Ready to visit Japan this 2023?

Japan — the land of the rising sun has a valley of cherry blossoms, snow-capped mountains, and a coastline that is impossible to resist for people to flock to every year. So when Japan reopened its border to independent foreign tourists last October 2022, many avid travelers rejoiced. Japan is a beautiful country and a fun place to visit, so if you have never been, now is the time to put your curiosity to rest.

For Philippine passport holders, the first step is to secure a tourist visa. While the application has always been easy, the Embassy of Japan’s list of requirements is meticulous and conditional. This article will hopefully give you a clearer idea of how to apply for it - from beginning to end.

This article is for Philippine Passport holders who want to visit Japan for travel without the help of a travel agency. For other types of visas, you can check the official website of the Embassy of Japan for more information.

PUBLISHED ON MAY 2015. LAST UPDATED ON THE JANUARY 2023. 

Documents To Submit

• Application Form (A4 size)

• Passport

• Visa Photo — 45mm x 45mm, do not staple on application form

• Birth Certificate — Issued by PSA within one (1) year.
  — If the certificate is unreadable, please provide a birth certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar
  — If it's a "Late Registration", you need to must submit a Baptismal Certificate and Form 137.

• Marriage Certificate, if applicable — Issued by PSA within one (1) year.

• Itinerary

• Bank Certificate

• Photocopy of Income Tax Return (BIR 2316)
  — If this is not available, a Certificate of Employment will do. It should state your current position, annual income, the length of service, and approved leaves.
  — If CoE or ITR is neither available, please provide a letter of explanation.

• In addition to these requirements, you will need to provide a Guarantee Letter and supporting documents if someone else is paying for your trip.

Visited Japan Before? If you have an existing Japanese visa on your passport, you no longer need to provide a birth and marriage certificate. You may also be eligible for a multiple-entry visa.

Where to Apply?

Tourist visas can only apply through the Embassy of Japan’s accredited agencies. Here are some of the agencies you can apply to:

• Reli Tours and Travel Agency - They have a branch in select SM Malls, making them the most accessible but sought-after agency on the list.

• Rajah Travel - Another reputable travel agency located in Manila and Makati.

• Discovery Tour - This is our go-to for Japan Visas. They have a branch in Makati, Cebu, and Davao. They also have downloadable forms that you can use for your application.

The process is relatively straightforward, provided that you follow my checklist above. And once you get out there on one of those bullet trains, make sure you take plenty of photos and enjoy the scenery! It's a beautiful country that everyone deserves to experience at least once in their lives.