Is a Visa necessary to enter Japan?

Question:

I am traveling from Chicago IL and want to know if I need a Visa to travel to Japan or just a passport?

Answer:

ALL visitors to Japan require a Visa to enter the country.
However, Japan has reciprocal waiver agreements with many countries, including the USA and Canada.
This means that a visitor from these countries can simply present their passport and return flight documentation, and after inspection, Immigration officials will place a 'Temporary Visitor' stamp and Visa inside their passport. This Stamp acts as an official Visa.
Upon leaving Japan, Japanese government officials will remove the Visa document they attached when you entered the country, thereby making it invalid.