🇯🇵 Stay Healthy in Japan: Your Doctor-Backed Travel Health Guide
by: Dr. Paul Chang, General Practitioner, Regis Medical
Travel smart Japan with vaccine advice, essential tests, and health tips from Regis Medical Singapore GP Doctors.
Why Singaporeans Love Japan
From cherry blossoms in Tokyo to the ancient temples of Kyoto and the snow-capped slopes of Hokkaido, Japan is a favourite among Singaporean travellers.
According to Japan National Tourism Organisation, In 2024, 619,000 Singaporeans visited Japan, breaking the previous year’s record of 591,300. That is approximately 16.5% of local resident population.
Whether you're exploring neon-lit cities or tranquil countryside onsens, Japan blends tradition and innovation in a way few countries do.
Best time to go: March–May (sakura season), October–November (autumn foliage), December – February (winter snow)
Popular cities: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka
Popular for: Food trips, ski holidays, cultural immersion, family fun in spring to bustling izakayas and tech-driven fashion districts, Tokyo is a favourite for Singaporeans looking for culture, convenience, and culinary adventures. Whether you’re going solo, with family, or on a shopping spree, Japan offers something for everyone.
Japan is also visa-free for Singaporeans, well-connected by high-speed rail, and one of the safest countries to travel in Asia — making it a go-to destination for first-timers and seasoned travellers alike.
Vaccines to Consider Before Going to Japan
Recommended Vaccines for Japan:
- Influenza Vaccine – Especially important during Japan’s winter flu season (December–March), in crowded trains, buses, hotel, or if you travel in groups.
- Hepatitis A – Recommended if you plan to explore smaller eateries or try raw food (sashimi, street snacks, shared izakaya dishes)
- Hepatitis B Vaccine - Recommended due to potential exposure through medical care, tattoos, or sexual contact.
- Japanese Encephalitis – For extended stays in rural Japan or travel during mosquito season
- Pneumococcal - For travellers age 65 above and those with chronic conditions
Routine Vaccines when travelling:
Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before travelling to Japan.
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTAP)
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Shingles Vaccine
*For the latest and complete list of required or recommended vaccines for specific parts of Japan, please refer to official sources such as MOH, WHO, or CDC.
| Vaccine | Price | Recommended Dosage |
| Hepatitis A | $88 | 2 doses, 6 months apart First dose at least 2 weeks before travel |
| Hepatitis B | $45 | 3 doses: at 0, 1, and 6 months Booster: at least 2 weeks before travel if previously vaccinated |
| Influenza Vaccine | $45 | 1 dose annually Take at least 2 weeks before travel |
| Pneumococcal (Prevenar 20) | $250 | 1 dose At least 2 weeks before travel |
Our doctor may recommend a serology (antibody) test to check your immunity levels. In some cases, a booster dose may suffice.
Prices are listed in SGD for 1 dose only and exclude GST. Mandatory consultation and administration charges apply.
*Prices last updated on 1 July 2024. Subject to change.
Pre-Travel Health Screening & Advice
Who should screen?
- Elderly
- People with chronic medical conditions
- Immunocompromised individuals
Suggested tests:
- Hepatitis A/B immunity check
- General health review if staying long-term or doing outdoor activities
Pack These: Emergency Medications & Health Kit
For Tokyo’s winter and travel environment:
- Flu medicine or lozenges
- Plaster
- Eye drops and moisturiser lotion (dry air)
- Anti-diarrhoea meds (e.g. loperamide or charcoal pills)
- Blurred vision
- Motion sickness tablets (for Mt. Fuji or countryside day trips)
- UTI Medication
- Antihistamines (for allergies especially during cherry blossom season)
While You’re There: Protecting Your Health
Tap water is safe to drink across Japan
Street food is generally safe, but stick to busy stalls and freshly made items
Masks are widely used during flu season — a good idea for crowded trains
Cold weather tips: Layer up, stay hydrated with warm water, and moisturise regularly
After You Return: Post-Travel Watchlist
Be alert for:
- Fever, fatigue, or stomach upset within 7–10 days of return
- If symptoms occur, consult a GP — particularly if you had street food often or you visited rural areas.
At Regis Medical, we offer rapid tests for flu, and gastrointestinal infections at our clinic.
Travel Health Checklist
✅ Vaccines completed
✅ Meds packed
✅ Travel insurance arranged
✅ Emergency contact card in bag
✅ Nearest hospital of your destination bookmarked
Planning a trip to Japan?
Visit Regis Medical for a Pre-Travel Vaccines and Health Consult — personalised for your destination, itinerary, and health needs.
