travel restriction covid japan

Japan Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Japan

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Recommended in public spaces.

Japan entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to Japan from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Japan.

Can I travel to Japan if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Japan without restrictions.

Can I travel to Japan without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Japan without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Japan?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Japan.

Can I travel to Japan without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Japan?

Mask usage in Japan is recommended in public spaces.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Japan?

Restaurants in Japan are open. Bars in Japan are .

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Coronavirus in Japan: Travel Updates

Last updated: Oct 15th 2022

Follow our latest updates on the coronavirus (Covid-19) situation in Japan.

Since October 11th 2022 , Japan has fully reopened its borders to tourists, allowing visa-free, independent travel to Japan once again 🙌

• A visa is no longer required for short stays (up to 90 days).
• It's not necessary to book through a travel agency.
• Daily entry caps have been phased out entirely.

Table of contents

• Travel updates
• Staying safe in Japan: Covid FAQ
• Travel Advisories
• Official resources  

As borders re-open, we'll no longer be updating this page regularly. Always check official venue websites for their latest updates.

Travel Updates

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Borders set to Reopen to Independent Travel

Japan will allow visa-free, independent tourism and abolish daily arrival caps from Oct 11th, announces Prime Minister Kishida. Via Japan Times

Borders open for Tour Groups

Japan's cautious reopening to overseas tourists coincides with strict infection-prevention measures and rules for those hoping to visit Japan. Via Nippon

Temporarily Closed Places in Japan: A-Z Directory

Mazda Museum

The Mazda Museum is currently closed. Tour reservations are also temporarily unavailable. Further updates will be posted to the Mazda Museum official..

Naeba Ski Resort

Robot Restaurant

Temporarily closed until further notice due to coronavirus measures

Toei Animation Museum

Closed temporarily until further notice, as part of nationwide anti-coronavirus measures.

Cancelled events

Covid in japan faq, what precautions work best against coronavirus.

The World Health Organization's advice  is as follows:

• Wash your hands regularly – with soap and warm water, or alcohol-based hand sanitizers (at least 60% alcohol)
• Maintain social distancing – avoid those who are coughing or sneezing (at least 1m). Some countries are implementing lockdowns and recommending keeping 2m from strangers.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth – potential points of entry for coronavirus particles
• Practice respiratory hygiene – covering your mouth when you cough, and disposing of tissues promptly followed by washing hands.
• Wear a mask – wearing a face covering can help prevent the spread of infection. See their dedicated guidance here on face masks .

Should I wear a mask?

Summary : The WHO  recommends wearing face masks as of June 2020.

If you are travelling in Japan, wearing a face mask in certain contexts (e.g. riding public transport, crowded areas) can be an effective measure as part of a wider strategy against infection/transmission, as per WHO guidelines .

Do I need travel insurance?

Whether you are already in Japan, preparing for a trip, or are planning ahead, we recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance. This is both to insure against the prospect of unforeseen medical expenses if the need arise, but also against changing travel plans as the situation develops.

Note that it is essential to check your home country travel advice  if you plan to travel to Japan. This is to ensure there is no impact on your insurance coverage.

What should I do if concerned by coronavirus in Japan?

Contact JNTO's Visitor Hotline. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) operate a 24/7 visitor hotline service, available in English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese. It can be called for assistance in case of accidents or emergencies relating to the coronavirus:

• From Japan 050-3816-2787
• From Overseas +81-50-3816-2787

What should I do if I feel sick?

If you are feeling unwell, please consult the following:

• List of medical institutions with foreign-language services  (English),
• The JNTO Hotline: 050-3816-2787

Can tourists enter Japan?

As of Oct 11th 2022, visitors can now enter Japan visa-free for short-term stays (up to 90 days).

Official Japan travel advisories

Please consult these official advisories from countries overseas to gauge the current advice on travelling overseas at this time.

Official resources

Let us know how we can help.

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Consular Services

Border measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (covid-19).

Information about entering into Japan

• New entry of foreign nationals Visa exemption arrangements have been resumed from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022. Please refer to 5. Lift of the suspension of visa exemption measures for more details. Suspension of visa validity under the border measures has been also lifted from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022. Please refer to 4. Lift of the suspension of visa validity below for further information.
• (1) All travelers and returnees will no longer be required to submit either a certificate of negative result of COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to departure, or a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate of three doses or equivalent.
• (2) Currently implemented measures including random sampling test which are provisional measures for all travelers and returnees arriving from China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) by direct flights, will be replaced to the testing on arrival required to those who show symptoms, which is the same measure applied to all other travelers and returnees.

1. Denial of permission to entry

2. denial of the re-entry from certain countries/regions among designated countries/regions in response to covid-19 variants of special treatment on border measures, 3. quarantine measures (new), 4. lifting of the suspension of visa validity, 5. lifting of the suspension of visa exemption measures, 6. restrictions on airport/ports for arrival.

The denial of landing that had been placed to all the countries/regions were lifted on September 4, 2022.

Currently, there are no subject countries/regions.

Starting from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022, based on the New Border Measures (34), for all cross-border travelers and returnees from countries/regions where the B.1.1.529 Omicron variant becomes dominant (all countries/regions except for those where COVID-19 variants other than the Omicron variant become dominant, based on the New Border Measures (27) (February 24, 2022)), on-arrival test at the quarantine station, self-quarantine in places such as their own residence or accommodations, and refraining from use of public transportation are no longer required in principle. In addition, all returnees and entrants will now be required to provide either a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate (3 doses) of vaccines on the Emergency Use List of World Health Organization (WHO) or a certificate of negative result of pre-departure COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to departing from the original country/region. (NEW)

<Until October 10, 2022>

Based on New Border Measures (9) (March 5, 2022), all cross-border travelers and returnees continue to be required, for the time being, to submit a certificate of negative result of pre-departure COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to departing from the original country/region.

Those who do not submit a certificate of negative test result will be denied entry into Japan in accordance with the Quarantine Act. Airline companies will reject boarding those without one.

Please consult with Embassies or Consulates or Consular Office of Japan in case it is truly difficult to obtain the certificate of negative test result.

From 0:00 am (JST) on April 29, 2023, about all travelers and returnees (NEW)

Taking such elements as knowledge of COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures, epidemic situation in each country/region, risk assessment of current situation of inflow of the COVID-19 to Japan, and efficacy of the vaccination among others into account, and judged from a comprehensive risk assessment of inflow of coronavirus from each country/region, the following additional measures will be implemented as designated countries/regions in response to COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures according to separate designation based on this measure;

• (i) All cross-border travelers and returnees from some of the countries/regions which are separately listed among the designated countries/regions are requested, for the time being, to stay for 10 days at facilities designated by the Chief of the Quarantine Station (limited only to those facilities secured by the Quarantine Station). In addition, those who obtain negative results of all COVID-19 tests conducted on the third, sixth and tenth days from the entry into Japan, may leave the facilities.
• (ⅱ) All cross-border travelers and returnees from some of the countries/regions which are separately listed among the designated countries/regions, are requested, for the time being, to stay for 6 days at facilities designated by the Chief of the Quarantine Station (limited only to those facilities secured by the Quarantine Station). In addition, those who obtain negative results of both COVID-19 tests conducted on the third and sixth days from the entry into Japan, may leave from facilities secured by the Quarantine Station, but are still required to stay for the remaining period of 7 days after the entry into Japan at places such as their own residence.
• (iii) All cross-border travelers and returnees from some of the countries/regions which are separately listed among the designated countries/regions are requested, for the time being, to stay for 3 days at specific facilities designated by the chief of the quarantine station (limited to the accommodations facilities designated by the chief of the quarantine station). If the test result (PCR test) at the facility on the third day after the entry is negative, home quarantine after leaving the facility is no longer required. Meanwhile, those who have obtained a valid vaccination certificate will be allowed to have 7-day home quarantine instead, and if they submit a negative result of a voluntary test (PCR test or Quantitative Antigen test) on or after the third day from the entry into Japan, home quarantine is no longer required only after the MHLW(Health Monitoring Center for Overseas Entrants) confirms the test result via MySOS app.
• (Note 1) Subject countries and regions of the measures will be designated and confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The designation is duly announced.
• (Note 2) The above-mentioned quarantine measures will be applied to those entering Japan who have stayed within 14 days in the designated countries and regions.

With regard to countries/regions other than countries/regions based on the designation mentioned in (2) above, taking such elements as knowledge of COVID-19, epidemic situation in each country/region, risk assessment of current situation of inflow of COVID-19 to Japan, and efficacy of the vaccination among others into account, and judged from a comprehensive assessment of the risk of inflow of the coronavirus from each country/region, all cross-border travelers and returnees from countries/regions judged with high risk of inflow of COVID-19 are requested, for the time being, to stay 3 days at facilities designated by the Chief of the Quarantine Station (limited only to those facilities secured by the Quarantine Station) as “designated countries/regions in response to coronavirus infection other than COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures” according to the separate designation based on this measure. In addition, those who obtain a negative result of COVID-19 test conducted on the third day from the entry into Japan, may leave the facilities, but are still required to stay for the remaining period of 7 days after the entry into Japan at places such as own residence

• (Note 1) Subject countries and regions of the measures will be designated and confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. The designation is duly announced.

Single entry visa and multiple entry visa which have been issued by Embassies, Consulate-Generals and Consulates of Japan in all countries/regions and whose validity have been temporarily suspended have been resumed again from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022.

As for visas already issued under “Business Track” or “Residence Track” and visas issued based on “New border measures (4)” (referred in Note 2 of Article 1), for the time being, validity of those visas have been suspended from 0:00 am (JST) on January 21, 2021 based on the announcement of the Government of Japan dated on January 13, 2021.

Currently, validity of visas listed below are suspended

• (1) Single and multiple-entry visas issued by March 8th, 2020 by Japanese Embassies or Consulates General in China (including Hong Kong and Macau) and Republic of Korea

The visa exemption arrangements which have been temporarily suspended under the border measures have been resumed from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022.

For countries/regions applicable to the visa exemption arrangements, please visit the link below:

• Exemption of Visa (Short-Term Stay)
• Visa Exemptions for Diplomatic and Official Passport Holders
• Visa Exemption Arrangement for United Nations Laissez-Passer Holders

The effect of Pre-Clearances (i.e. visa exemptions) granted by the Japanese Government to APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) issued by the following countries has been also resumed from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022. For more information on the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC), please refer to the link below:

• APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC)(Japanese)

The airports/ports that suspended international flights/cruises have started to lift the suspension as their preparations are completed.

Currently, all foreign nationals who wish to newly enter Japan need to apply for a visa except for those with re-entry permit. Please note that due to the impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the visa approval procedure may take longer than usual. Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated.

Foreign nationals who are entitled to enter Japan as those with special exceptional circumstances are required to apply for an appropriate visa at Embassies or Consulates or Consular Office of Japan (for Taiwan, Taipei Kaohsiung offices of Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association)(hereinafter referred as “Japan’s overseas establishments”) in your country/region.

Please see this page for the information about the visa application .

Please note that the certificate of negative result of pre-departure COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to departing from the country/region where travelers stay is required for foreign nationals to enter Japan, with special exceptional circumstances, in addition to obtaining a valid visa.

Related Links

• Application for Visa for foreign nationals eligible for Phased Measures toward Resuming Cross-Border Travel

clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

Japan axes covid test for travelers but faces battle to revive tourism

TOKYO — Japan said Wednesday it would end a requirement for vaccinated travelers to have a coronavirus test to enter the country, a gradual step toward reviving a hard-hit tourism industry but that comes as other restrictions continue to deter visitors.

After enacting some of the strictest border measures during the pandemic, Japan has been gradually allowing nonresidents to visit. But tourists are still not allowed in unless they are a part of an authorized tour group, their every move watched closely by a licensed guide.

Many Asian countries continue to impose quarantine or testing rules for international arrivals, but Japan’s restrictions were out of step with others in the Group of Seven major economies. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Wednesday that Japan would continue to ease border control measures in phases, “to enable smooth entry into Japan in a manner similar to other G-7 countries.”

How to navigate Japan's mandatory tours, travel restrictions and coronavirus protocols

Among those steps is raising the cap on daily entrants, currently at 20,000, but Kishida did not give a specific figure. Japanese broadcaster NHK reported Wednesday that the government is considering lifting the requirement that tourists who enter as a part of a group tour be accompanied by a guide at all times.

International students, some business travelers and family members of Japanese residents are allowed to enter the country. At present, anyone headed to Japan must get a coronavirus test within 72 hours before departure to the country, register the result with the government and get a QR code for immigration. Japan requires a nucleic acid amplification test , such as a PCR test, which tends to be less accessible and more expensive than at-home rapid antigen tests.

Beginning Sept. 7, Japan will lift the testing requirement for boosted travelers who have had three vaccine shots, Kishida said, speaking from his residence during a remote news conference after he tested positive for the virus.

Tom Cruise in Japan? Okay. Ordinary tourists in Japan? Not okay.

Group tours resumed in June after a trial run, but those visitors are subject to many restrictions, including booking a tour with a guide or company registered with the government and buying travel insurance.

That same month, only 252 tourists entered the country, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. In July, the number rose to about 7,900. But that is a far cry from pre-pandemic levels; Japan welcomed a record 32 million foreign tourists in 2019 and had aimed to reach 40 million in 2020.

For months, business leaders and tourism industry groups have been calling on Japan to fully reopen its borders, arguing that it would bring much-needed revenue to invigorate the economy and that U.S. tourists would be eager to take advantage of the weak yen. Travel-related spending by foreigners plummeted from about $38 billion in 2019 to just under $1 billion in 2021, according to Nikkei Asia .

It remains unclear, however, when a full reopening would take place.

Coronavirus: What you need to know

Covid isolation guidelines: Americans who test positive for the coronavirus no longer need to routinely stay home from work and school for five days under new guidance planned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The change has raised concerns among medically vulnerable people .

New coronavirus variant: The United States is in the throes of another covid-19 uptick and coronavirus samples detected in wastewater suggests infections could be as rampant as they were last winter. JN.1, the new dominant variant , appears to be especially adept at infecting those who have been vaccinated or previously infected. Here’s how this covid surge compares with earlier spikes .

Latest coronavirus booster: The CDC recommends that anyone 6 months or older gets an updated coronavirus shot , but the vaccine rollout has seen some hiccups , especially for children . Here’s what you need to know about the latest coronavirus vaccines , including when you should get it.

Update April 12, 2024

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Japan Travel Advisory

Travel advisory january 8, 2024, japan - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Japan – Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

Reissued after periodic review without changes.

Exercise normal precautions in Japan.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Japan.

If you decide to travel to Japan: 

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
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• Follow Embassy Tokyo’s American Citizen Services section on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Japan.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » Japan travel restrictions and requirements for 2023

Japan travel restrictions and requirements for 2023

May 15, 2023

When planning a trip to Japan, make sure you know if there are any travel restrictions in place and any entry requirements you need to follow.

Japan has now completely removed all COVID-19 entry restrictions . Immigration rules have returned to normal from May 8, 2023 .

If you are thinking about traveling to Japan, you can check this regularly updated page and find out what you need to visit the country.

Below you’ll find information about the reinstatement of visa exemptions , vaccine and testing requirements, and other coronavirus measures in Japan.

Can I Travel to Japan Now?

Yes , Japan’s borders are now open to all international tourist travel.

You can easily travel to Japan by air or by sea as long as you meet the standard entry requirements.

Japan has completely removed the entry cap on daily foreign arrivals. All the usual visa exemptions currently apply to eligible visitors. This means that citizens of around 70 countries, including Australia, the United States and all European Union nations, can once again visit Japan for 90 days visa-free simply by using a valid passport.

Once in the country, train services are running as normal. You can use your Japan Rail Pass to travel around the nation at your leisure.

Japan Standard Entry Requirements

If you’re not a national of a visa-exempt country , you’ll need a visa to travel to Japan.

You should also make sure you have a valid passport , and other necessary documentation to enter the country.

If you have an e-Passport, you can use the Electronic Customs Declaration Gates (e-Gates) when arriving in Japan to clear border control.

Public transportation restrictions within Japan

Public transport, including trains, is operating in Japan. Travelers are advised to refer to Japanese train status updates issued by each individual operator to check if a service they plan to use remains affected by temporary Shinkansen COVID-19 restrictions.

Face masks are no longer required on JR trains or in most other places. They are still common and recommended, but are ultimately optional .

Who can travel to Japan now?

Anyone who meets the normal entry requirements can now travel to Japan.

All travelers should ensure they have a valid relevant visa for Japan (unless visa-exempt), a valid passport, and other necessary documentation to enter the country.

North Koreans cannot currently enter Japan due to sanctions. Apart from this, there are no other travel bans in place.

For further information about visas and visa exemptions, please check with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs at https://www.mofa.go.jp/ .

Rules for tourists

Individual tourists can now travel to Japan. There is no longer any need to book a place on a package tour.

Although mask use is not obligatory outdoors in Japan, it is still recommended in crowds or when having a conversation at close quarters.

Quarantine measures when traveling to Japan

There are currently no quarantine measures in Japan.

For further information, please check with the Japanese Ministry of Health at https://www.mhlw.go.jp/

Countries and regions banned to enter Japan

Only citizens of North Korea are currently prohibited from traveling to Japan. This is because the Japanese government has imposed sanctions on North Korea.

All other nationalities are allowed to visit Japan with the proper documentation. All travel bans due to coronavirus have now been lifted.

Travel advisories

Check the up-to-date travel advisories for Japan regarding COVID-19 from your country below:

• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• United States

Health advice when visiting Japan

There are no specific health requirements in place for traveling to Japan.

Visitors are advised to have health insurance and be up-to-date on standard vaccinations. Recommended vaccines include:

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Japanese encephalitis
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Japan’s Health Ministry has stated that the two most effective ways to curb the spread of illnesses like the coronavirus are to frequently wash hands and use a face mask when out in public:

• You should wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Face masks are recommended in public. The mask should cover your mouth, nose and chin, and be disposed of after a single-use.

If you are traveling to Japan with medication, make sure you bring copy of the prescription, a doctor’s note, and bring your medicine in the original container.

For the latest travel advisory and information about restrictions, please visit the Japan National Tourism Organization’s site .

The Japan National Tourism Organization has also set up a coronavirus hotline for tourist information available in 3 languages: English, Chinese, or Korean:

• From within Japan : 050 3816 2787
• If overseas : +81 50 3816 2787

Related posts

Related tours & activities.

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Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Japan.

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Japan. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Japan.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Japan is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Tick-borne Encephalitis

Avoid bug bites

Learn more about tick-borne encephalitis at your destination .

Tick-borne Encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Airborne & droplet, avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Japan, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the  Department of State Country Information Pages  for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although Japan is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Japan include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately.  Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
• Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Japan’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Make sure there are seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Japan, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Japan.

• Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
• LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Japan for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Japan's Golden Week holidays begin amid post-COVID tourism boom, weak yen

Outbound tourists worry currency depreciation means higher costs overseas

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's Golden Week holidays started Saturday, with train stations and airports across the country crowded with tourists amid easing fears of COVID-19, while the yen's sharp fall against other currencies has made overseas travel more expensive.

"I'm going on a graduation trip that I couldn't make due to the coronavirus pandemic. I want to enjoy a night safari," Rika Uechi, 26, said at Tokyo's Haneda airport before leaving for Singapore with a friend from university.

In the airport's Terminal 2, tourists flooded the international departures hall, which resumed operation in July last year after being shut for more than three years due to the pandemic.

A woman who works in Japan and was returning to Taiwan said, "I'm worried that the cost of souvenirs will be higher (due to the weak yen) when I return to Japan. I've prepared more money than usual."

It is almost a year since Japan downgraded the threat level of COVID-19 to the same category as seasonal influenza and significantly relaxed health measures that had discouraged people from going out.

"It's still hard to take off my facemask (because of the risk of infection). But I'm looking forward to meeting my parents," Chiho Okamura said at Tokyo Station before departing for Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan, with her three-month-old son.

Over 2.6 million people were booked for domestic flights between Saturday and May 6, almost the same level as the holiday period last year, and 490,000 for international flights, up about 20 percent, airlines said April 19.

As for shinkansen bullet train and other rail services, a total of 2.96 million seats had been reserved for Friday through May 6, up 16 percent from a year earlier, according to an announcement by six Japan Railway operators on April 11. The figure represents a 7 percent increase compared with 2018, before the coronavirus pandemic.

Congestion is expected to peak on May 3 and 6, the railway companies said.

Yen tumbles past 158 against dollar on stubborn U.S. inflation

Japan foreign tourists top 3m in march, fueling record spending boom, hotels are new darling of foreign investors in japanese property, yen's decline will inevitably affect confidence in japan's economy, rural japan leads growth in inbound tourism spending, latest on travel & leisure, niseko gin shows japanese resort offers more than skiing, from kyoto to kamakura, japan braces for new surge in overtourism, translation screens a godsend for overseas tourists in japan, sponsored content, about sponsored content this content was commissioned by nikkei's global business bureau..

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Golden Week crowds greeted with high temperatures as holiday period kicks off

Temperatures soared Sunday across a broad swath of the country, as Japan marked the second day of the Golden Week holiday period, with millions of travelers venturing to both international and domestic destinations.

Meanwhile, Osaka and central Tokyo reached 28 C, well above averages for this time of year, while Nagoya hit 28.3 C. The mercury in the cities of Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, and Fukushima also hit 30 C.

As Japan began its Golden Week holidays, which last until May 6, crowds of travelers headed to airports and train stations for trips to visit their hometowns or resorts, with families carrying hefty suitcases forming lengthy lines at airline counters.

Around 835,200 people were projected to travel through Narita International Airport in Chiba Prefecture for international flights and 263,300 people for domestic flights during the busy holiday period.

An estimated 23.3 million people in Japan, about 90% of pre-pandemic levels, were expected to travel during the 11-day period, according to a report from travel agency JTB.

The Golden Week holidays this year are the first since the government downgraded the classification of COVID-19 to match that of the seasonal flu last May, lifting all remaining travel guidelines due to the virus.

Destinations consistently favored by Japanese tourists such as Hawaii and Guam were popular, while nearby South Korea and Taiwan were choices for those mindful of the weak yen, as reported by NHK.

A total of 2.96 million seats were booked for bullet trains and other reserved trains from Friday up until the end of the holiday period, a 16% increase from last year, according to the nation’s six Japan Railway operators.

But rain could put a damper on plans in some areas on Monday, when a low-pressure system is expected to approach western Japan, with rain likely drenching the Kyushu region from the morning and spreading to the Chugoku and Shikoku areas around noon. Some areas are expected to experience heavy rain and thunderstorms.

In the Kinki region, rain is expected starting in the evening, but the Tokai, Kanto and Hokuriku regions may see some sun with a chance of rain at night. In Okinawa, rain and thunderstorms are likely until around noon, mainly in the southern islands.

Tokyo, Nagoya and Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, were forecast to see temperatures of 27 C, 25 C and 29 C, respectively.

On Tuesday, rain is anticipated from the Kyushu to Kanto areas, mainly in the morning. In the Tohoku region and Hokkaido, showers are likely to continue into the afternoon, possibly turning into heavy rainfall.

Wednesday will see scattered rain in Okinawa, Kyushu, extending to Kanto, but the skies are forecast to clear on Thursday from Kyushu to Hokkaido, potentially creating ideal conditions for Golden Week outings next weekend.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

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Airlines will now be required to give automatic cash refunds for canceled and delayed flights

FILE - Passenger drop off their baggage at United Airlines in C Terminal at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, in Houston. The Biden administration issued final rules Wednesday, April 24, 2024, to require airlines to automatically issue cash refunds for things like delayed flights and to better disclose fees for baggage or canceling a reservation. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via AP, File)

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The Biden administration issued final rules Wednesday to require airlines to automatically issue cash refunds for things like delayed flights and to better disclose fees for baggage or canceling a reservation.

The Transportation Department said airlines will be required to provide automatic cash refunds within a few days for canceled flights and “significant” delays.

Under current regulations, airlines decide how long a delay must last before triggering refunds. The administration is removing that wiggle room by defining a significant delay as lasting at least three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international ones.

Airlines still will be allowed to offer another flight or a travel credit instead, but consumers can reject the offer.

The rule will also apply to refunds of checked-bag fees if the bag isn’t delivered within 12 hours for domestic flights or 15 to 30 hours for international flights. And it will apply to fees for things such as seat selection or an internet connection if the airline fails to provide the service.

Complaints about refunds skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, as airlines canceled flights and, even when they didn’t, many people didn’t feel safe sharing a plane cabin with other passengers.

Airlines for America, a trade group for large U.S. carriers, noted that refund complaints to the Transportation Department have fallen sharply since mid-2020. A spokesperson for the group said airlines “offer a range of options — including fully refundable fares — to increase accessibility to air travel and to help customers make ticket selections that best fit their needs.”

The group said the 11 largest U.S. airlines issued $43 billion in customer refunds from 2020 through 2023.

The Transportation Department issued a separate rule requiring airlines and ticket agents to disclose upfront what they charge for checked and carry-on bags and canceling or changing a reservation. On airline websites, the fees must be shown the first time customers see a price and schedule.

The rule will also oblige airlines to tell passengers they have a guaranteed seat they are not required to pay extra for, although it does not bar airlines from charging people to choose specific seats. Many airlines now charge extra for certain spots, including exit-row seats and those near the front of the cabin.

The agency said the rule will save consumers more than $500 million a year.

Airlines for America said its members “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers” from their first search.

The new rules will take effect over the next two years. They are part of a broad administration attack on what President Joe Biden calls “junk fees.” Last week, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that his department will let state officials in 15 states help enforce federal airline consumer protection laws .

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Japan Resumes Travel Without Covid Restrictions from April 29th

As of Saturday, April 29th, 2023, Japan will begin accepting international tourists without COVID-related restrictions for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic.

The latest easing, formerly slated for May 8th, has been expedited by one week. Previously, all visitors entering Japan were required to provide either proof of three or more vaccinations against COVID-19, or a negative PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure.

This latest easing of restrictions will see these measures dropped. However, it is still recommended that travellers use Visit Japan Web , in order to expedite immigration and customs procedures.

Further details are available via the Japanese Government's official webpages, available below:

Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/bordercontrol.html

Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html

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