Japan is a “GO-TO” destination for vacation for many people worldwide, and while most countries would need to secure a tourist visa in Japan, there are countries that may enter ‘visa-free.’ In this link is the list of countries that may enter the country without a visa, if they will stay for no more than 90 days.

Should you be required to get a visa, don’t be worried because it will not be so much of a hassle for you. There are local travel agencies that can walk your documents for you or you may also visit the nearest Japanese Embassy in your locale. Here are the list of requirements you may need to get a tourist visa in Japan:

• Accomplished and signed Japan Tourist Visa Application Form. You may be able to download a copy of the application form in this link. Complete all the fields. If one does not apply to you, write “N/A” rather than leave it blank
• A passport valid up to 6 months after the date of the Visa’s expiration and at least two blank pages for the visa
• Passport-size photos with the following specifications:

1. Dimensions: 4.5cm x 4.5cm
2. White backgrounda
3. Taken in the last six months
4. Head should be staring straight ahead, with a neutral facial expression
5. Entire face has to be visible
6. Name and birthdate have to be written at the back

• Flight itinerary that would detail your plan of visit and your departure dates, flight reservation number, your name, etc.
• Daily itinerary that would present an itinerary of your daily activities in Japan. You can find a sample itinerary for a Japan Visa Application in this link.
• If you have a guarantor in Japan:

1. Invitation Letter from the Guarantor
2. If they will help finance your trip: Letter of Guarantee and their Income Certificate issued within the last three months

• If you will have no guarantor, provide bank statements for the past six months
• Most recent Income Tax Return certificate
• Proof of your civil status such as: Birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc