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Fun in the Land of the Rising Sun: How to Get a Japan Tourist Visa in 2023

Jay Pagkatotohan

Jay Pagkatotohan

Last updated October 07, 2022

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: 

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?

japan tourist visa 2022 - how to get a visa

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

japan tourist visa 2022 - for visiting a friend

  • 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

japan tourist visa 2022 - requirements

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:

  1. Determine the type of short-term visa you need to apply for.
  2. Gather all your documentary requirements. 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 requirements. 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 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

moneymax citibank personal loan promo - generic CTA

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:

Travel Agency Address Contact Details
Reli Tours & Travel Agency 3/F, Dusit Thani Hotel, Ayala Center, Makati City

02-8894-1210

02-8893-9226

0906-280-6666

www.relitours.ph

Attic Tours Phils., Inc. G-05 A Antel Seaview Tower Roxas Blvd., Pasay City

0917-631-0845

www.attictours.asia

UHI

G/F - Receiving

4/F - Releasing

Dusit Thani Manila Hotel, Ayala Center, Makati City

02-8859-3857

02-8859-3858

02-8859-3859

02-8859-3860

02-7618-2359

02-8840-3756 (fax)

0917-634-8280

0917-530-2998

www.universalholidays.com

japanvisa@universalholidays.com

uhijapanvisa@gmail.com

Friendship Tours and Resorts Corporation 3/F, Dusit Thani Hotel, Ayala Center, Makati City

02-8810-9622

02-8819-5644

0915-839-4654

www.friendshipmanila.com

Discovery Tour, Inc.

301 G/F, Sagittarius Building, H.V. Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village,

Makati City

02-8812-3328

0915-320-0780

0999-943-5231

www.facebook.com/discoverytourmakati

H.I.S. Philippines Travel Corp.

Unit 1404, Picadilly Star Building, 4th Ave. corner 27th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

02-7718-5002

02-7718-5010

02-7718-5020

www.his.com.ph

Rajah Travel Corporation 3/F, 331 Building, 331 Senator Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City

02-8894-0886

0917-529-6774

www.rajahtravel.com

Pan Malayan Express, Inc. 4/F, Grepalife Building, 221 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City

02-8844-1216 

02-8844-1219

02-8844-1262

02-8844-1274

02-8844-2303

02-8844-2252

www.panmalayanexpress.com

Travel Services, Inc.

G/F, Skyland Plaza Condominium, Senator Gil  Puyat Ave., Makati City

02-8706-8646

02-8706-8625  

0917-941-2534

0927-684-5644

travelservices.docs@ph.fcm.travel

Multi Destinations, Inc. Unit 214 Manila Residences-Bocobo, 1160 Jorge Bocobo Street, Ermita, Manila

02-8526-8451 to 8455

www.multidestinationstravel.com

Amkor Travel and Tours, Inc.

Suite 108, West City Plaza Bldg., #66 West Ave., Quezon City

02-8376-5398

02-8376-5399

02-3411-3852

02-3410-1332

02-7759-2175

02-7359-8328

0917-847-2006

www.amkortravel.com.ph

Luxury Vacation Holidays & Tours, Inc.

Suite 401, Mario Co Building, 1945 Adriatico Street, Malate, Manila

02-8353-6339 

02-8536-4681 

0917-535-6300

www.facebook.com/LVholidays

Golden Eagle Travel & Tours, Inc.

129 Timog Ave., Quezon City

02-8928-0148

0917-815-9031

02-8928-4994 (fax)

0999-883-7954

www.goldeneagletravel.com.ph

 

JTB Asia Pacific Phil. Corp.

18/F, Unit 2, RCBC Savings Bank Corporate Center, 26th & 25th Streets, Bonifacio South, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

02-8894-5528

02-8893-7201 (fax)

www.jtbphilippines.com

 

Japan Tourist Visa FAQs

japan tourist visa 2022 - faqs

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.

Compare travel insurance in the Philippines

Sources:

Jay is a marketing communications professional who specializes in short-form and long-form content. He has written ads for TV, radio, print, and digital. He has also produced corporate blogs, magazine features, white papers, product listings, reviews, and press releases for clients here and abroad. When he’s not writing, Jay plays the piano or takes pictures for his visual diary. Follow Jay on LinkedIn.