What vaccines do I need to travel to Japan?

Last reviewed: 2026-06-14

Quick answer

For most people on a short city trip, Japan has no mandatory entry vaccine requirements — the most important thing is that your routine vaccines (measles, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, etc.) are up to date. If you plan a long stay in rural areas (a month or more), or significant outdoor or night-time activity during the Japanese encephalitis transmission season (summer to early autumn), consider the Japanese encephalitis vaccine. A flu vaccine is also worth considering, especially in winter. Check with the DH Travel Health Centre or your family doctor before you go.

Japan is a top destination for Hong Kong travellers, with high public-health standards and a relatively low infectious-disease risk for ordinary city visitors. Japan has no mandatory entry vaccine requirements for general tourists.

First, make sure your routine vaccines are up to date

Wherever you travel, check before departure that your routine vaccines are complete and current — measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and polio. This is the baseline protection for any trip.

Vaccines to consider, depending on your itinerary

Japanese encephalitis: found mainly in rural rice-paddy and pig-farming areas, spread by mosquitoes, peaking from summer to early autumn. The DH recommends the vaccine for travellers staying a month or more in endemic areas; those staying less than a month but with significant rural outdoor or night-time activity during the transmission season should also consider it. Short city trips are low-risk and may not need it.
Influenza: flu is active in Japan in winter (roughly December to March), so a seasonal flu vaccine is worth considering for winter trips.
Hepatitis A and B: depending on your circumstances and length of stay, discuss with your doctor whether these are needed.

What to do

If your trip involves a long rural stay or particular activities, see the DH Travel Health Centre or your family doctor 6 to 8 weeks before departure, because some vaccines take time to become effective or need more than one dose. See the DH Travel Health Service website for details.

Answer six short questions to see which vaccines are worth discussing with your GP, and why.

Based on your age, health, and travel plans, using HK Department of Health and CDC guidance. A ranked list of vaccines, with the reason each one applies to you.

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