You know you need a flu shot—or maybe a COVID booster—before the season hits. But finding a clinic in Tokyo that handles everything in English, from the intake form to the post-injection instructions, feels almost impossible. Most information online is in Japanese, appointment systems assume you read kanji, and you are not even sure if a foreigner can walk into a neighborhood clinic and get vaccinated.
\n\n\n\nIf that sounds familiar, you are in the right place. SAKURA International Clinic Asakusa provides vaccinations in a fully English-supported environment—no interpreter needed, no guesswork involved. This page covers exactly which vaccines are available, what the process looks like, how much it costs, and what you should know about immunization in Japan.
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Vaccines Available at SAKURA International Clinic Asakusa
\n\n\n\nOur clinic offers the following vaccinations for adults and, where applicable, children. All consultations and explanations are provided in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.
\n\n\n\nSeasonal Influenza (Flu Shot)
\n\n\n\nOur most requested vaccine during autumn and winter. Japan uses a quadrivalent (4-strain) inactivated influenza vaccine, which covers two influenza A strains and two influenza B strains—the same level of protection offered in most Western countries. The flu shot is available each year from approximately October through January, while supplies last.
\n\n\n\nCOVID-19 Booster
\n\n\n\nWhen an updated COVID-19 booster is available through Japan’s national vaccination program, our clinic can administer it. Availability and eligible age groups change each season based on government guidelines. Please contact us directly to confirm whether the current booster is in stock.
\n\n\n\nOther Vaccines (By Consultation)
\n\n\n\nWe can arrange certain additional vaccines on a case-by-case basis. Contact the clinic to inquire about availability and lead times.
\n\n\n\nImportant note on travel vaccines: Pre-travel vaccinations such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, rabies, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis require specialized handling and are not available at our clinic. If you need travel immunizations, we recommend visiting the FORTH-designated travel clinic at Tokyo Medical University Hospital or the National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM) Travel Clinic, both of which offer English-language services.
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Flu Vaccine in Tokyo: What You Need to Know
\n\n\n\nThe seasonal influenza vaccine is by far the most common immunization requested by expats and travelers in Tokyo. Here is a quick-reference overview:
\n\n\n\n| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Vaccine type | Quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (4-strain) |
| Season | October – January (supplies are limited) |
| Doses (adults) | 1 injection per season |
| Doses (children under 13) | 2 injections, 2–4 weeks apart |
| Time to effectiveness | Approximately 2 weeks after injection |
| Duration of protection | About 5 months |
| Common side effects | Soreness at injection site, mild fatigue, low-grade fever (usually resolves within 1–2 days) |
Because it takes roughly two weeks for antibodies to build up, we recommend getting your flu shot as early in the season as possible—ideally by the end of October or early November. Peak flu season in Tokyo typically runs from December through February.
\n\n\n\nHow Is the Japanese Flu Vaccine Different?
\n\n\n\nIn practical terms, it is very similar to what you would receive in the US, UK, Australia, or Europe. Japan’s quadrivalent vaccine targets the same WHO-recommended strains each year. The primary difference is administrative: in Japan, the flu vaccine is classified as a voluntary (optional) vaccination, meaning it is not covered by most insurance plans. You pay out of pocket, but the medical quality is equivalent.
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Who Should Get Vaccinated?
\n\n\n\nVaccination is recommended for virtually everyone aged 6 months and older, but the following groups especially benefit:
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- Expats and long-term residents: If you live and work in Tokyo, a flu shot is your simplest defense against missing workdays—especially if you commute on crowded trains. \n
- Tourists and short-term visitors: Traveling while sick is miserable. If your trip falls between October and March, consider getting vaccinated before or shortly after arrival. \n
- Parents with young children: Children under 13 require two doses. Our multilingual staff will guide you through the pediatric schedule. (Please call ahead to confirm pediatric availability.) \n
- Elderly visitors and residents: Adults over 65 face higher risks of flu complications. In some Tokyo wards, subsidies are available for senior residents—ask our staff for details. \n
- People with chronic conditions: Asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses increase the risk of severe flu. Vaccination is strongly encouraged. \n
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How to Get Vaccinated: Step-by-Step
\n\n\n\nThe entire process at SAKURA International Clinic Asakusa is designed to be fast and foreigner-friendly. Here is what to expect:
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- Book your appointment. Contact us via WhatsApp on WhatsApp or call the clinic directly. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are recommended to minimize wait times. \n
- Complete the intake form. An English-language questionnaire covering your medical history, allergies, and current medications. You can fill this out on arrival or request a digital copy in advance. \n
- Doctor’s consultation. A brief pre-vaccination check to review your health status and confirm there are no contraindications. \n
- Receive your vaccination. The injection itself takes less than a minute. \n
- Post-injection observation (15 minutes). You will wait in our comfortable observation area so staff can monitor for any immediate allergic reactions. \n
- Payment and discharge. You are free to continue your day. We will provide a vaccination certificate if needed for your employer or school. \n
Total time from check-in to checkout is typically 30–45 minutes.
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Vaccination Cost
\n\n\n\nVaccine pricing at our clinic is straightforward and transparent:
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- General consultation fee: ¥55,000 (all-inclusive). This covers the doctor’s consultation, examination, and standard treatment. Vaccination may be included as part of this visit or billed separately depending on the vaccine type—please confirm when booking. \n
- Referral letter (if needed): +¥11,000. If you require a referral to a specialist or hospital, the referral letter fee applies. \n
All prices include tax. Payment is accepted in cash and major credit cards. Please note that Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) does not cover influenza vaccination for most adults, so the cost is out-of-pocket regardless of your insurance status. However, if you are a resident aged 65 or older, your local ward office may offer a subsidy—ask our reception team for assistance.
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Understanding Vaccination in Japan
\n\n\n\nJapan’s approach to immunization can be confusing for newcomers. Here are the key points that differ from many Western countries:
\n\n\n\nRoutine vs. Voluntary Vaccines
\n\n\n\nJapan divides vaccines into two categories: routine (定期接種, teiki sesshu) and voluntary (任意接種, nin’i sesshu). Routine vaccines—such as measles, rubella, and certain childhood immunizations—are provided free of charge by local governments. Voluntary vaccines, including the flu shot and most adult boosters, must be paid for out of pocket. This is a significant difference from countries like the UK or Australia, where flu shots are often free or heavily subsidized for all residents.
\n\n\n\nNo NHI Coverage for Flu Vaccines
\n\n\n\nEven if you are enrolled in Japan’s National Health Insurance, influenza vaccination is classified as preventive care, which NHI does not cover. The one major exception is for residents aged 65 and older (or those aged 60–64 with specific chronic conditions), who may receive a municipal subsidy that significantly reduces the cost. Each ward or city sets its own subsidy amount and application process.
\n\n\n\nVaccine Hesitancy and Historical Context
\n\n\n\nJapan has historically had lower flu vaccination rates compared to the US or Europe, partly due to a period in the 1990s when routine school-based flu vaccination was discontinued after public concerns about side effects. Attitudes have shifted considerably since then, and vaccination rates have been climbing—but you may notice that not all Japanese adults get a flu shot every year. As an expat or traveler, the medical consensus is clear: vaccination remains one of the most effective preventive measures against influenza.
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Frequently Asked Questions
\n\n\n\nDo I need an appointment, or can I walk in?
\nWe accept both appointments and walk-ins. However, we strongly recommend booking in advance—especially during peak flu season (October–December)—to guarantee vaccine availability and minimize your wait time. You can book easily via WhatsApp.
\nCan my child get vaccinated here?
\nWe can accommodate pediatric vaccinations on a case-by-case basis. Children under 13 require two flu shots spaced 2–4 weeks apart. Please call ahead to confirm that pediatric doses are in stock and to discuss your child’s vaccination history with our doctor.
\nI have an egg allergy. Can I still get the flu vaccine?
\nMost flu vaccines are manufactured using egg-based technology and contain trace amounts of egg protein. If you have a mild egg allergy (e.g., hives only), vaccination is generally considered safe and can be administered with standard observation. If you have a severe egg allergy (history of anaphylaxis), please inform our doctor during the consultation so we can assess your risk and discuss alternatives. In all cases, you will be monitored for 15 minutes after the injection.
\nWhat should I do if I experience side effects after vaccination?
\nMild side effects—such as soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, fatigue, or muscle aches—are normal and typically resolve within 1–2 days. You can take over-the-counter acetaminophen (paracetamol) if needed. If you develop a high fever (above 38.5°C), difficulty breathing, severe swelling, or hives spreading beyond the injection site, contact our clinic immediately or visit the nearest emergency room. Serious allergic reactions are extremely rare but should be treated promptly.
\nHow much does the flu vaccine cost, and is it covered by insurance?
\nThe flu vaccine is classified as voluntary (preventive) care in Japan and is not covered by National Health Insurance. Our general consultation fee is ¥55,000 (all-inclusive). Please contact us when booking to confirm the exact breakdown for vaccination visits. Residents aged 65+ may qualify for municipal subsidies—our staff can help you check eligibility.
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Get Vaccinated at SAKURA International Clinic Asakusa
\n\n\n\nDon’t let language barriers stand between you and proper preventive care. Whether you need a seasonal flu shot, a COVID booster, or just want to discuss your immunization options with an English-speaking doctor, we are here to help.
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNo waiting. No hassle. Just care.
\n\n\n\nClinic Information
\n\n\n\n| Clinic | SAKURA International Clinic Asakusa |
| Location | 1-minute walk from Asakusa Station |
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, open every day (year-round) |
| Languages | English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese |
| Contact | WhatsApp: wa.me/818012345678 |
| Consultation fee | ¥55,000 (all-inclusive) / Referral letter: +¥11,000 |
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