Approved Vaccinations and Test Results

As of today, 11 October 2022, independent travelers are permitted to enter Japan as long as they have evidence of having had at least three approved* COVID vaccinations, or have had a negative PCR test result** within 72 hours of departure for Japan.

* https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page24e_000317.html

** https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/border_test.html

The exemption from need for a short term stay (90 days for most, but not all, countries) visa applies to 68 countries/regions.Visitors from Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, are among the countries whose citizens will not need a visa.

https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html

In Japan

Once in Japan, although there are no rules or regulations specifying the wearing of masks in public places, most Japanese people still wear face masks (even when driving, alone, in their cars!).

So, whilst wearing a face mask is up to the individual, retail premises, restaurants etc. may ask you to wear a mask out of consideration to those around you.

On the other hand, guests are expected to wear face masks in hotels, ryokan, and other types of accommodation. I’ve heard, anecdotally, that if guests do not do comply, they may be asked to leave.

There seems to be a notional 2 meter separation rule in public places:

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/mask.html

Hand sanitizing and temperature sensor stations are still everywhere, and  you may be asked to use these when entering accommodation, restaurants etc.