Travel Medicine

We offer a wide range of vaccines and preventive medications primarily aimed at preventing infectious diseases during international travel.

We also provide various infectious disease tests, prescriptions for essential medications convenient for travel, and issuance of required certificates for your destination.

We can administer or prescribe all medications on the same day of your visit.

Note that the travel consultation is not covered by Japanese national health insurance (private consultation only).

We recommend that first-time visitors schedule a consultation at least one month before departure (shorter periods before departure may limit the vaccines available).

If you have any questions, please contact us via our Official LINE.

For travel consultations, please bring your maternal and child health handbook as your vaccination history is required. A photo of the vaccination record page is also acceptable.

If you do not have or have lost your maternal and child health handbook, please inform the doctor.

You can check the types of vaccines and schedules for each travel destination below.

Please select the section to jump to.

Our Features

Our travel consultation service has the following five key features.

We offer consultations with full privacy in mind, and provide optimal prescriptions and schedules based on each patient’s needs and their travel destination.

Please feel free to visit us with peace of mind.

Convenient Open Hours

We are open for consultations on weekdays and Saturdays from 14:00 to 20:45, and on Sundays and holidays from 10:00 to 16:45.

Same-Day Vaccination

We operate on a priority appointment system, so patients with appointments will be seen first.

Same-day appointments are available, and vaccinations and preventive medications can be administered on the same day.

If you need urgent vaccination, you can consult with the doctor to arrange a schedule.

Safe and Effective Vaccines

We offer a wide variety of vaccines and prescription medications, both domestic and international, that have been proven safe and effective based on expert knowledge.

Are Non-Approved Vaccines Safe?

We also provide non-approved vaccines that have been proven safe and effective globally.

These vaccines may offer benefits such as faster immunity development, protection against multiple diseases, or lower cost compared to domestic vaccines.

Side Effect Compensation

If a serious side effect occurs after the use of a domestically approved vaccine, there is a public compensation system in place.

We also offer a compensation system for side effects of non-approved vaccines through a third-party importer, so you can use these vaccines with confidence.

The non-approved vaccines we offer have been administered extensively overseas, and serious side effects are extremely rare.

Various Payment Methods

In addition to cash, we accept various electronic payments such as credit cards, PayPay, and transportation IC cards.

Vaccination Schedule

We provide an overview of the types of vaccines we offer, their administration schedules, and important points to keep in mind.

Live Vaccines and Inactivated Vaccines

Vaccines help to build immunity in advance to prevent infections or reduce the severity of infections. Vaccines can be broadly classified into two types: “live vaccines” and “inactivated vaccines”.

Category Live Vaccines Inactivated Vaccines
Description Weakened live bacteria or viruses Extracted essential components
of bacteria or viruses,
with toxicity neutralized
Vaccines Available
at Our Clinic
MMR Vaccine (Priorix) Various vaccines
except Priorix
Doses Typically fewer doses (1 to 3) Typically more doses
(3 to 4, plus boosters)
Duration of
Immunity
Generally longer Generally shorter
Side Effects Relatively more common,
such as fever and fatigue
Systemic reactions are rare,
local reactions at the
injection site are more common
Interval
Between Doses
At least 1 month
between live vaccines
No restrictions
Pregnancy Not allowed Possible depending
on risk
Pregnancy After
Vaccination
Avoid pregnancy
for 1 to 2 months
Limited impact
on pregnancy

Most vaccines offered at our clinic can be administered without concern for the interval between doses.

For those whose antibody levels for measles, rubella, and mumps fall below the standard, two doses are recommended. We also offer antibody tests at our clinic, so feel free to inquire.

Vaccines Required by Region

Based on information from the Quarantine Station of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (FORTH), we have compiled a list of diseases that pose infection risks in different regions, which can be prevented or mitigated through vaccination.

How to Interpret the Symbols

◎: Diseases with a high infection rate or risk of severe illness, for which vaccination is highly recommended.

◯: Vaccination should be considered depending on the length of stay, activities, or age of the traveler.

△: The risk is relatively low, but vaccination may be recommended depending on the activities or age of the traveler.

●: For countries with infection risks (refer to the FORTH website), vaccination is required at least 10 days before travel.

Region Hepatitis
A
Hepatitis
B
Measles
/Rubella
Tetanus Polio Japanese
Encephalitis
Rabies Typhoid Meningitis Flu Yellow
Fever
North
America
Caribbean
Central/South
America
Central/
West Asia
East Asia
Southeast/
South Asia
Australia/
New Zealand
Oceania
North/East/
Central/West
Africa
South Africa
North/West
/South
Europe
East Europe

Yellow fever vaccination is only available at quarantine stations. Please note that we do not provide this vaccination at our clinic.

Vaccination Schedule

The following schedule is for adult vaccinations. It is recommended that you complete the vaccination schedule from weeks 5 to 8 before travel.

For vaccinations after 6 months, you should complete them either during your travels or upon your return to Japan.

If you fail to complete your vaccinations, your primary series may be incomplete, which could require restarting the series in some cases. Be sure to complete your vaccinations.

The intervals shown for tetanus, polio, and Japanese encephalitis vaccinations are based on cases where the primary series was not completed during childhood.

What Is Urgent Vaccination?

Urgent vaccination refers to completing the three-dose primary series within one month to rapidly increase antibody levels.

However, a fourth dose is required after one year to complete the primary series, meaning that an additional dose will be required compared to the regular schedule.

Urgent vaccination is available for the combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine, Twinrix.

Preventable
Disease
Product Name Domestic
Approval
Initial 1w 2w 3w 1mo 2mo 3mo 6mo 9mo 1yr
Hepatitis A Aimmugen Yes [1] [2] [3]
Havrix No [1] [2]
Hepatitis B Bimmugen Yes [1] [2] [3]
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Twinrix
(Standard)
No [1] [2] [3]
Twinrix
(Urgent)
No [1] [2] [3] [4]
Measles
Rubella
Mumps
Priorix No [1] [2]
Tetanus Tetanus
Toxoid
Yes [1] [2]* [3]*
Tetanus
Pertussis
Diphtheria
(Tdap)
Boostrix No [1] [2]* [3]*
Tetanus
Pertussis
Diphtheria
Polio
(DPT-IPV)
Tetrabik Yes [1] [2]* [3]*
Japanese
Encephalitis
Jebik V Yes [1] [2]* [3]*
Rabies ChiroRab No [1] [2] [3]
Typhoid Fever Typber TCV No [1]
Meningococcal
Meningitis ACWY
Nimenrix No [1]
Meningococcal
Meningitis B
Bexsero No [1] [2]
Influenza Influenza
HA Vaccine
Yes [1]
Shingles Shingrix Yes [1] [2]
COVID-19 Comirnaty Yes [1]

* If the basic vaccination series has been completed in childhood, only one dose is required. If not, three doses will be needed.

Precautions After Vaccination

Please keep in mind the following three points after vaccination.

Observe yourself for about an hour after vaccination.

This is because, although extremely rare, severe side effects (such as anaphylaxis) may occur.

Avoid alcohol consumption and strenuous exercise.

On the day of vaccination, you may continue with your usual daily routine. Bathing is fine, but please avoid prolonged baths.

Local reactions such as redness at the injection site or, rarely, systemic reactions may occur within about two weeks after vaccination.

Systemic reactions reported include seizures, fever, headaches, and muscle aches.

If you experience symptoms that appear to be side effects or if they interfere with your daily life, please contact us for a consultation.

Malaria and Preventive Medication

Malaria is a disease transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, caused by malaria parasites. It typically manifests after an incubation period of 10 to 30 days.

When an Anopheles mosquito bites, malaria parasites are injected into the body, where they multiply in liver cells over 10 to 30 days (this is called the incubation period).

If you stay in West Africa for a month without preventive medication, the infection rate is about 3%. For tropical Africa, the infection rate is about 0.2%. Infection is life-threatening and extremely dangerous.

If you plan to travel to a malaria-endemic region, ensure that you are equipped with proper knowledge and preventive medication.

Types of Malaria and Symptoms

Malaria is classified into five types based on the parasite, but the most dangerous is falciparum malaria, known as malignant malaria. For travelers without immunity, it is a life-threatening emergency if not treated promptly.

Falciparum
Malaria
Tertian
Malaria
Ovale
Malaria
Quartan
Malaria
Initial
Symptoms
Fever and headaches
Later Course Multiple organ failure
Death
Fever every 48 hours Fever every 72 hours
Main
Endemic
Areas
Africa
Papua New Guinea
and others
Indonesia
India
Brazil
and others
Africa and others
Classification Malignant Malaria Benign Malaria

Note: In addition to the four types of malaria mentioned above, there is also monkey malaria.

Endemic Areas and Risks

The main endemic areas for malaria are sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast and South Asia, Latin America, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and other tropical and subtropical regions.

Those planning to stay in highly endemic areas for more than a week are advised to take preventive malaria medication.

Source: Travel Clinic, International Medical Center of Japan, “Malaria Prevention Pocket Guide”

The Malaria Prevention Specialist Committee recommends that the following individuals take malaria preventive medication.

Absolute Indications for Malaria Preventive Medication

Individuals staying in highly endemic areas for more than one week

– Individuals staying in areas without access to proper medical facilities after malaria onset

The risk of malaria infection varies depending on the location, season, altitude, and other factors.

Please check the risk summary table below for details.

High Risk Low Risk
Location Rural Areas Urban Areas
Travel Duration Long-term Short-term
Season Late Rainy Season Late Dry Season
Altitude Low
(Near Water)
High
(Above 2,000m)
Activity Location Outdoors Indoors
Time of Activity Night Day
Accommodation Open-window Lodging Air-conditioned Hotel

Without malaria preventive medication, the infection rate during a one-month stay in tropical Africa is about 0.2%, while in West Africa, it is around 3%.

Types and Characteristics of Malaria Preventive Medication

Malaria infection can be prevented in over 90% of cases if the medication is taken correctly.

In Japan, Malarone and Mefloquine are approved, while Doxycycline is not approved.

The characteristics of each medication are listed below.

Malarone

Characteristics: It is effective not only in the bloodstream but also against malaria parasites in the liver. A key feature is that the post-travel dosing period is shorter compared to other medications.

Dosage: It needs to be taken daily, making it convenient for short-term stays.

Safety: As a relatively new medication, long-term safety data is still limited. It cannot be used by pregnant women or those with kidney problems.

Side Effects: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal pain occur in about 1 in 10 to 20 people. Rarely, nightmares have been reported. Malarone tends to have fewer side effects compared to Mefloquine.

Price: 750 JPY per tablet (incl. tax) [For a 2-week trip, approximately 22 days of medication is required]

Mefloquine

Characteristics: It is not effective against malaria parasites in the liver, and it must be taken for 4 weeks after leaving a malaria-endemic region.

Dosage: It is taken once a week, which makes it convenient for long-term stays. However, it must be continued for 4 weeks after leaving a malaria-endemic region.

Safety: Safety data has been accumulated both domestically and internationally since the 1970s, and it is approved for use in children and pregnant women in the U.S. However, it cannot be used by those with depression or epilepsy (including those with a history of these conditions).

Side Effects: Dizziness is reported in about 1 in 10 people. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea occur in about 1 in 25 to 30 people. Insomnia and depression are also rarely seen.

Price: 1,100 JPY per tablet (incl. tax) [For a 2-week trip, 8 weeks (9 tablets) are required]

[Comparison of Malarone and Mefloquine]

MalaroneMefloquine
Domestic ApprovalApprovedApproved
IndicationsSuitable for short-term staysSuitable for long-term stays
Contraindications
(Individuals who cannot use)
People with severe kidney problemsPeople with depression or epilepsy
(including past history)
Pregnant WomenNot recommendedNot recommended (consultation required)
ChildrenPermittedNot recommended (consultation required)
Side EffectsDiarrhea, abdominal pain
Nightmares
Dizziness
Diarrhea, nausea
Insomnia, depression, etc.
Cost750 JPY per tablet1,100 JPY per tablet
Usage InstructionsStart 1-2 days before travel
Take 1 tablet daily
Continue for 1 week after return
Start 1-2 weeks before travel
Take 1 tablet weekly
Continue for 4 weeks after return

If you wish to use Vibramycin, a non-approved drug in Japan, as a malaria preventive medication, please consult with a doctor.

Mosquito Prevention Measures Beyond Medication

It is said that Anopheles mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn, so avoid going out at night.

Also, check if the accommodation provides mosquito nets. Mosquito coils can also be helpful.

Besides the preventive medication mentioned above, insect repellents containing DEET are effective. When using insect spray, choose one that contains DEET.

Dengue fever in Southeast Asia, and yellow fever in Africa and South America, are also transmitted by mosquitoes and have symptoms similar to malaria. These diseases are transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which are active during the day, so be cautious about mosquito bites even during daylight hours.

Fees

For those without symptoms, consultations are generally considered private (not covered by insurance).

The price for private consultations is calculated using the following fee system.

Fee System

[Price] = [Consultation Fee] + [Test Fee] + [Medication Fee]

Initial and Follow-up Consultation Fees

The consultation fee differs between initial and follow-up visits.

If you have previously been seen at our clinic for either insurance-covered or private consultations, you will be charged the follow-up consultation fee.

Initial and Follow-up Consultation Fees

Initial Consultation Fee: 2,500 JPY (incl. tax)

Follow-up Consultation Fee: 1,000 JPY (incl. tax)

For second and subsequent vaccinations, no follow-up consultation fee will be charged. You will only need to pay for the vaccine each time.

Vaccine Fees

The vaccines we offer are listed below.

All vaccines and medications we offer can be administered or prescribed on the same day.

Preventable
Disease
Product Name Domestic
Approval
Vaccine
Type
Price
(JPY/dose)
(incl. tax)
Doses
Hepatitis A Aimmugen Yes Inactivated
Vaccine
8,000 3 doses
Twinrix No Inactivated
Vaccine
13,000 3 doses
(Urgent vaccination available)
Havrix No Inactivated
Vaccine
15,000 2 doses
Hepatitis B Bimmugen Yes Inactivated
Vaccine
7,000 3 doses
Twinrix No Inactivated
Vaccine
13,000 3 doses
(Urgent vaccination available)
Measles
Rubella
Mumps
Priorix No Live Vaccine 10,000 1-2 doses
Tetanus Tetanus
Toxoid
Yes Inactivated
Vaccine
4,000 1 or 3 doses*
Tetanus
Pertussis
Diphtheria
(Tdap)
Boostrix No Inactivated
Vaccine
9,000 1 or 3 doses*
Tetanus
Pertussis
Diphtheria
Polio
(DPT-IPV)
Tetrabik Yes Inactivated
Vaccine
13,000 1 or 3 doses*
Japanese
Encephalitis
Jebik V Yes Inactivated
Vaccine
7,500 3 doses
Rabies ChiroRab No Inactivated
Vaccine
13,000 3 doses
Typhoid Fever Typber TCV No Inactivated
Vaccine
10,000 1 dose
Meningococcal
Meningitis ACWY
Nimenrix No Inactivated
Vaccine
17,000 1 dose
Meningococcal
Meningitis B
Bexsero No Inactivated
Vaccine
26,000 2 doses
Influenza Influenza
HA Vaccine
Yes Inactivated
Vaccine
4,000 1 dose
Shingles Shingrix Yes Inactivated
Vaccine
22,000 2 doses
COVID-19 Comirnaty Yes Inactivated
Vaccine
16,000 1 dose

*If the basic vaccination series was completed during childhood, only 1 dose is needed. If not, 3 doses are required.

Medication Fees

The medications we offer are listed below. All can be dispensed in-house on the same day without the need to visit a pharmacy.

Type Medication Name Price (JPY/incl. tax)
Malaria
Preventive Medication
Malarone
(1 tablet per day)
750/day
Mefloquine
(1 tablet per week)
1,100/week
Altitude Sickness
Prevention Kit
Diamox* (5 tablets)
Anti-nausea medication (5 doses)
Pain relievers (10 doses)
3,000
Travel Kit Pain relievers (5 doses)
Gastrointestinal medication,
probiotics, antihistamines (5 days each)
Anti-diarrheal, motion sickness,
laxatives (5 doses each)
Ointment, insect bite cream (1 tube)
3,000
Pain Relief Kit Pain relievers (5 doses) 500

*For altitude sickness prevention, it is recommended to start taking Diamox one day before ascent and continue until two days after reaching the summit or until descent. Additional Diamox can be prescribed, so please consult your doctor.

If you wish to use Vibramycin, a non-approved drug in Japan, as a malaria preventive medication, please consult with a doctor.

Test Fees

The following tests are available at our clinic. Results for tests other than same-day tests will be sent by email.

Test Item Price
(JPY/incl. tax)
Results* Specimen
Measles
IgG Antibody
3,000 3-4 days Blood
Rubella
IgG Antibody
3,000 3-4 days Blood
Mumps
IgG Antibody
3,000 3-4 days Blood
Measles, Rubella, Mumps
IgG Antibody Set
8,000 3-4 days Blood
Hepatitis A
Antibody Test
5,000 2-3 days Blood
Hepatitis B
Antigen Test
5,000 2-3 days Blood
Hepatitis B
Antibody Test
5,000 2-3 days Blood
Hepatitis C
Antibody Test
5,000 2-3 days Blood
Blood Tuberculosis Test**
(T-SPOT)
9,900 2-3 days Blood
HIV Antigen/Antibody Test 5,000 1-2 days Blood
HIV Real-time PCR 11,000 7-10 days Blood
Syphilis
(Qualitative/Quantitative Test)
5,000 each 4-5 days Blood
General Blood Test Set
(For lifestyle diseases, etc.)
3,000 2-3 days Blood
HIV Antigen/Antibody Test
(4th Generation Same-day Test)
7,000 About 30 minutes Blood
Hepatitis B
(HBs Antigen Same-day Test)
7,000 About 30 minutes Blood
Syphilis
(Same-day, TPHA Method)
7,000 About 30 minutes Blood

*The reporting time for test results is based on the “test start date”. For samples collected in the evening, or on Sundays, holidays, or at the end of the year, the next business day will be considered the “test start date”. For private consultations, you can check results online.

**Blood tuberculosis tests are available only on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, by appointment only. Please ask the doctor for more details. If urgent, please contact us via Official LINE.

Test Fees

If you would like a medical certificate or referral letter, we charge the following fees:

Content Price
(JPY/incl. tax)
Various Certificates
(Japanese)
3,300
Various Certificates
(English)
5,500

Consultation Process

The travel clinic operates on an appointment-priority basis, similar to other departments at our clinic.

If you walk in without an appointment, please be aware that wait times may be long. We recommend booking an appointment and filling out the questionnaire in advance.

Step 1

Make an Appointment

Please make an appointment through our Official LINE’s rich menu under “In-person Consultation.”


Step 2

Fill Out the Questionnaire

Please fill out the questionnaire via the link on our Official LINE.

Step 3

Visit Us on the Appointment Day

On the day of your appointment, please arrive at the clinic at your reserved time. You will receive a number at reception, and you will be called by this number for examinations, payments, etc.

Step 4

Doctor’s Consultation and Examination

Based on the completed questionnaire, the doctor will provide appropriate advice, examinations, and treatment. Vaccinations and prescriptions can also be provided on the same day.

This article is supervised by:

Dr. Kenji KUTSUNA

Specialist in Infectious Diseases, Doctor of Medicine.
He has been involved in travel medicine and imported infectious disease care for about 10 years at the National Center for Global Health and Medicine (Shinjuku, Tokyo), which hosts Japan’s largest travel clinic, and continues to work in clinical practice and research.
His other areas of expertise include emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, and COVID-19. He actively promotes awareness of infectious diseases through various media, including TV and the internet.
He also works part-time at our clinic and supervises our travel clinic.