Japan

Recommended Vaccinations For Japan

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is risk of hepatitis A in Japan, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is risk of hepatitis B in Japan, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

The tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is not normally given for travel to Japan.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

One dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) is recommended to infants 6 to 11 months prior to international travel.

Rabies Vaccine

The rabies vaccine is recommended for travellers whose activities or work may bring them into direct contact with bats.

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

Japanese encephalitis does not usually occur in urban areas or large cities and thus vaccination is not required for travel to large cities. However, vaccination is recommended during the high-risk months if travellers engage in extensive outdoor activities in rural areas.

Recommended Medications For Japan

There are no recommendations for Japan at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Japan

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a risk of hepatitis A in Japan.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever does occur in Japan.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk of hepatitis B in Japan.

For Some Travellers

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever outbreaks have occurred in Japan.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in the country.

Measles

There is a risk of exposure to measles in the country.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring hantavirus in Japan through contaminated food or by coming into contact with someone infected with the virus.

Scrub Typhus

This disease generally occurs year-round in Japan.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

There is a possible risk of tick-borne encephalitis in southern Hokkaido from March to November. There is a possible risk in Shimane Prefecture, Honshu also.

Schistosomiasis

This disease is present in this country and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Rabies

Rabies may be present in bats. There are no rabid dogs in Japan, however bats are known to carry lyssavirus (bat rabies). Therefore most travellers are considered to be at low risk.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis does not usually occur in urban areas such as Tokyo and other major cities. Rare and sporadic cases do occur on all islands from July to November, except Hokkaido. The risk for travellers is very low, but may increase with extensive outdoor activity in rural areas.

Safety & Security in Japan

Personal Safety

Japan ranks among the safest countries in the world for personal security. Violent crime remains rare, and the crime rate has historically been among the lowest globally. In 2023, Tokyo was named the safest city in the world, and Japan’s second-largest city, Osaka, consistently ranks in the top five. The national crime rate rose slightly in 2022 and 2023 after two decades of decline, but this increase largely reflected the return to normal activity levels after COVID-19 restrictions rather than a genuine security threat. Most reported crimes are non-violent, with theft accounting for nearly 70% of all offenses. Murder and robbery remain uncommon, with 912 homicides and 1,361 robberies recorded in 2023. Petty theft such as bag snatching and pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas and on public transport. Entertainment districts in Tokyo, including Kabukicho and Roppongi, and similar areas in Osaka carry higher risks, particularly at night. Reports of drink spiking, credit card fraud, overcharging in bars and clubs, and forced ATM withdrawals have been documented in these areas. Some bars use aggressive touts to lure tourists into establishments with inflated prices. Scams targeting foreigners have been reported. Women have experienced inappropriate behavior on crowded trains, including groping and upskirting. Some railway companies operate women-only carriages during peak hours. Internet banking fraud surged dramatically in 2023, with cases increasing by nearly 387% over the previous year. Victims were primarily individuals aged 40 to 60. Japan enforces zero tolerance for drug offenses, and penalties are severe. Possession of even small quantities of controlled substances can result in arrest and detention. Foreigners have been detained for receiving drugs through the post or testing positive during police raids. The police operate small stations called koban throughout major cities, which serve as visible deterrents to crime.

Extreme Violence

Extreme violence is exceptionally rare in Japan. The country ranks ninth in the Global Peace Index and has consistently scored high for low crime rates, minimal internal conflict, and virtually nonexistent political unrest for 15 consecutive years. Major crimes, including murder, robbery, arson, and kidnapping, totaled 12,372 cases in 2023, representing a 30% increase over the previous year, though this followed pandemic-related lows. Murders numbered 912 in 2023, a slight increase from 853 in 2022. Random violent attacks remain unusual, though isolated incidents have occurred. In early 2024, a stabbing took place on the JR Yamanote train line in Tokyo. In 2025, a series of knife attacks by teenagers prompted concerns about youth stress and isolation in a highly competitive society. Gun crime is nearly nonexistent due to strict firearms laws. Japanese citizens generally do not view firearm ownership as a personal right, and access to guns is severely restricted. The Yakuza, Japan’s organized crime network, operates extensively but rarely affects tourists. Members typically engage in prostitution, gambling, drug trafficking, extortion, and loan sharking. Unless you visit red-light districts, high-end nightclubs, or hostess bars and engage in illegal activities, you will not encounter organized crime groups. The risk of terrorism is low, and Japan has not experienced significant terrorist incidents in recent years.

Political Unrest

Political unrest is rare in Japan. Protests and demonstrations occur but are generally peaceful and do not involve tourists. Civil disturbance and violent demonstrations are uncommon. Protests mobilized in 2024 and 2025 included pro-Palestinian demonstrations outside embassies and corporate headquarters, labor strikes at department stores, and protests related to housing evictions in Osaka. In early 2025, protests erupted outside the Ministry of Finance building in Tokyo, with demonstrators calling for tax reductions. These protests spread to multiple regional cities but remained largely peaceful, with police present to maintain order. Protests also took place in Okinawa regarding US military base construction. Some anti-immigration demonstrations occurred in Osaka and other major cities in late 2025. Occasionally, pro-nationalist demonstrations express hostility toward foreign countries. If you encounter any protest activity, leave the area immediately. Regional tensions related to North Korea can escalate with little warning. North Korea frequently launches missiles toward Japan as part of testing programs. The Japanese government operates a civil protection portal with guidance on what to do in the event of a missile alert. Tensions typically rise after North Korean missile tests and during regular South Korea-US military exercises. Japan experienced significant political changes in 2024 when the ruling Liberal Democratic Party lost its majority for the first time since 2009. The resulting minority government has faced challenges passing legislation and maintaining public approval, but this political shift has not resulted in unrest or instability affecting travelers.

Areas To Avoid

Japan does not have dangerous areas in the traditional sense, but certain neighborhoods and natural locations require awareness. Kabukicho in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district is the largest red-light district in Asia. It has neon-lit streets filled with bars, clubs, and entertainment venues. While not inherently dangerous, scams and aggressive touts target tourists. You should avoid accepting invitations from street touts to bars or clubs, as reports of overcharging and credit card fraud are common. Roppongi in Tokyo carries risks related to drink spiking and robbery. In 2006, the US embassy issued a travel warning for this area following multiple incidents. A bar operator was arrested in 2020 on suspicion of defrauding tourists out of 100 million yen annually. Stick to main streets and avoid back alleys, especially at night. Kamagasaki in Osaka, also known as Airinchiku, is Japan’s largest slum area. It has a high concentration of homeless individuals and day laborers, along with cheap accommodation that attracts budget travelers. Organized crime groups like the Yakuza maintain offices here. The area has a history of riots protesting police mistreatment. Exercise caution and avoid wandering alone, particularly after dark. Shinsekai in Osaka has higher crime rates than most of Japan, with elevated levels of prostitution and gambling. Many locals avoid this district after sunset. Soemon-cho in Osaka is a lively nightlife district where pickpocketing and scams can occur. Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid dark, deserted areas. Ueno Park in Tokyo is generally safe during the day but becomes less secure at night when homeless individuals sleep there. Yakuza groups operate in the surrounding area, making it less pleasant after 9pm. Susukino in Sapporo is the second-largest red-light district in Japan. It features nightclubs, bars, and establishments with bar attendants in revealing clothing. The area attracts gangsters and bandits. Some natural areas pose risks. Mount Fuji off-season climbing is dangerous due to harsh weather, icy paths, and limited rescue services. Deaths have occurred. Mountain accidents across Japan totaled nearly 3,000 in 2024, with 300 deaths or disappearances. Bear habitats in Nagano, Hokkaido, and Tohoku regions require caution. In 2023, Japan recorded over 200 bear attacks, the highest on record. Areas near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant remain restricted due to radiation risk. The Japanese government has placed travel and overnight stay bans on clearly marked zones surrounding the facility.