You will now require a visa to visit Japan.

As of June 10, Japan has reopened its borders to travelers from 98 countries, including the U.S., but there are specific conditions to meet, including obtaining a visa.

Before the international borders were closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, U.S. travelers could enter Japan for leisure without a visa. However, that exemption has now been revoked, according to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The foreign ministry indicated in its latest update regarding entry requirements that “foreign nationals/people intending to enter Japan must now obtain a visa issued by Japanese embassies, consulates, or consular offices.”

If you're considering a trip to Japan, you must schedule an appointment at the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate or apply for a visa by mail. Keep in mind that some embassies and consulates may experience a backlog of visa applications, potentially prolonging the processing time.

The Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco mentioned on its website, “Due to the high volume of visa applications we are handling, we are unable to provide status updates.”

In addition to the visa requirement, travelers face several other challenges to enter Japan. Earlier this month, Japanese authorities laid out new regulations for foreign visitors, which include securing private medical insurance that covers COVID-19-related medical expenses, wearing masks at all times unless exempt, and traveling under the guidance of an organized tour group.

Japan’s reopening strategy classifies countries and regions into red, yellow, or blue categories based on COVID-19 risk levels. Travelers from blue countries (like the United States) can avoid quarantine if they pass a predeparture COVID test, regardless of their vaccination status. Those from yellow countries (including India, Lebanon, and Portugal) can also bypass quarantine with proof of vaccination. However, visitors from red countries—such as Pakistan, Fiji, Albania, and Sierra Leone—are required to take an on-arrival test and quarantine for a designated period.

With the relaxation of entry restrictions, Japan raised its daily entry cap from 10,000 foreign arrivals to 20,000 in June—still a small fraction of the 31.88 million foreign tourists (averaging 87,000 daily) who visited Japan in 2019.