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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
◎: 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.
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] | |||||||||
| Pneumococcus | Pneumovax | Yes | [1] | |||||||||
| Human Papillomavirus | Silgard 9 | Yes | [1] | [2] | [3] | |||||||
* 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.
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]
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]
| Malarone | Mefloquine | |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Approval | Approved | Approved |
| Indications | Suitable for short-term stays | Suitable for long-term stays |
| Contraindications (Individuals who cannot use) | People with severe kidney problems | People with depression or epilepsy (including past history) |
| Pregnant Women | Not recommended | Not recommended (consultation required) |
| Children | Permitted | Not recommended (consultation required) |
| Side Effects | Diarrhea, abdominal pain Nightmares | Dizziness Diarrhea, nausea Insomnia, depression, etc. |
| Cost | 750 JPY per tablet | 1,100 JPY per tablet |
| Usage Instructions | Start 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.
[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 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 |
| Pneumococcus | Pneumovax | Yes | Inactivated vaccine |
8,500 | 1 dose |
| Human Papillomavirus | Silgard 9 | Yes | Inactivated Vaccine |
33,000 | Generally 3 doses (2 doses also available) |
*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.
Make an Appointment
Please make an appointment through our Official LINE’s rich menu under “In-person Consultation.”
Fill Out the Questionnaire
Please fill out the questionnaire via the link on our Official LINE.
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.
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.
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.
