Sexually transmitted infections in Japan: prevention and free, anonymous tests at public health centres

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can affect anyone, whatever their age or relationship. When people travel more and meet new people, it is worth revisiting prevention and where to get tested. This article summarises the STI page of Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (read on 7 November 2026); it is general information, not a substitute for a doctor.

The infections the ministry highlights

As the main diseases in its prevention guidelines, the ministry lists five: syphilis, genital chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes and genital warts. It adds others spread by sexual contact, including HIV/AIDS, pubic lice, trichomoniasis, genital candidiasis, hepatitis A, B and C, mpox and HTLV-1.

No symptoms, still contagious

Many STIs cause no symptoms or only mild ones, so people can pass them on without knowing. Testing is therefore recommended whenever there is a risk or a worry, with or without symptoms. Left untreated, infections can cause infertility and lasting damage to the nerves and heart; damage to mucous membranes can raise the risk of HIV, and some infections can pass to a baby at birth.

Prevention: condoms, testing, early treatment

The ministry says that using condoms correctly during sex is the most important measure. Regular testing and early detection and treatment complete the picture. Some infections can be prevented with vaccines; eligibility changes, so check with a clinic.

As a couple, prevention is not one person's job: talk plainly about when you were last tested, how you will use condoms and what you will do if symptoms appear. The aim is not blame but looking after each other.

Where to get tested

Tests are available at hokenjo (public health centres) and medical institutions, using blood tests, visual examination, urine tests or discharge samples depending on the infection. The ministry notes that hokenjo offer free, anonymous STI tests, including for syphilis; some have evening or holiday hours, or women-only sessions. Which tests are offered, when, and whether short-stay foreign visitors can use them differs by locality, so check the centre's website or phone first. If you need language support, JNTO's Japan Visitor Hotline (050-3816-2787, 24 hours, English, Chinese and Korean) can help you find a medical facility.

Treatment

Most STIs can be treated, but delay can cause lasting complications. If you are diagnosed, follow the doctor's advice and tell partners so they can be tested. Syphilis is reported in every case; the other four diseases are monitored through sentinel surveillance.

Quick checklist before and after a trip

• Carry enough condoms and check their expiry dates.
• Agree testing and prevention rules as a couple.
• If something worries you on return, get tested even without symptoms.
• With itching, pain, unusual discharge or sores, see a doctor soon.

Sources (read 7 November 2026): Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, "Sexually transmitted infections" (https://www.mhlw.go.jp/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/kenkou/kekkaku-kansenshou/seikansenshou/index.html); JNTO emergency guide (https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/eng/mi_guide.html).