Passport

I read from somewhere online that while in Japan, tourists should carry their passports everywhere with them should the authorities want to check them. Is it true? I am just wondering because while it is not a big problem to carry your passport, it is after all an important item, and it would be very troublesome if for some reason I lose it.

Yes, it is true. It is required by law.

I am just wondering because while it is not a big problem to carry your passport, it is after all an important item, and it would be very troublesome if for some reason I lose it.

That is also true. So, please be very careful not to lose your passport.

Even foreign residents of Japan are required to carry their alien registrations cards with them at all times. I even take mine when I go jogging.

It's pretty unlikely you will be asked to show your passport but it's possible, and if you don't have it you will then be spending some time at the police station explaining yourself and apologising over and over.

I know people who have had this happen to them- why take the risk? Just be careful while carrying your passport, like you would with cash or credit cards.

I always carry a photo copy of my passport and the page that is stamped when I entered the country, and always keep my passport locked up in the hotel room.
and I have never had a problem.
Worst case is they will ask you show them your copy and if they really want to see the real thing they will come to the hotel and take a look, this really happened to me once but absolutely no problems.

Just respect the law of your host country and carry your passport on you at all times! It is not that difficult!

Japan is a very safe country so you shouldn't have to worry much about losing it, and ifyou lost it, most likely someone will turn it into the Police or lost and found. If you lose your passport you can always get a replacement at your countrie's embassy or consulate.

The only times when I lock up my passport is when I'm traveling in some other nations (mostly 3rd world countries) but Japan is pretty darn safe so I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Japan only does what many other countries do. In France for example every citizen must carry an Identity card (with fingerprints) at all time. If one moved and forgot to register their new address with the police one could be in trouble. Foreign tourists must carry their passport at all times-not a copy but the real thing-
in practical terms I have visited France and Japan many times and never had to show my passport, even when I had to go to a police station to ask for directions. .

Japan only does what many other countries do. In France for example every citizen must carry an Identity card (with fingerprints) at all time.

Except in Japan if you are a Japanese citizen you don't have to carry your ID with you at all times.

A better way of saying is, Japan does what most other countries do in respect to foreign residents or travelers. Most other countries, including the US, Canada etc, require tourists, foreign residences to have with them passport, or somesort of other identity paper.