Japan
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Dial 119 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccinations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip check:
- the latest information on vaccination and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Japan guide
- where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Japan. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.
It is illegal to use or possess some common prescription and over-the-counter medicines under Japan’s strictly enforced law on anti-stimulant drugs. This includes:
- Vick’s inhalers
- medicines for allergies and sinus problems
- cold and flu medication containing pseudoephedrine
- some over-the-counter painkillers containing codeine
Foreign nationals have been detained and deported for the offence. If you’re travelling with medication, check its status with the Japanese Embassy in the UK.
Healthcare facilities in Japan
Medical facilities in Japan are of a high quality, but treatment is expensive. You should expect to pay the whole cost of any treatment you receive. Delays may occur while medical facilities check your insurance.
Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance to cover treatment of new or existing medical conditions and accessible funds to cover the cost of treatment and repatriation.
FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in Japan.
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Japan.
COVID-19 healthcare in Japan
The Japan National Tourism Organisation has information on COVID-19 for travellers in Japan and a guide to accessing medical facilities in Japan.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.