In the Land of the Rising Sun: Japan Visa Requirements for Filipinos

Konnichiwa! With its ultra-modern cityscapes, well-preserved cultures, delicious cuisines, and warm hospitality, Japan has always been a favorite holiday destination. A trip to this country will definitely give you memories to cherish for a long time. 

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 the country for the first time, it can feel scary and nerve-racking.  

But allow us to take the stress away with this guide to Japan visa requirements in the Philippines for 2023. It also includes application steps and a list of accredited travel agencies processing visa applications. 

Take note, though, that this article focuses on the single-entry tourist visa.

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

Japan Visa Requirements in the Philippines for 2023

Don’t worry—it’s not difficult to secure the requirements and follow the steps for getting a Japan visa. Japan tourist visa requirements in 2023 are categorized based on your purpose of visit. Check out the following:

*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.

Read more:

• Prepare These Requirements for Travel Abroad Before You Fly Out
• Travel Essentials: What to Pack for Your Next Trip

How to Get a Japan Tourist Visa This 2023

Kick off your Japan visa application with the following steps:

1. Determine the type of short-term visa you need to apply for.
2. Gather all your requirements for a Japan visa. See to it that you have the authentic documents. Don’t forget to check the accuracy of the details.
3. Go to an accredited travel agency that will process your application and submit all the Japan visa requirements in the Philippines for 2023. Remember that the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines doesn’t accept direct applications, so this step is a must.
4. Sit back and relax. The travel agency will process your Japan visa application. Just wait for a text message, email, or call from them. Note that the standard processing period is five working days from the day after the date of the acceptance of your application.

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Where to Process Your Application for a Japan Tourist Visa

As mentioned, only accredited travel agencies are allowed to process your requirements for a Japan tourist visa. Thankfully, there are a handful of agencies out there that can accommodate your application:

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Japan Tourist Visa FAQs

Got a lot of questions regarding Japan tourist visa requirements for Filipinos? 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.

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. 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. What are the possible reasons behind my Japan visa application rejection? 

There are a few reasons your Japan visa application may be rejected. Below are some of them: 

• Incomplete requirements for a Japan tourist visa – Failure to provide certain documents, such as birth certificate, or certificate of employment, may lower your application’s chances of getting approved.
• Inconsistencies and inaccuracies in application details –These are major red flags. Before you submit your requirements for a Japan visa, make sure that you’ve double-checked everything. 
• Falsified documents – Your application won’t just be rejected; you may even face legal repercussions.
• Insufficient funds – You need to prove that you have the financial capacity to stay in Japan. Otherwise, your application may be rejected.
• Weak connection with your inviter – You have to prove that you and your sponsor have known each other for a very long time. 
• Suspicion of employment scouting – The embassy may reject your application if they have reasons to believe that you’re flying to Japan to scout for work. 
• Criminal history – A criminal record, especially if it’s related to terrorism and drugs, may result in visa application rejection. 

4. 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.

If your departure date is approaching, you cannot rush the embassy to process your application. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan,^[3] they cannot make a decision regarding your application until the necessary examination has been conducted. Note that they process applications in the order in which they have received them.  

5. I’m postponing my trip. Can I still use my approved visa at a later date? 

A single-entry visa is valid for three months (and only becomes invalid once you enter Japan). If you postpone your trip but the new travel date is within your visa’s validity period, you can still use your visa to enter Japan. 

If you happen to postpone your trip for longer than three months, you’ll need to make another visa application. 

6. 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.

7. 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. So how much show money should you have for your Japan visa application in the Philippines? 

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.

8. 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: visa@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

Read more: Konnichiwa! Best Japan Tips for Travelers

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 your Japan visa requirements in the Philippines for 2023 are complete. If you’ve got friends who've been to Japan, ask them about their visa application experience. That way, you can manage your expectations and prepare accordingly.

Sources:

• ^[1] Japan Visa application form
• ^[2] Invitation letter template
• ^[3] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website