Visit a doctor before travelling
We strongly recommend that you see a doctor for the latest health advice at least six weeks prior to your holiday to allow time for any necessary vaccinations etc. Remember to take your itinerary with you to the appointment. For up to date travel health advice, please check www.travelvax.com.au before departure.
You can also visit our Japan Entry Requirements page.
Drinking Water
Tap water anywhere in Japan is safe to drink. Alternatively, bottled water is available everywhere – the vending machines along the streets are particularly useful for this. Always ensure that the seal is unbroken.
Toilets
Japanese toilets are a thing of legend! You will encounter ones that play music or water sounds, heated toilet seats, ones with sprays and warm air. Toilets in hotel rooms will be western-style and probably electronic. Many public toilets in Japan are now western-style, but you can still come across squat toilets now and then. Generally, public toilets are common – even convenience stores have them. We suggest you carry tissues with you though, as public facilities may not always supply toilet paper.
Personal Medical Kit
We strongly recommend taking all pharmaceutical products that you may require with you on your tour. Do not rely on being able to purchase these during your holiday. While there
are pharmacies throughout Japan, foreign prescriptions cannot be filled, and non-prescription medicines will be different from the western brands you are used to. It is also unlikely that the
staff will speak English. Consider taking a ‘personal medical kit’ containing any medication or medical equipment you may need during your time in Japan:
- All prescribed medication (with a cover note from your doctor)
- Headache tablets
- Anti-diarrhoea tablets
- Cold and flu tablets
- Travel sickness tablets
- Lozenges
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Antibacterial hand wipes and/or hand wash
- Spare pair of glasses/contact lenses
- Small first-aid kit
If you need to purchase any pharmaceuticals or medical equipment while in Japan, you may ask your National Escort/Local Guide or hotel staff to help you locate a pharmacy, identify
medication or to translate from the local language to English. If you need medical attention they will be able to arrange a call from a doctor, usually one who speaks English. However, the
decision to purchase or take any non-prescribed (either western or traditional local) medicine is entirely your own.
Restricted and Prohibited Medicines
The use or possession of some common prescription and over-the-counter medicines are banned under Japan’s strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law. This includes Vicks inhalers, medicines for allergies and sinus problems and even some mild painkillers like those containing codeine. Customs officials may not be sympathetic if you claim ignorance. If in any doubt, check with the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate before you travel.
The staff at Wendy Wu Tours (in Australia, New Zealand and Japan) and our representatives are not medically qualified. Therefore they are neither able, nor allowed to give any medical advice, recommendations or administer medications.
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