Konnichiwa! Japan, one of the best family holiday destinations in the world, once more welcomes Filipino tourists excited to discover her ultra-modern cityscapes, rich culture, delicious cuisines, and warm hospitality. But before you get too excited about boarding a plane to the Land of the Rising Sun, you first need to apply for a Japan tourist visa this 2023.
It’s a hassle for sure. For those visiting Japan for the first time, it can feel scary and nerve-racking.
But allow us to take the stress away and make things easier with this guide to getting a Japan tourist visa this 2023. Take note, though, that this article focuses on the single-entry tourist visa.
Is Japan Already Open for Filipino Tourists?
Yes. In fact, Japan opened its doors to Filipino tourists last June. Previously, however, tourists were allowed to visit the country only if they booked their trip through an accredited Japan-based tour operator.[1]
This is a complicated process that involves getting an Entrants, Returnees Follow-up Systems (ERFS) certificate from a Japan-based travel company. The ERFS certificate is a requirement for a short-term stay visa.
Fortunately, this rule no longer applies starting October 11, 2022.[2] From that date, you can visit Japan as a tourist even without booking a trip through an accredited tour operator.
But if you’re planning to visit Japan before October 11, you’ll still need to book a trip with a legally registered Japan tourism agency and get an ERFS certificate.
Read more:
- Top Holiday Destinations to Visit This Ber Month Season
- Trip to Asia 2023: Cheapest Country to Travel from the Philippines
What is a Japan Tourist Visa?
A visa is a document that proves you’re allowed to enter a country and stay there within a prescribed time period. A Japan tourist visa is therefore a short-term stay visa you need to acquire for the purpose of sightseeing or visiting family or friends in Japan.
A single-entry visa is valid for three months. This means you need to enter the country within three months of the visa’s issuance. If you aren’t able to enter Japan within that time period, you’ll have to apply for a visa once again.
Generally, temporary visitors can stay in Japan for up to 90 days, though the stay period depends on the purpose of your visit. Keep in mind that you can’t engage in any paid work while in the country with a Japan tourist visa.
Read more: Traveling Abroad? Here’s a List of Visa-Free Countries for Filipino Tourists
How to Get a Japan Tourist Visa This 2023?
.png?width=674&name=Pics%20for%20blog%20(9).png)
Don’t worry—it’s not difficult to secure the requirements and follow the steps for getting a Japan visa. Here are the things to take note of:
Requirements for Getting Japan Tourist Visa This 2023
Japan tourist visa requirements in 2023 are categorized based on your purpose of visit. Check out the following:
For Tourism-Related Travels Arranged by Tour Operators (for Trips Before October 11)
- Valid Philippine passport
- Visa application form
- Photo (4.5 cm x3.5 cm)
- For packaged tours accompanied by a tour guide throughout travel (documents prepared by a travel agency in Japan)
- Photocopy of Certificate for Completion of Registration to the ERFS System
- Resumé of tour
- List of participants
- Itinerary of tour
- Contact information of travel agency
- Tour guide’s certificate of enrollment
- Contact information of the tour guide
- For packaged tours without a tour guide or partially accompanied by a tour guide (documents prepared by a travel agency in Japan)
- Photocopy of Certificate for Completion of Registration to the ERFS System
- Resumé of tour
- List of participants
- Itinerary of tour
- Contact information of travel agency
- If you’re covering part or all of the travel expenses:
- Bank certificate
- Photocopy of Income Tax Return (BIR Form 2316)
- If a guarantor in the Philippines will cover part or all of your travel expenses:
- Guarantee letter
- Proof of relationship between you and the guarantor (e.g., birth certificates)
- Bank certificate
- Photocopy of Income Tax Return (BIR Form 2316)
For Tourism-Related Travel Arranged by Independent Travelers (for Trips Starting October 11 Onwards)
- Valid Philippine passport
- Visa application form
- Photo (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm)
- Birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) within one year*
- For married applicants, a marriage certificate issued by the PSA within one year**
- Itinerary in Japan
- If you’re covering part or all of the travel expenses:
- Bank certificate
- Photocopy of Income Tax Return (BIR Form 2316)
- If a guarantor in the Philippines will cover part or all of your travel expenses:
- Guarantee letter
- Proof of relationship between you and the guarantor (e.g., birth certificates)
- Bank certificate
- Photocopy of Income Tax Return (BIR Form 2316)
For Visiting a Relative (Within Third Degree)
- Valid Philippine passport
- Visa application form
- Photo (4.5 cm x 4.5 cm with white background)
- Birth certificates that prove the relationship (must be issued within one year by the PSA)*
- For married applicants, a marriage certificate issued by the PSA within one year**
- Daily schedule in Japan (Taizai Yoteihyo)
- Invitation letter from the guarantor in Japan
- Family Registration (Koseki Tohon) if the relative in Japan has a Japanese spouse or relative
- Residence Certificate (Juminhyo) of the relatives in Japan and of the guarantor (must be issued within three months and must describe all family members without omission)
- Copy of Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident certificate of the relative in Japan (both sides)
- If you’re covering part or all of the travel expenses:
- Bank certificate
- Photocopy of Income Tax Return (BIR Form 2316)
- If the guarantor in Japan will cover part or all of your travel expenses:
- Guarantee letter
- Income certificate (Shotoku Shomeisho) from the City Hall, tax return certificates with gross income (Nouzeishomeisho: form 2) from the Tax Office, or bank certificate
For Visiting a Friend
.png?width=674&name=Pics%20for%20blog%20(12).png)
- Valid Philippine passport
- Visa application form
- Photo (4.5 cm x 4.5 cm with white background)
- Birth certificates (must be issued within one year by the PSA)*
- For married applicants, a marriage certificate issued by the PSA within one year**
- Daily schedule in Japan (Taizai Yoteihyo)
- Proof of relationship (e.g., pictures, phone calls, etc.)
- Invitation letter from the guarantor in Japan
- Residence Certificate (Juminhyo) of the friend/acquaintance and the guarantor in Japan (must be issued within three months and must describe all family members without omission)
- Copy of Residence Card or Special Permanent Resident certificate of the friend/acquaintance in Japan in case they’re a foreign resident (both sides)
- If you’re covering part or all of the travel expenses:
- Bank certificate
- Photocopy of Income Tax Return (BIR Form 2316)
- If the guarantor in Japan will cover part or all of your travel expenses:
- Guarantee letter
- Income certificate (Shotoku Shomeisho) from the City Hall, tax return certificates with gross income (Nouzeishomeisho: form 2) from the Tax Office, or bank certificate
- A copy of the Alien Certificate of Registration if you’re a foreign resident in the Philippines with long-term or permanent status
*In case the birth certificate is unreadable, submit the birth certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar. If the birth certificate is Late Registration, submit a Baptismal Certificate and School Record (Form 137). In case there is no birth record with the PSA, submit the birth certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and a negative certificate issued by the PSA.
**In case the marriage certificate is unreadable, submit the marriage certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar. In case there is no marriage record with the PSA, submit the marriage certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar and a negative certificate issued by the PSA.
Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) Requirements
.png?width=674&name=Pics%20for%20blog%20(11).png)
The authorities require all entrants and returnees to Japan to provide and accomplish the following:
- A valid vaccination certificate that proves you’ve taken three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine accredited by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. Acceptable vaccines are the following:
- Pfizer
- Moderna
- AstraZeneca
- Janssen
- Novavax
- Bharat Biotech
- A negative test result for COVID-19 conducted within 72 hours before the departure in case you don’t have a valid vaccination certificate
- Download Fast Track and Visit Japan Web platforms for smooth Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine transactions
How to Get a Japan Tourist Visa This 2023
Kick off your application for a Japan tourist visa with the following steps:
- Determine the type of short-term visa you need to apply for.
- Gather all your documentary requirements. See to it that you have the authentic documents. Don’t forget to check the accuracy of the details.
- Go to an accredited travel agency that will process your application and submit all the requirements. Remember that the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines doesn’t accept direct applications, so this step is a must.
- Sit back and relax. The travel agency will process your application for a Japan tourist visa. Just wait for a text message, email, or call from them. Note that the processing of visa applications takes two to five business days.
Fund Your Travel to Japan with a Citi Personal Loan
Indulging in a bit of revenge travel? Plan your next adventure with the Citi Personal Loan Bounce Back Promo. Borrow up to ₱2 million and enjoy low interest rates.
Note: This product is sold by Union Bank of the Philippines, using certain trademarks temporarily under license from Citigroup Inc. and related group entities.
Read more: Choose the Best Personal Loan for You!
Where to Process Your Application for a Japan Tourist Visa
As mentioned, only accredited travel agencies are allowed to process your tourist visa for Japan. Check out this list from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines:
Japan Tourist Visa FAQs
.png?width=674&name=Pics%20for%20blog%20(10).png)
Got a lot of questions regarding the application for a Japan tourist visa? Check out the items below to see the answers you may be looking for.
1. My application for a Japan tourist visa this 2023 was denied. Can I reapply immediately?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan won’t accept your visa application if you file it within six months of your previous rejected application. Since applicants’ circumstances will most likely not change within six months, the result will turn out the same.
Take note, however, that the ministry or embassy sometimes accepts visa reapplication within six months if the applicant’s circumstances have changed significantly since the rejection.
They also accept reapplications when travel to Japan is necessary for humanitarian reasons. The ministry encourages everyone to consult with the Japanese embassy or consulate before starting the application process.[3]
2. Why is the reason for my visa rejection not explained?
When applications get rejected, it’s usually because the applicant failed to meet Japan’s criteria for visa issuance.[4] However, authorities won’t give you a specific reason. This is because people trying to enter Japan for illegal purposes might use those details to bypass the visa examination procedure.
3. How soon should I apply for a Japan tourist visa before my trip?
You can apply for a Japan tourist visa as early as two months before the date of your trip. If you’re running late, make sure you have enough buffer time. Stay on the safe side by giving yourself at least 15 working days before the date of your trip.
4. How much is the processing fee for a Japan tourist visa this 2023?
A travel agency may charge between ₱900 to ₱2,000, depending on the type of your short-term stay visa.
Read more: Airport Fees in the Philippines to Remember Before Your Next Flight
5. Do I need to present show money for a Japan visa?
According to experienced travelers, the show money for a Japan visa should be enough for your daily expenses within the duration of the trip.
For instance, if you stay in Japan for 15 days, you must have at least ₱100,000 in your bank account. If you’re staying for at least five days, ₱50,000 may be enough.
Keep in mind that your bank certificate shows your account’s average balance. A sudden large deposit might appear suspicious. To avoid troubles, make sure that your bank account is active by making regular deposits and maintaining transactions for at least six months or so.
Read more: Travel Loan in the Philippines: When and Where to Apply for One
6. Who should I contact regarding my concerns on my application for a Japan tourist visa this 2023?
If you have some questions or concerns regarding your application for a tourist visa to Japan, reach out to the Japanese embassy in the Philippines' contact numbers and email addresses:
- Manila – Phone: (02) 8834-7514 | Email: ryoji@ma.mofa.go.jp
- Consulate-General in Cebu – Phone: (032) 231-7321/231-7322 | Email: cebucoj@ce.mofa.go.jp
- Consulate-General in Davao – Phone: (082) 221-3100/3200 | Email: cojd2@ma.mofa.go.jp
Final Thoughts
Japan is now open to Filipinos! But before you get to see Tokyo’s vibrant modernity or taste Osaka’s delicious cuisine, you’ll need to secure a Japan tourist visa.
The application process will go smoothly as long as you submit complete requirements. If you’ve got friends who've been to Japan, ask them about their visa application experience. That way, you can manage your expectations.
Sources:
- [1] Japan Opens Borders to Filipino Tourists on Guided Tour (Philippine News Agency, 2022)
- [2] Japan to Open to Independent Travelers Beginning October 11 (The Philippine Star, 2022)
- [3] Japan Visa Application FAQs
- [4] Criteria of Visa Issuance
Back to Blog 
