How to Apply for Japanese Tourist Visa for Filipinos

I have been wanting  to visit Tokyo, Japan so  you could just imagine my joy when the news about the Japan visa waiver for Filipino travelers spread on the internet and TV last year.  The Embassy of Japan in Manila even confirmed the news and that the visa-free rule would take effect on June 1st this year. I was ecstatic because I would spare myself the burdens of gathering and preparing requirements needed for the visa application. Then came June 1st, then 30th, then July and still no update on the visa-free rule.

IT IS STILL A PLAN.
I kinda had the feeling that the visa-free rule would not materialize so when I read that the waiver didn't push through, I was not really disillusioned. So to those of you who are reading this, don't buy your ticket to Tokyo, Kyoto or anywhere in Japan just yet. The Japanese Embassy in Manila has clarified that the proposal to waive the visa requirement for Filipino tourists to Japan remains to be a plan.

However, the Japanese Embassy has a consolation for the heartbroken Filipinos - it will be easier for Filipinos to travel to Japan this time. The embassy promised that the multiple-entry visa requirements will be less strict, while requirements for single-entry tourist visas will be relaxed  that it seems like it's visa-free. It was not specified how the embassy would do it though but from what I read, applicants are asked to meet “certain conditions” for approval.

I am visiting Tokyo on September 5th so I had to apply for a tourist visa. I made a research on how to apply and gathered all the needed documents then lodged my application to an accredited travel agency. To make the long story short, I was granted a tourist visa and what made me even happier was that I was given a multiple-entry visa. I only asked for a five-day visit visa but they gave me a three-year multiple entry! That means, I can visit Japan whenever I want for three years! Does that mean I met those 'certain conditions'?

Of all the visas that I have been granted, my Japan visa is the most special for two reasons. First,  friends who previously traveled to Japan as tourists were never given multiple-entry visas despite the fact that they've been there more than twice. They were always given a 15-day visa. Second, my visa was released on my birthday- less than 24 hours after I lodged my application. I was told that waiting time was 10 to 14 days. I am indeed so blessed and lucky. Therefore, I am paying it forward. I am writing this post for those who, just like me, have been dreaming to visit the land of the rising sun.

Before I give you the step-by-step guide to obtaining a Japanese visa, I would like to share with you these important pointers.

• The earliest time you can file your application is three-months before your intended visit. So if you're planning to go to Tokyo in December, the earliest time you can apply for a visa is September. 
• This post is for the tourist visa application WITHOUT a sponsor. For the tourist visa application WITH a sponsor, click HERE
• The application for a Japanese tourist visa is unbelievably easier and faster compared to a US tourist visa application. There are no nerve-wracking questions from the consul and if you are honest and clear with your purpose in visiting Japan and provide all the needed documents, you will surely get that sweet visa.  
• YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO GO TO THE JAPANESE EMBASSY FOR AN INTERVIEW. Effective July 2007, all visa applications  except cases indicated below must be made at the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines through the agencies accredited by the Embassy. From the date onward, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines as well as the consular offices in Cebu and Davao, will no longer accept direct visa applications by applicants. 

Exceptions for application through accredited agencies:

• Diplomatic or Official visas
• Visas for invitees by the Japanese government organization/ institution, independent administrative agencies of Japan
• Visas for invitees of Japan local governments or national/municipal educational institutions of Japan to participate in educational/cultural exchange programs and youth exchange programs
• Visas for scholarship awardees sponsored by the government of Japan
• Visas for commercial purpose of employees of a joint venture company or a branch office of a Japanese enterprise listed in the Japanese Stocks Exchange or a member of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines
• For cases requiring humanitarian consideration such as serious illness of relative in Japan
• For cases wherein applicant has custody of biological child of Japanese national and the purpose is to raise that child in Japan by himself/ herself (This type of application may only be filed at the Embassy of Japan in Manila)

Steps to Obtaining a Japanese Tourist Visa

STEP 1. You must complete all the requirements for the tourist visa application

• Philippine Passport
• Photo (4.5cm x 4.5cm, white background and it must be pasted on the application form)
• Visa Application Form (CLICK HERE to download the soft copy of the visa application form.)
• Birth Certificate (New & NSO Authenticated)
• Marriage Contract (if you are married, NSO authenticated)
• Daily Schedule in Japan or Itinerary (Below is a sample of daily schedule)

• Bank Certificate/s. (This is to show that you are financially capable of supporting yourself for the duration of your stay in Japan. It is not indicated how much money one should have to guarantee a visa. I do not have that much money in the bank but I was issued a multiple-entry. Who knows, money is not a deciding factor in granting an applicant a visa. As long as you will be able to sustain your stay, you shouldn't be worried.)
• Income Tax Return or Form 2316 (Yo can request one from your Human Resource (HR) Department. Otherwise, you can request through Bureau of Internal Revenue.)
• Additional proofs of the purpose of your visit to and exit from Japan. It is very important that you meet and submit all the requirements. Though these are not required, it is encouraged that you submit additional documents if you feel they can 'strengthen' your application. 

       Examples of additional documents
          - Certificate of Employment  stating your current position, monthly/annual income and                            length of service
            - Airline ticket/booking/reservation
            - Hotel reservation/confirmation
            - other visas issued to you (ex. US, Schengen)
            - credit card statements 

STEP 2. Submit your application to an accredited agency.
It is important that you submit your application directly to an accredited agency so you will not be charged additional fees. You can find the list of accredited agencies HERE.

I lodged mine at Friendship Tours and Resorts Corp. because it is the most convenient and most accessible from my place. It is conveniently located at Dusit Hotel in Ayala, Makati City. In fact, the guards at the entrance of Dusit Hotel said that there are about four accredited agencies at Dusit Hotel so it is up to you which one you prefer. However, based on my experience, Friendship Tours and Resorts is living up to its name - the employees are so friendly and processing time is incredibly fast. I got mine in less than 24 hours! It is very easy to get to Friendship Tours and Resorts Corporation because it is just a walking distance from the MRT. Just take the MRT at Edsa, get off at Ayala Station, then go down the escalator. Keep walking and you will see BDO just opposite SM Makati. Upon reaching BDO turn left and you will hit Dusit Hotel just across the street.

STEP 3. Pay the handling fee.
The visa application itself is free,  however, you have to pay the accredited agency for 'handling' your application. I applied last July 21, 2014 through Friendship Tours and Resorts Corporation in Dusit Thani Hotel and I paid PHP1,200. I was then given a ticked checklist of the requirements I submitted and a receipt of payment.

This checklist answers all your queries on the tourist visa for Japan 

STEP 4. Wait for the accredited agency's call or text on the outcome.
Like what I said, I was told that waiting time was 10-15 days but I received mine just one day after I lodged my application (less than 24 hours). You will receive a call or a text from the agency telling you that your passport is ready for pick up. If your application was denied, you can re-apply after six months.

Good luck I hope this post helps!  :)