I am in quite the precarious position regarding my visa and residence card and everything, so I'm hoping maybe you guys can help. I am currently a student studying abroad in Tokyo, but I'm in America for winter break at the moment. When I got my student visa, the firm that issued my COE did it wrong and only issued it for 6 months. I caught this quickly and they were very apologetic and said they would help me extend my visa free of charge. I went through the extension process and everything went well, except I left Japan for winter break before the application was accepted. Because of this, when I return to Japan I have to give the firm my zairyu card and passport so they can bring it to immigration and get me my extended visa. Anyway, the reason I mention all of this is because I am traveling around Japan for 2 weeks once I return. I have booked multiple hotels, and I'm worried about what I should do when they ask for ID. I know that legally the hotel doesn't need to see my ID if I have a Japanese address, but I know many hotels ask anyway and might even refuse service of you don't show them anything. I have my insurance card, but it's expired so they might not accept it. Anyway, should I ask if I could keep my zairyu card while I travel, or will I be fine with the insurance card and/or a photocopy of the zairyu card?
by Asleep-Day-4577