Japanese

observe both Shinto and Buddhist 84%, other 16% (including Christian 0.7%).

Japan is stable, highly developed parliamentary democracy with a modern economy.

Ground Self-Defense Force (Army), Maritime Self-Defense Force (Navy), Air Self-Defense Force (Air Force), Coast Guard

A valid passport and an onward/return ticket are required for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for the intended period of stay in Japan.   Americans cannot work on a 90-day "visa free" entry. As a general rule, "visa free" entry status may not be changed to another visa status without departing and then re-entering Japan with the appropriate visa such as a spouse, work or study visa.
For more information about the Japanese visa waiver program for tourists, Japan's rules on work visas, special visas for taking depositions, and other visa issues, travelers should consult the Consular Section of the Embassy of Japan at 2520 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC  20008, tel. (202) 238-6800, or the nearest Japanese consulate: visit the Japanese Embassy’s website for location details. The US Embassy and consulates in Japan cannot assist in obtaining visas for Japan.
All foreign nationals entering Japan, with the exception of certain categories listed below, are required to provide fingerprint scans and be photographed at the port of entry. This requirement does not replace any existing visa or passport requirements. Foreign nationals exempt from this requirement include special permanent residents, persons under 16 years of age, holders of diplomatic or official visas, and persons invited by the head of a national administrative organization. US travelers on official business must have a diplomatic or official visa specifying the nature of travel as "As Diplomat," "As Official," or "In Transit" to be exempt from biometric collection. All other visa holders, including those with diplomatic and official visas stating "As Temporary Visitor," are subject to this requirement. SOFA personnel are exempt from biometrics entry requirements under SOFA Article IX.2.
US citizens entering or transiting Japan should ensure that their passports and visas are up to date before leaving the US. Occasionally airlines mistakenly board US citizens coming to Japan, even though their passports have already expired. The US Embassy and consulates cannot "vouch for" a US citizen without a valid passport, and passport services are not available at the airport. In some prior instances, travelers have been returned immediately to the US, while in other cases, they have been issued 24-hour "shore passes" and were required to return the next day to Japanese Immigration for lengthy processing.
Many Asian countries require that travelers hold passports valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of entry into the country. Airlines in Japan will deny boarding to Americans who seek to transit Japan without the required travel documents for their onward destinations in Asia. For the entry requirements of the country you wish to visit, see the State Department's Country Specific Information. It is not usually possible to obtain a new US passport and foreign visa during a brief stopover while transiting Japan, as tourist passport processing in Japan can take approximately two weeks.
Airlines in Japan will deny boarding to Americans for onward flights to China if the US passport holder does not have a Chinese visa. Without having pre-planned the entire trip, the traveler is faced with having to obtain a Chinese visa in Japan, which can be a lengthy and complex process. The US Embassy and consulates cannot assist in obtaining Chinese visas. More information is available in the Country Specific Information for China. Entry requirements for Hong Kong are available on our web site as well.
Military/SOFA Travelers: While active-duty US military personnel may enter Japan under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with proper Department of Defense (DOD) identification and travel orders, all SOFA family members, civilian employees and contractors must have  valid passports and, in some cases, SOFA visas to enter Japan. Active-duty military personnel should obtain a tourist passport prior to leaving the US to accommodate off-duty travel elsewhere in Asia as obtaining one while in Japan can take several weeks. Personnel whose duties will include official travel should also obtain an Official Passport before coming to Japan to avoid delays of up to two months, as these overseas applications must be referred to a special office in Washington, adding to processing times. DOD travelers should consult the DOD Foreign Clearance Guide, DOD 4500.54 before leaving the US.
Long-Term Residency Requirements: Japan modified its Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act in 2006. Now, when renewing their residency status, certain long-term residents who obtained their resident status as a result of their Japanese descent (Nikkei or sansei, etc) must provide satisfactory evidence that they do not have a criminal record in their home country. However, because Japanese requirements do not appear to be clear-cut, the Embassy recommends that residents consult with their local immigration office before starting the process of obtaining their US criminal record. For more details about Japanese residency requirements, check with the nearest immigration office in Japan. US citizens with long-term resident status in Japan who are required to provide evidence that they do not have criminal records should request such service at FBI Identification Record Request.
Also, it is important to remember that "Long-Term Resident" (Teijusha) and "Permanent Resident" (Eijusha) are different and are subject to different requirements.
The US Dept of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents of Japan.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

Airports:  174, Airports w/paved runways:  143

Tokyo International Airport (HND/RJTT)
Tokyo, Haneda Airport, Japan, 4-3 Haneda-Kuko, 2-Chome, Ota-Ku, Tokyo 144, JAPAN
Tel: +81 (0)3 747-0511
Website:  www.tokyo-airport-bldg.co.jp

There have been no major terrorist incidents in Japan since 1995; however, since terrorists can strike at any time and at any place, US citizens should be aware of the potential risks and take these into consideration when making travel plans. The security situation in Japan remains the same with no new credible threat information. Our offices in Japan disseminate threat information through our nationwide email warden system and post current threat information on the US Embassy’s American Citizens Services (ACS) web site at http://japan.usembassy.gov/acs. Anyone may sign up for our emailed warden system messages through our web site.

Crimes against US citizens in Japan usually only involve personal disputes, theft or vandalism. The general crime rate in Japan is at levels well below the US national average. Violent crime is rare, but does exist.

Infant MR total:  3.28 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:  TOTAL  81.04yrs  (male 77.74 / 84.51).

Required: None

Recommended: Hep B, Japanese Encephalitis
Boosters: MMR, DPT

Japanese encephalitis is found in wide areas of Japan. 

A measles outbreak was reported in Japan in 2007.

While medical care in Japan is good, English-speaking physicians and medical facilities that cater to Americans' expectations are expensive and not very widespread. Japan has a national health insurance system, which is available only to foreigners with long-term visas for Japan. Medical caregivers in Japan require payment in full at the time of treatment or concrete proof of ability to pay before treating a foreigner who is not a member of the national health insurance plan.

A measles outbreak was reported in Japan in 2007.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) was also found in bird populations in Japan in 2003-2004. It continues to cause outbreaks in domestic and wild bird populations and has caused human cases in several East Asian countries. Avoid all direct contact with birds, including domestic poultry (such as chickens and ducks) and wild birds, and avoid places such as poultry farms and bird markets where live birds are raised or kept.

Country Calling Code:  +81
Internet Country Code:  .jp