While Japan is generally safe and boasts excellent public health standards, it's important for travelers to ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance, adhere to local customs and laws, stay alert especially in crowded areas, and keep updated on natural disaster alerts.
Staying Healthy in Japan:
Vaccinations: There are no mandatory vaccinations needed for travel to Japan, except for yellow fever if you're coming from a country where the disease is endemic. However, it's always a good idea to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot. Depending on your travel plans, you might consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, and Japanese Encephalitis.
Food & Water Safety: Japan maintains high standards for food and water safety. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. As for food, Japan has strict regulations regarding food hygiene, and foodborne illnesses are relatively rare. However, if you have a shellfish allergy, be cautious, as shellfish is common in Japanese cuisine.
Insurance Recommendations: It's strongly recommended to get travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including evacuation, for your trip to Japan. Medical care in Japan is excellent but can be expensive, and having insurance will help protect you financially in case of illness or accident.
General Health: Remember to bring enough of any prescription medications you need, as specific brands or types might not be available in Japan. Also, keep in mind that some over-the-counter medications available in other countries, particularly those containing stimulants such as pseudoephedrine, are illegal in Japan.
Staying Safe in Japan:
Japan is considered one of the safest countries in the world, with low rates of crime and high levels of public safety.
General Safety Tips:
Even though Japan is very safe, it's always smart to stay alert, especially in crowded areas, and keep an eye on your belongings.
Be respectful of local customs and norms. For example, it's common in Japan to keep noise levels down in public places, and there are specific rules for using chopsticks and for visiting temples and shrines.
Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and typhoons, do occur in Japan. Be aware of emergency procedures and follow the advice of local authorities. There are several apps, such as the Japan Meteorological Agency app and the Safety Tips app from the Japan Tourism Agency, which provide alerts in English.
Emergency Numbers:
110: Police
119: Fire and ambulance
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) also operates a 24-hour hotline (+81 50 3816 2787) for tourists, providing support in English and several other languages.
