Nihon e yōkoso! [Welcome to Japan!]
Japan is mostly known for its delicious cuisines, diverse culture, and animations, making it a popular destination among Filipinos. According to Business Mirror’s data, a total of 818,666 Filipinos visited Japan in 2024, which increased 31.56% from the 622,293 who visited in 2023.
If you are planning to explore Japan, this guide will walk you through the requirements, costs, and application process of getting a tourist visa to legally travel the country. We have also shared our helpful travel tips to ensure your trip to Japan would be memorable!
Tourist Visa in Japan
A tourist visa allows foreign visitors to stay in the country for a short period of time, whether for leisure or visiting a friend or family.
However, countries that has a visa exemption agreement in Japan are allowed to enter the country without a visa. Please note that as a tourist visa holder, you are not allowed to work in the country.
Is Japan Visa-Free for Filipinos?
No, Filipino citizens are required to obtain a visa before entering Japan, even for short-term visits. It is advisable to apply for a visa sixty (60) days in advance of your travel, as the process may take some time depending on the immigration office’s workload.
Japan Tourist Visa Requirements
Before you apply for a tourist visa in Japan, ensure you have the following requirements:
- Philippine passport with at least six (6) months validity and two (2) blank pages for stamping
- Duly accomplished Tourist Visa Application Form
- Passport photo
- Birth Certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)
- Marriage Certificate issued by the PSA, if married
- Printed list of itinerary in Japan
- List of visa applicants, if traveling as a group
- Proof of sufficient funds, such as Income Tax Return (ITR Form 2316) and bank certificate issued within last three (3) months
- Additional documents may be required
Japan Tourist Visa Costs
The costs for a tourist visa application may depend whether you are applying for a single-entry visa, double-entry visa, or multiple-entry visa. It is advisable to consult with your Japanese embassy or consulate since fees are subject to change at any time.
Japan Tourist Visa Application Process
To ensure a smooth process of your Japan tourist visa application, follow this step-by-step guide:
- Choose an Accredited Travel Agency. The Japan Embassy or Consulate does not accept direct visa applications. Therefore, you must have an accredited travel agency to process your application.
- Preparation and Submission of Documents. Gather all the required documents and submit them at your chosen accredited travel agency for a smooth transaction.
- Payment of Fees. Settle the necessary fees and keep the copies of receipts for your record.
- Wait for an Update. After submitting the required documents, your chosen travel agency will keep you updated about your application status.
- Issuance of Visa. Once your visa application has been approved, you may now claim your Philippine passport with a tourist visa stamped.
Japan Tourist Visa Validity
A single-entry tourist visa is valid for three (3) months or ninety (90) days, which cannot be extended upon its validity. While a double-entry tourist visa is valid for six (6) months from the date of issuance. You may also apply for a multiple-entry tourist visa which is valid for one (1) to five (5) years, depending on your nationality and purpose of your visit. However, it cannot exceed the fifteen (15) or thirty (30) day period.
Reasons Why You Should Travel to Japan
Are you still deciding whether you should visit Japan?
Well, to help you decide, here are some of the reasons why you should add Japan on your travel list:
1.) Exceptional Safety
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. With low crime rates and friendly locals, you can explore the country with peace of mind.
2.) Wide Range of Accommodations
There are a lot of available accommodations in Japan, from capsule hotels for budget travelers to luxurious hotels, the country offers both comfort and convenience for travelers.
3.) Efficient Transportation
One of the reasons why Japan is popular for travelers is its transportation system. For rushed travelers, the country offers the iconic Shinkansen or bullet train, making it easy for you to navigate its city and countryside.
4.) Delicious Cuisines
Japanese cuisine is a major attraction for Filipino tourists. Food like sushi, ramen, and takoyaki are commonly their favorite dishes. Traveling to Japan may satisfy your cravings while enjoying your adventure.
5.) Cultural and Historical Attractions
Filipinos have a deep appreciation for culture and history. From the ancient temples and shrines of Kyoto and Nara to modern wonders of Tokyo’s bustling metropolis, Japan is the best destination.
Travel Tips for Filipinos Visiting Japan
To make your Japan trip exciting and with ease, here are some of our travel tips for you:
1.) Apply for a Tourist Visa
Since the Philippines doesn’t have a visa exemption agreement with Japan, you are required to apply for a tourist visa before entering the country. The Japan Embassy or Consulate doesn’t accept direct applications which is why you will need a travel agency to assist you with your visa application.
2.) Check the Weather
Before going to Japan, it is essential to check the weather forecast. The best time to visit the country is during spring (March and April) or autumn (September to November). If you prefer to visit Japan during summer, the best time is from May to August. But if you prefer to see the snowy landscapes of Japan, then traveling between December and February would be the best time. However, if you visit Japan in June or July, expect heavy rainfall across the country.
3.) Install Navigation App
A Map App, such as Google Maps and Waze, will be your bestie during your travel in Japan. It will help you reach your destinations and may point you to the easiest way.
4.) Bring a Pocket WiFi
Japan might offer free WiFi in many public areas, but it can only be available to limited areas. Having a pocket WiFi can become handy. Airports offer e-sims and rentable pocket Wifis. You can also activate the data roaming of your local network providers, which you can do before leaving the Philippines.
5.) Exchange Currency
Convert your Philippine money to Japanese money at any exchange counters, convenience stores, banks, airports, and some hotels. Please note to always bring Japanese Yen wherever you go since some establishments don’t accept online payments.
6.) Book an Accessible Accommodation
It is highly recommended to book an accommodation near subway stations for convenience. If you are going to Japan as a group, booking an Airbnb and a hostel may be cheaper than hotels.
7.) Check Restaurant Hours
If the purpose of your trip is to try Japanese cuisines, then it is highly advisable to check the restaurant hours before you go to its location. Restaurants opening and closing times may vary, but most restaurants open for lunch service at around 11:00 AM and close around 2:00 PM. While for dinner service, it opens at around 6:00 PM until 11:00 PM, or later if located in a city or an entertainment district. Meanwhile, restaurants from rural areas may close for a few hours between lunch and dinner time.
8.) Wear Comfortable Clothes and Shoes
As a traveler, you might be walking a lot to explore the big city and clean countryside of Japan therefore you should wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You must also check the weather before you pack your clothes as it might tell you whether to pack warm or cold clothes.
Need further information and assistance regarding Japan Tourist Visa for Filipinos? Talk to our team at Duran & Duran-Schulze Law to know more about the requirements and process. Call us today at (+632) 8478 5826 or +63 917 194 0482, or send an email to info@duranschulze.com for more information.
