Tourists from most countries (but not all!!) can usually get a 3 month tourist visa on arrival in Japan.
Most other visas must be applied for and approved before arrival in Japan.
If you have any more questions or information about tourists visas to Japan please post them here.

Under the "Visas" section of the foreign affairs website it is described as:

"Short-term stays refer to temporary visits of up to 90 days for such purposes as sightseeing; sports; convalescence; visits to relatives, friends, or acquaintances; amateur participation in athletic meetings or other contests; business trips (such as market surveys, business liaison, business talks, signing contracts, and after-sale service for machinery imported into Japan); and friendship visits. These activities require either a temporary visa or transit visa. (However, this category excludes profit-making operations and paid activities.)"

Just a yellow stamp in the passport labeled:
"Landing Permission"
"Status: Temporary Visitor"
"90 days"

I have a friend who leaves the country a week before his tourist visa expires and goes to Hong Kong or Korea and then comes back and gets another 3 month tourist visa automatically.
He has been here almost 2 years doing that!!
I don't know how long they will let him do it!

Just been watching TV and the government guy was saying they are real keen for foreign tourists now.
Trying to increase tourism to Japan so maybe a good time to apply for a visa!
Only problem is the yen is a bit strong now so it wil cost a bit more than usual when you get here!

You are right about the yen, Petina.

But compared to other countries the cost of food, accommodation and travel in Japan is still pretty good compared to other counties, isn't it

Hello!

I have a question..
I know I have to hand out the Alien Registration Card (ARC) when leaving Japan while on a tourist "visa". But if I'm leaving Japan for a few days to "refresh" my tourist status, thus will it cause me any trouble if I re-enter Japan and try to extend the dates on the ARC?

Or you advise to hand it out, and apply for a new card after re-entry?
I know that for a 90-day stay I don't need the card but I am looking for work.

Thank you in advance

William