Cats in Japan: rules and travel
Dogs must be registered with the local municipality and vaccinated against rabies every year. Microchips are required for pets sold by breeders and shops and strongly urged for owners; there is no dog tax.
Dog registration, fees and leash rules are set by each municipality or prefecture.
Registration and microchip
Same as dogs: breeders and shops must microchip cats they sell (since 1 June 2022); owners are urged to microchip and register the chip.[2]
Travelling to Japan with a cat
EU countries are handled under the general procedure for non-designated regions: ISO microchip before the first rabies vaccine, two rabies vaccines, a titre test, a 180 day wait, notice to the Animal Quarantine Service at least 40 days before arrival, and an official health certificate.[3]
Same procedure as above: microchip, two rabies vaccines (first at 91 days or older, second at least 30 days later), titre test, 180 days after the blood sample, 40 days advance notice, vet exam within 10 days before boarding and government-endorsed certificate.[3]
Titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml, tested at a designated laboratory after the second vaccine. The result is valid for 2 years and the animal must arrive at least 180 days after the blood sample date.[3]
Animals that meet every requirement are cleared within 12 hours at the airport or port. Animals that do not can be held for up to 180 days or refused.[4]
Not confirmed yet: Registration. We only show what an official or named source states.
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.