tracilee

My first trip to Japan is coming up and I've talked with some new friends who were there this past October. One is a travel agent and she suggested that we get Hepatitis C shots. I've googled and can't see where anyone else is recommending that. What says you, my Fodor friends?

Second - do we need to cover our shoulders in temples? I'm used to doing so at the Vatican as well as a couple other churches in Europe, but don't know if that is the case in Japan. Etiquette tips?

Third - is wearing shorts while touring (Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka) acceptable? I will most likely wear a skirt, but wondering if my husband is okay with a nice pair of shorts. We will be there in August so I assume it will be hot.

Thank you!

Kathie

There is no vaccine for Hep C. I expect your friend was thinking of Hep A and Hep B. Frankly, you should have the Hep A vaccine if you plan to stay at home. And if you are getting the Hep A vaccine, you might as well get the Hep A & B combination vaccine.

In general, one should cover one's shoulders in Buddhist temples. I was there in November, so it wasn't an issue.

Sorry, I don't know about shorts for men in temples in Japan.

tracilee

Thanks for the info, Kathie, I will look into the shots.

kja

For health issues, I always consult the CDC website about steps one should or should not be taken before traveling.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destina...ler/none/japan

For the etiquette of visiting a Japanese temple, I would encourage you to consult this description:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2057.html

And for etiquette more generally:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e622.html

For almost anything, do a search of japan-guide.com!

For climate statistic, check wunderground.com

Hope that helps!

mrwunrfl

Third -
https://www.google.co.jp/search?q=%E...k5I&gws_rd=ssl

tracilee

Kja, thanks for the links, they are very helpful! And I appreciate the link to shorts, mrwunrfl.