, or monkeys. Pre-travel vaccination simplifies treatment after exposure.

Routine vaccines to be up to date on

CDC advises every international traveller to have these current.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Two doses at least 28 days apart, ideally completed at least 2 weeks before travel. Adults born before 1957 or with documented immunity are already considered protected.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis

A single Tdap or Td booster, effective within days. Adults should have a booster every 10 years — or after 5 years if you've had a dirty wound or burn. Pregnant travellers should receive Tdap during every pregnancy.

Polio

A single lifetime adult IPV booster for travellers to at-risk countries. For some destinations, the booster must be received 4 weeks to 12 months before departure and documented on an International Certificate of Vaccination.

Flu (Influenza)

An annual dose at least 2 weeks before travel to areas with active flu circulation. A single current-season vaccine covers travel to either hemisphere.

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Two doses at least 28 days apart for adolescents and adults without immunity. Children get doses at 12–15 months and 4–6 years. Two documented doses protect most people for life.

Shingles

Two doses of Shingrix 2–6 months apart. Protection stays high for at least 7 years. Adults 19+ with weakened immune systems can use a faster schedule (2nd dose 1–2 months after).

COVID-19

Follow the current CDC schedule for your age and risk group. If you had COVID-19 recently, you may delay vaccination for up to 3 months from the onset of infection.

Entry requirements

For US citizens. Non-US travellers should check their government's guidance.

VisaNo visa required for US citizens staying up to 90 days.

Yellow fever certificateNot required

Japan has the lowest infectious-disease risk of our featured destinations. CDC lists Hepatitis A only for street-food enthusiasts or rural travellers, not for most city itineraries. Dog rabies is not common in Japan. Tick-borne encephalitis is present — avoid tick exposure if you'll be hiking, but CDC does not recommend the vaccine for travel to Japan.

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Japan.

Disclaimer:This information is for general guidance only, based on CDC Travelers' Health. It does not replace advice from a qualified travel health professional. Consult a doctor 4–6 weeks before your trip.