How to Apply for a Japan Tourist Visa: Requirements & Process in the Philippines

The process of applying for a Japan tourist visa can be broken down into two: preparing the requirements and contacting an accredited travel agency for filing. The full details are provided in this blog post, as well as some guidelines on how Filipinos can obtain a multiple-entry Japan visa and tips for those without an ITR.

Highlights

• If you are a Philippine passport-holder who intends to travel to Japan for sightseeing or leisure, you must apply for a tourist visa.
• The basic Japan visa requirements include an accomplished application form, picture, birth certificate, and Schedule of Stay (or daily itinerary).
• If you will shoulder your travel expenses, you will also have to submit your personal Bank Certificate and Income Tax Return (ITR).
• If someone will sponsor your trip (application with a guarantor), you must submit their financial documents.
• In case you have no ITR to present or would like to explain something about your circumstances, you may write a cover letter to the Embassy. A sample is linked below.
• Assign one person to fill out the List of Visa Applicants form if you plan to travel with your family. The download link is also provided below.
• Should you want to apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa, you will need to satisfy any of the given conditions for issuance and fill out a request form.
• Once your requirements are complete, contact an accredited travel agency in the Philippines for processing. Fees vary per travel agent.
• The Embassy of Japan typically observes a 5-day processing time for visa applications. If you’ll be issued a single-entry Japan visa, it will be valid for 90 days following the date of issuance. Most first-time visitors also get a maximum period of stay of 15 days.
• If, at this point, you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the information, breathe in! You got this. Meanwhile, start checking out some travel essentials like this tourist pass in Osaka and this subway ticket in Tokyo that you can book from WAUG — the #1 travel activity booking platform from South Korea! Download the app here.

Explore more: Top Things to Do in Osaka

1. Japan Visa Types for Filipinos

Let’s start here. If you are a Philippine passport-holder who’s thinking about traveling to Japan, know that the Embassy issues temporary-stay visas according to the applicant’s purpose. There is a visa for those who want to engage in leisurely activities (tourism), those who want to visit people that they know (family, distant relatives, or friends), or those who simply need to transit through Japan. Most Filipinos apply for the tourist type, and I’m pretty sure that you’ll do the same, especially if your plan is to try authentic Japanese food, visit Universal Studios Japan™, have a relaxing time in this kind of onsen, and the like. However if you want to know more about the visas that you can apply for, check below for the descriptions:

Japan Tourist Visa 

This is for Filipinos who will arrange their travel activities and tours in Japan by themselves, i.e. without availing a tour package from a travel agency. 

In other words, this is for FIT’s (free and independent travelers) and DIY tourists who will travel alone or with a group under the same itinerary.

Japan Visa for Visiting Relatives

This is for Filipinos who will primarily visit their relatives (up to the third degree) who reside in Japan.

Japan Visa for Visiting Friends or Distant Relatives

Apply for this type of visa if you will mainly visit a friend, acquaintance, or a relative who’s beyond the third degree, i.e. your Great-Great Grandparent, Great Aunt or Uncle, First Cousin, Great Niece or Nephew, or Great-Great Grandchild.

Japan Visa for Filipinos Joining Package Tours Organized by Registered Travel Agencies

If you’ll avail a package tour that’s advertised, organized, and facilitated by any of the following registered travel agencies (as of October 7, 2019), you can get this type of single-entry Japan visa without having the need to present financial documents:

• Amkor Travel and Tours Inc.
• Attic Tours Phils. Inc.
• Discovery Tour Inc.
• Friendship Tours and Resorts Corporation
• Golden Eagle Travel & Tours Inc.
• Grand Holidays Travel and Tours Inc.
• H.I.S. Philippines Travel Corp.
• JTB Asia Pacific Phil. Corp.
• Luxury Vacation Holidays & Tours Inc.
• Multi Destinations Inc.
• Pan Malayan Express Inc.
• Premiere Travel and Tours Inc.
• Rajah Travel Corporation
• Reli Tours & Travel Agency
• Sparkle Holidays & Travel Corp.
• TravelServices Inc.
• Universal Holidays (UHI)

To avoid confusion, it should be noted here that these are travel agencies that are REGISTERED to organize package tours. The list of travel agencies that are ACCREDITED to process Japan visa applications are found in the succeeding sections of this guide.

Japan Visa for Transit

This type of visa may be applied for if the purpose of travel is to transit through Japan or make a quick stop on the way to another country.

Other types include the Japan visa for commercial purposes, medical stay, and participation in a conference. The Embassy notes that if you have multiple reasons to take a trip (for example, commercial and tourism), you may submit one application that covers only your primary purpose. However, you can also prepare application documents for several purposes of visit; an examination will be made for each. 

2. How to Apply for a Japan Visa in the Philippines

Whatever type of visa you may want to apply to, here are the two steps to keep in mind:

• Prepare the requirements according to visa type.
• Contact an accredited travel agency for processing.

Yes, the application process is actually pretty simple! However, along the way, you may face some slight difficulties, such as when you are stuck in an item as you fill out the Japan visa application form or when you see the need to write a cover letter to the Embassy. No worries, though! We’ve listed some tips and links to our other guides in this blog post.

Before viewing the list of requirements, consider the following guidelines from the Embassy:

• As a rule, apply together if two or more applicants will travel at the same schedule and for the same purpose.
• If you cannot prepare any of the required documents, please submit a letter of explanation.
• If a document can be obtained repeatedly (like a birth certificate), then you must submit the original for your requirements. For pictures and old documents that you wish to keep (like your school yearbook, if applicable), you may submit a copy and attach a letter that explains why you cannot submit the original. 
• If the document/s submitted for application is found fake or tampered, no visa will be issued.
• Submitted documents will not be returned.
• Applicants are given three (3) months to hand in additional requirements, if requested by the visa officer.
• Submission of requirements does not guarantee issuance of visa.

3. Japan Visa Requirements for Tourists

Let’s get on to it. Here are the documents that Filipinos need to submit to obtain a Japan tourist visa in the Philippines (Remember that all documents must be ORIGINAL unless otherwise stated!):

3.1 Philippine Passport

Submit your original DFA-issued passport that is valid for at least six (6) months from the date of your departure. For example, if you plan to travel to Japan on October 30, 2020, your passport must at least be valid until April 30, 2021. If you do not meet this guideline, most likely you will not be able to get past our Immigration. (You can renew your passport at least a year before it expires.)

Moreover, your passport must be duly signed, be in good quality condition, and have at least (2) blank visa pages.

3.2 Japan Visa Application Form

This is a 2-page document that seeks to know your basic information, travel plans (like your Date of Arrival and Intended Length of Stay in Japan), your travel history, and details of your guarantor or inviter, if any.

A few important things to remember: print your accomplished Japan Visa Application Form on A4-size papers only. Do not leave any items blank and do not forget to affix your signature and date of application.

Refer to this guide to download the form: How to Fill Out: Japan Visa Application Form [Sample Included!]

3.3 Picture

Your Japan visa application photo must meet the size requirement of 4.5 x 4.5 cm. It should also have been taken within the past six (6) months prior to your application. Write your name and birthdate on the back side of your I.D. picture before pasting it to the designated portion of the form. (A photo that is stapled will not be accepted.)

3.4 Birth Certificate from PSA

Submit your original Birth Certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority or PSA that has been issued within one (1) year from the date of your application. For example, if you were to apply for a Japan tourist visa on May 15, 2020, your birth certificate should have been issued on or after May 16, 2019.

However, if you have already been to Japan and are able to submit your used visa/s (either from your previous or current passport), you are exempted from submitting your birth certificate.

If your PSA Birth Certificate was issued more than a year ago: Get a new one. You may perform an online request from PSA via their website or a walk-in application at the PSA Main Office for same-day processing.

If your PSA Birth Certificate is unreadable or lacks information: Submit your Birth Certificate from your city’s Civil Registrar together with the one issued by PSA.

If your PSA Birth Certificate is tagged as ‘Late Registration’: Also submit a baptismal certificate, School Record (Form 137) from your Grade School or High School, and, if possible, a copy of your School Yearbook.

If you have no record in PSA: Submit a Certificate of Non-Record from PSA together with the Birth Certificate from your local Civil Registrar.

3.5 Marriage Certificate from PSA, if applicable

If you are married, submit your original Marriage Certificate from PSA. Similar to the previous requirement, your Marriage Certificate must have been issued within one year prior to your application. However, if you have a used Japan visa from your old or valid passport, you are exempt from submitting this requirement again.

If you have no record in PSA: Submit a Certificate of Non-Record from PSA together with the Marriage Certificate from your local Civil Registrar.

3.6 Daily Schedule of Stay in Japan (Taizai Yoteihyo)

This is your tentative daily itinerary in Japan that shows the dates of your trip, planned activities, accommodation, and contact number/s. 

To download the Japan visa itinerary form template and sample, read: How to Fill Out: Schedule of Stay in Japan [Sample Daily Itinerary]

3.7 List of Visa Applicants Form, if applicable

If you will travel to Japan as a family or a group, one person must fill out the List of Visa Applicants Form. You can download the template here.

Here’s a sample of the form when filled out:

3.8 Financial Documents: ITR, Bank Certificate, and others

All Japan visa applicants in the Philippines must submit documents that prove their personal or their guarantor’s financial capacity, whichever applies. Here are the requirements:

3.8.1 For Japan Visa Applicants who will shoulder a part or all of their travel expenses

If you will cover the cost of your trip (partial or full), submit these two documents:

• Original Bank Certificate
• Clear photocopy of latest Income Tax Return (BIR Form 2316)

For the Original Bank Certificate: Request one from your branch of account. Your personal bank certificate must have been issued within the past three (3) months.

For the ITR: Make sure to submit a clear copy of your latest ITR. 

3.8.2 For Japan Visa Applicants with a Guarantor in the Philippines 

If you have someone in the Philippines who will sponsor your travel costs (like your parent or sibling), you need to prepare these requirements:

• Guarantee Letter
• Proof of Relationship between the Applicant and Guarantor
• Original Bank Certificate of Guarantor
• Clear photocopy of the latest ITR of Guarantor

For the Guarantee Letter: Download the template that’s provided by the Embassy here. Fill it out and print on A4-size paper/s. Here’s how the upper portion of the Guarantee Letter looks like:

For the Proof of Relationship between the Applicant and Guarantor: Supply a document that demonstrates your ties with your guarantor. This can be a birth certificate, among others.

For the Original Bank Certificate of Guarantor: This must have been issued within the past 3 months.

For the ITR: Make sure to submit your Japan visa guarantor’s latest ITR (clear photocopy).

3.9 Additional Documents, as needed

On February 3, 2020, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines announced that all visa applicants are required to accomplish and submit a questionnaire that seeks to know if they have travelled to (or have plans to travel to) Hubei Province in the People’s Republic of China within 14 days before arriving in Japan.

With regard to this notice, you may download the required questionnaire here and print on an A4-size paper. It is not clear how long this will remain a requirement, but you may contact any of the accredited travel agencies below to confirm if you still need to comply with this document.

4. Japan Visa Requirements for Filipinos Who Will Visit Friends and Relatives

In case your purpose of travel is to be with your friends, acquaintances, relatives, or distant relatives, here are the requirements:

4.1 Visiting Relatives

• Philippine Passport 
• Japan Visa Application Form
• Picture
• Birth Certificate from PSA
• Marriage Certificate from PSA, if applicable
• Daily Schedule of Stay in Japan (Taizai Yoteihyo)
• List of Visa Applicants Form, if applicable
• Financial documents, whichever apply:
  • If the applicant will shoulder partial or full expenses: 
    • Bank Certificate 
    • Photocopy of latest ITR
  • If the applicant has a guarantor in Japan who will sponsor partial or full travel expenses:
    • Guarantee Letter 
    • Income Certificate (Shotoku Shomeisho) from City Hall, Tax Return Certificates with Gross Income (Nozei Shomeisho: Form 2) from tax office, or Bank Certificate.
• Letter of Invitation of Guarantor from Japan
• Family Registration (Koseki Tohon), if relative in Japan has a Japanese Spouse or relative
• Residence Certificate (Juminhyo) of the relatives in Japan and of the Guarantor
• Copy of Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident certificate of relative in Japan
• Additional Documents, as needed

For the financial documents of the guarantor: The income documents are important in measuring the guarantor’s capability. Hence, submission of more than one (1) document is allowed, e.g. Income Certificate and Bank Certificate.

For the Letter of Invitation from Guarantor: You may download and use the template in Japanese or English.

For the Family Registration (Koseki Tohon): This must have been issued within the past three (3) months.

For the Residence Certificate (Juminhyo): This must have been issued within the past three (3) months and must describe all family members without omission.

For the Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate: Submit a copy of the front and back sides.

4.2 Visiting Friends and/or Distant Relatives

• Philippine Passport 
• Japan Visa Application Form
• Picture
• Birth Certificate from PSA
• Marriage Certificate from PSA, if applicable
• Daily Schedule of Stay in Japan (Taizai Yoteihyo)
• List of Visa Applicants Form, if applicable
• Financial documents, whichever apply:
  • If the applicant will shoulder partial or full expenses: 
    • Bank Certificate 
    • Photocopy of latest ITR
  • If the applicant has a guarantor in Japan who will sponsor partial or full travel expenses:
    • Guarantee Letter 
    • Income Certificate (Shotoku Shomeisho) from City Hall, Tax Return Certificates with Gross Income (Nozei Shomeisho: Form 2) from tax office, or Bank Certificate.
• Proof of Relationship
• Letter of Invitation of Guarantor from Japan
• Residence Certificate (Juminhyo) of the friend, acquaintance, or distant relatives in Japan and of the Guarantor
• Additional Documents, as needed

For the financial documents of the guarantor: The income documents are important in measuring the guarantor’s capability. Hence, submission of more than one (1) document is allowed, e.g. Income Certificate and Bank Certificate. Just ensure that they have been issued within the past three (3) months. 

Moreover, submission of a Withholding Slip (Gensen-Choshuhyo) in lieu of the Income Certificate, Tax Return Certificates with Gross Income, and Bank Certificate is unacceptable. 

For the Proof of Relationship: Submit pictures, phone call details, receipts, passport copies, and a letter of explanation that proves the relationship of the visa applicant with the friend, acquaintance, or distant relative. The Embassy provides some guidelines for photo submissions here.

For the Letter of Invitation from Guarantor: You may download and use the template in Japanese or English.

For the Residence Certificate (Juminhyo): If your friend or acquaintance is a foreign resident in Japan, submit a copy of their Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident certificate (both sides). Moreover, the Juminhyo must be issued within (3) months and described all family members without omission.

5. How to Apply for a Multiple-Entry Japan Visa

Here are the guidelines and requirements if you want to apply for a multiple-entry Japan visa in the Philippines:

5.1 You must meet ALL the eligibility criteria.

Filipino applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria:

5.1.1 The applicant must be a Filipino national with a Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) or ordinary IC passport that meets ICAO standards.

If you have a Philippine passport that was issued in 2007 onwards, you are eligible.

5.1.2 The applicant must intend to engage in activities corresponding to those permitted for Temporary Visitors.

Temporary Visitors are those whose stay in Japan is less than ninety (90) days. Their primary purpose is any of the following: sightseeing, visiting family members, visiting friends or acquaintances, and/or business (non-remunerative).

5.1.3 The applicant wishes to apply for a multiple-entry visa for short-term stay only.

If you won’t be engaging in work or profitable activities and do not intend to stay for more than ninety days, you should be eligible.

5.2 You must satisfy ANY of the conditions for issuance.

Aside from meeting all the criteria, you must satisfy ANY of the following conditions for issuance of a multiple-entry Japan visa:

Condition 1: You have traveled to Japan in the last 3 years.

You are a visa applicant with a history of travel as a temporary visitor to Japan in the last three (3) years. You have no known violation of domestic laws of Japan nor had a problem with immigration regarding entry and status during your period/s of stay. You have sufficient financial capacity to support your travel expenses.

Condition 2: You have traveled to Japan and other G7 countries.

You are an applicant with a history of travel as a temporary visitor to Japan in the last three (3) years. You have no known violation of domestic laws of Japan nor had a problem with immigration regarding entry and status during your period/s of stay. You also have an extensive travel history as a temporary visitor to any of the following G7 countries (excluding Japan) in the last (3) years:

• Canada
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• United Kingdom
• United States

Condition 3: You have sufficient financial capacity.

You are an applicant with an abundant financial capacity, as the Embassy describes. (No exact or minimum amount was given.)

Condition 4: You are a spouse or child of a Japan visa applicant who meets Condition 3.

You are either a spouse or child of an applicant with an abundant financial capacity.

5.3 Submit the Multiple-Entry Japan Visa Requirements

If you meet all of the eligibility criteria and any of the conditions for issuance, go ahead and prepare the following documents to apply for a multiple-entry tourist visa for Japan:

Basic Documents

• Accomplished Request Form for Multiple-Entry Visa
• Philippine Passport 
• Japan Visa Application Form
• Picture
• Daily Schedule of Stay in Japan (Taizai Yoteihyo)
• Additional Documents, as needed

For the Request Form for Multiple-Entry Japan Visa: Download the form here and check all the items that apply. Also provide the reason for the request.

Aside from the basic documents, you must also submit the set of requirements that pertain to the condition that you meet:

Condition 1 Requirements

If you are an applicant who has a travel history to Japan in the last three (3) years and has sufficient funds for your travels, submit the following documents:

• Proof of travel to Japan in the last three (3) years, i.e. your old or recent passport/s with used temporary visitor visa/s and landing permission stamps
• Clear copy of your latest Income Tax Return (ITR)
• Proof of your financial capacity, i.e. bank certificate, stock certificate, etc.

Condition 2 Requirements

If you are an applicant who has a travel history to Japan in the last three (3) years and has been to Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and/or the United States (other G7 countries), submit the following documents along with the standard set of multiple-entry Japan visa requirements:

• Proof of travel to Japan in the last three (3) years, i.e. your old or recent passport/s with used temporary visitor visa/s and landing permission stamps
• Proof of travel to any G7-member country in the last three (3) years, i.e. your old or recent passport with entry visa/s issued by a G7-member country and immigration stamps.

Condition 3 Requirements

If you are a Japan visa applicant who has an abundant or sufficient financial capacity, hand in the following documents:

• Birth Certificate from PSA
• Marriage Certificate from PSA, if applicable
• Clear copy of your latest Income Tax Return (ITR)
• Proof of your financial capacity, i.e. bank certificate, stock certificate, etc.

Condition 4 Requirements

Those who meet the fourth condition to get a multiple-entry Japan visa must prepare the following:

• Clear copy of your spouse’s or child’s latest ITR. (They will be considered as your guarantor.)
• Proof of guarantor’s financial capacity, i.e. bank certificate, stock certificate, etc.
• Birth Certificate from PSA
• Marriage Certificate from PSA, if applicable

6. Can I submit other supporting documents for my Japan visa application?

Yes, you can! In fact, the Embassy of Japan encourages you to send in other unlisted documents that demonstrate your economic and/or social ties in the Philippines. This may be your Certificate of Employment for employees, work contracts or invoices for freelancers, medical certificate, and others.

7. Is writing a cover letter for my Japan visa application necessary?

Not at all! It is completely optional. Most Japan visa applicants write a cover letter only if they are missing a requirement like the ITR or have something to explain about their personal or professional background.

If you decide to write a letter of explanation, remember to print it on an A4-size paper. You can refer to our template here: Sample Cover Letter for Japan Visa Applicants [No ITR] 

8. Accredited Travel Agencies that Process Japan Visa in the Philippines

Once you have finalized the required documents for single-entry or multiple-entry Japan visa, you may contact any of the following travel agencies that are accredited by the Embassy to process your application (arranged according to location):

Travel agencies that process Japan visa applications in CEBU:

• Attic Tours Phils. Inc. (SM Cebu City)
• Attic Tours Phils. Inc. (Waterfront Airport Hotel Cebu)
• Discovery Tour Inc.
• Friendship Tours and Resorts Corp.
• Pan Pacific Travel Corp.

Travel agencies that process Japan visa applications in DAVAO:

• Attic Tours Phils. Inc.
• Discovery Tour Inc.

Travel agencies that process Japan visa applications in LAS PIÑAS:

• Attic Tours Phils. Inc.
• Reli Tours & Travel Agency

Travel agencies that process Japan visa applications in MAKATI:

• Discovery Tour Inc.
• Friendship Tours and Resorts Corp.
• Pan Pacific Travel Corp.
• Rajah Travel Corp.
• Reli Tours & Travel Agency
• UHI or Universal Holidays Inc.

Travel agency that processes Japan visa applications in MANDALUYONG:

• Reli Tours & Travel Agency

Travel agencies that process Japan visa applications in MANILA:

• Pan Pacific Travel Corp. (Binondo)
• Pan Pacific Travel Corp. (Manila)
• Rajah Travel Corp.
• Reli Tours & Travel Agency

Travel agency that processes Japan visa applications in PAMPANGA:

• Attic Tours Phils. Inc.

Travel agencies that process Japan visa applications in PASAY:

• Attic Tours Phils. Inc. (Roxas Blvd. Main Office)
• Attic Tours Phils. Inc. (Hotel Jen Branch)
• Reli Tours & Travel Agency

Travel agencies that process Japan visa applications in QUEZON CITY:

• Attic Tours Phils. Inc. (SM City North EDSA)
• Attic Tours Phils. Inc. (SM City Fairview)
• Reli Tours & Travel Agency

Note that it is mandatory to transact with a travel agency, unless you will apply for any of the following:

• Diplomatic or Official visas
• Visas for direct invitees by the Japanese government and independent administrative agencies of Japan
• Visas for direct invitees of a local government of Japan or national/municipal educational institutions to participate in educational, cultural and youth exchange programs
• Visas for awardees of Japanese Government Scholarship
• Visas for commercial purpose of employees of a joint venture company or local subsidiary of Japanese enterprise listed in the Japanese Stocks Exchange or of companies that are members of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines
• Visas for special cases requiring humanitarian consideration, such as serious illness of a relative in Japan.
• Visas for applicants who have custody of the biological child of Japanese National and whose purpose is to raise the child in Japan.  

Furthermore, all of the accredited travel agencies listed in this section can process all types of Japan visa applications. (But if you have any document that is written in Japanese, you may contact any except for Pan Pacific Travel Corp.)

9. How much does the Embassy of Japan charge for processing?

Nothing — it’s free! Filipinos don’t have to pay anything to the Embassy of Japan for processing of a temporary visitor’s visa. However, note that travel agencies charge a fee of ₱1,000-1,500 for their service, give or take.

10. How long does processing of Japan visa applications take?

The Embassy of Japan usually takes five (5) working days to process an application. However, there are some cases when it could take longer, especially if the visa officer needs additional documents from you. (If you think it’s taking too long, say more than a week has passed already, you may get your 8-digit acceptance number from your travel agency and use it to inquire directly to the Embassy.)

Of course, the average processing time of 5 days does not factor in the additional time that your agency needs to submit your documents and claim your passport, so you might have to wait for 7-10 business days. During the waiting period, keep calm and hope for the best! You’ll get to Japan soon enough (claim it!).

When you finally get your passport back, check if the details found on your visa are correct. If any information is wrong or misspelled, inform your travel agent right away.

11. What is the validity period of a Japan tourist visa?

A single-entry Japan visa expires 90 days or 3 months after its date of issuance. For example, if the issue date on your visa is December 15, 2020, your visa will be valid for use until March 15, 2021. Say you want to apply for another tourist visa after taking your first Japan trip, you will need to undergo the same procedure as described in this blog post.

A multiple-entry Japan visa for tourists is valid for 3 or 5 years. If found eligible, some applicants may even get a 10-year multiple entry visa.

12. How long can I stay in Japan?

According to the Embassy, the periods of stay for a short-term visa is either 15, 30, or 90 days and is determined by the applicant’s purpose and submitted Schedule of Stay. However, most first-time travelers to Japan who are given a single-entry visa usually get 15 days, and multiple-entry Japan visa holders typically get 15 or 30 days.

To confirm your allowable duration of stay and document validity period, check your Japan visa.

13. If your Japan Visa Application is APPROVED

Congratulations! Now all you have to do is finalize the bookings for your trip! Here are some tours and travel essentials that are popular among WAUG members who have been to Japan:

Top Activities and Travel Utilities in Osaka

• Kansai Airport Transfer – around ₱830, if not discounted
• Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory – around ₱870, if not discounted
• Osaka Night Club Pass – around ₱470, if not discounted

Top Activities and Travel Utilities in Tokyo

• 4G/LTE Japan SIM Card – around ₱600, if not discounted
• 4G/LTE Japan Pocket Wifi – starts at around ₱400, if not discounted
• SUICA IC Card – around ₱1,210, if not discounted

Top Activities and Travel Utilities in Fukuoka

• Fukuoka Tower Observation Deck – around ₱360, if not discounted
• Fukuoka Subway Pass – around ₱300, if not discounted
• SUGOCA IC Card – around ₱1,200, if not discounted

14. If your Japan Visa Application is DENIED

You can still apply after six (6) months. Unfortunately, you will not be given a reason for rejection nor be allowed to appeal immediately. 

We recommend that you get input from your travel agent about what went wrong in your application. This will help you prepare if you decide to re-apply. (Meanwhile, you can check out these activities in Boracay, Singapore, Bali, and Taipei for alternative vacation plans!)

15. Tips from Successful Japan Visa Applicants

To help you with your Japan visa application, we have some tips from Filipinos who were successful in theirs. We got these posts from this private Facebook group, whose members are more than willing to share their experiences. However, please note that there are some opinions and recommendations in the following post screenshots that are not considered general guidelines. As such, they may not be accurate, useful, or effective for other applicants (personal details were blurred out for privacy):

15.1 Does having an unused Japan visa affect future applications?

The post reads:

For example, if ma-grant ako ng [single-entry] visa, then hindi ko nagamit because may urgent stuff that required me to cancel my trip, would an unused SE visa hurt my future visa applications? Thanks.

The comment reads:

[It] happened to me (medical emergency) [na hindi] ko nagamit yung [SE visa] ko. Just gave a photocopy of my medical abstract and a short note nang nag-apply ako ulit. Wala namang problema.

15.2 Can first-time applicants request for a multiple-entry Japan visa?

The post reads:

Question lang po. Kapag po ba denied sa multiple-entry visa request, pwede gawin ng Consul na single-entry lang o [automatically denied na po]? Gusto ko po kasi sana mag-apply ng multiple-entry pero first [application] ko po sa Japan, and South Korea lang po ang travel history ko. Pero babalik-balik po ako ng Japan. Tingin niyo po. ano po ang chance based sa experience ninyo? Thank you po. Solo traveler lang po ako. Thank you.

One comment reads:

Apply po muna kayo for SE. Mas [lax ang Embassy of Japan] sa pagbigay ng visa compared sa [Embassy of South Korea], pero mas okay na doon tayo sa sigurado. Mahirap ma-red flag lalo na kung first time kayo papasok sa Japan. Unless, iyon nga, considered as frequent traveler na kayo. If South Korea pa lang napuntahan ninyo, I don’t think considered siya as frequent traveler. If you want to take the risk, you can apply for multiple-entry. If qualified, ibibigay naman iyan sa iyo. If not, single-entry. Worst, denied.

To answer the question, here’s a relevant note from the Embassy: “In the case where a multiple-entry visa is not issued, if required documents for application of a single-entry (or double-entry) visa are submitted, the examination for the visa will [also be] made accordingly.” 

15.3 Approved Japan Visa: NO ITR and Late Registration of Birth

The post (not in its entirety) reads:

APPROVED VISA (Birth Certificate Late Registration, No Baptismal, NO ITR, and 1st time in Japan. [It’s a] dream come true sa kanila.

Profile:

HUSBAND

• Late Registered Birth [Certificate]
• No Baptismal
• No ITR

Documents submitted:

• Passport
• Visa Application Form
• Photo
• Birth Certificate (Late Registered)
• Marriage Certificate
• Explanation letter kung bakit walang baptismal
• Photocopy ng college yearbook
• Lumang Form 137 kasi hindi na makakuha ng bago dahil sa province pa nag-aral
• Driver’s License (ID to prove birth date)
• Certificate of Employment with compensation
• Guarantee Letter (Wife as guarantor)
• Photocopy ng passport ni Wife and multiple-entry visa
• Explanation letter kung bakit walang ITR si guarantor (freelancer kasi)
• Bank Certificate ni Guarantor
• DTI ni Guarantor
• Daily Schedule in Japan

15.4 Approved Japan Visa: Freelancers, No ITR, and No COE

The happy post reads:

JAPAN VISA APPROVED!

We are so happy and grateful! Dream talaga namin pareho na makapag-travel sa Japan and it’s more memorable for us because it’s for our honeymoon, and it will be our first trip as husband and wife in March.

Profile:

• My fiance and I are both FREELANCERS.
• No ITR
• No COE
• With travel history

Visa: SE [Single-entry]

Purpose: Honeymoon

Agency: UHI

Timeline:

• January 15, 2020 – shipped the required documents to UHI Makati office through Lalamove
• January 16, 2020 – received an email that our visa application has been lodged at the Japan Embassy
• January 17, 2020 – passports ready for collection
• January 21, 2020 – received our passports from the courier

We highly recommend UHI kasi ang bilis ng processing at super responsive ng staff nila. We’re so excited to visit Japan! Time to create our itinerary.

15.5 Approved Japan Visa for the Family!

The post reads:

Hi, everyone! Sharing our approved single-entry visa from Friendship Tours! [We are a] family of 18. 

Thank you to everyone who helped us here sa group! Super laking tulong po ng mga answers niyo sa mga previous post ko po. If ever may questions po kayo, just PM me mo. I will gladly share po. Travel date: March 1, 2020. Sana po wala na pong NCOV para sa safe po mag-travel.

15.6 Approved Multiple-Entry Japan Visa for 10 years: NO ITR

The post reads:

Hello, mga ka-JFD! Thank you for all the help! Kinikilig pa rin ako. I just got my 10-year multiple entry tourist visa for stay(s) of 90 days. Please see the full visa application guide on the link below.

My profile:

• Probationary Employee (private, 5 months)
• No ITR
• Frequent Traveler (East Asian countries only)
• CPA

Documents submitted:

• Recent passport
• Visa application form with photo
• Daily Schedule in Japan
• Certificate of Employment
• Bank Certificate with ₱70k only
• Explanation Letter for no ITR
• Request for multiple-entry visa form
• Photocopy of PRC ID

Accredited agency: UHI Cebu (₱1,000 [processing] fee)

Timeline (1 week processing):

• Submission of documents to UHI Cebu: January 23, 2020
• Documents forwarded to UHI Makati: January 24, 2020
• Lodged to Embassy: January 27, 2020
• ME Visa Approved: January 28, 2020
• Claimed passport in Cebu: January 31, 2020

Step-by-step guide: If you want a copy of the explanation letter and/or reason for ME request for for reference, comment your email address here: https://wp.me/p8biSQ-3ht

15.7 Japan Visa Application was DENIED

The post reads:

Hi! We were denied. Why do you think we were denied? Applied [via] UHI. Single. Have been to 2 countries while my friend has been to South korea. More than 2 years sa private companies. Submitted all requirements plus airline booking and hotel bookings. ₱60k+ sa bank. 5 days pero yung 5th day, eh balik na lang. No paid activities.

One user commented:

Don’t lose hope, sis. Try na lang po ulit, and dagdag siguro nang kaunti sa bank.

Another comment reads:

May kakilala ako na nasa ₱50k+ bank certificate niya and 7 days in Tokyo. Pero last year pa ito. It could also be dahil sa company kung saan ka employed, monthly salary, etc.

16. Got questions and visa application stories to share?

If you have any questions, you may refer to the website of the Embassy for guidance. You may also contact any of the travel agencies that are accredited to process Japan visa applications. Of course, if you have any personal experiences to share, comment them below so other Filipinos may learn from you!

All the best!

Good luck with your Japan visa application in the PH! Remember, you just have to prepare all the requirements and contact any of the accredited travel agencies for processing. You got this!

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