How I Got My First Japan Tourist Visa as a Philippine Passport Holder

by - Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Japan is one of my dream countries to travel. I love to see the beauty of it, which I only see in the magazine or internet.

Hence, this was my third visa application after my US visa application. I will only share my personal experience.

» Step 1. Determine your visa type. «


Here are the visa types available:

  • Tourist visa (single or multiple)
  • Visiting friends/relatives
  • Commercial visa (single or multiple)
  • Visa application with Certificate of Elligibility
  • Visa for family of Japanese w/ Long Term Visa Status in the Philippines
  • Attendees of Conferences/Events/Company Meetings
  • Transit visa
  • Invited by US Military
  • Foreign Passport Holder
  • Re-Entry Permit
  • Nikkeijin (Japanese Descendant)

Note: This guide is for single entry and for tourism purposes only (without guarantor).

» Step 2. Prepare the required documents. «


Here are the documents that me and my husband prepared:

  • Passport (with holder's signature)
  • Application Form (with passport-size photo attached)
  • Birth Certificate (issued by PSA within 1 year)
  • Marriage Certificate (issued by PSA within 1 year) ***if applicable
  • Itinerary in Japan

As employees, me and my husband will personally shoulder our expenses. Here are the additional requirements:

  • Bank certificate
  • Photocopy of Income Tax Return (BIR Form 2316)


» Step 3. Choose an accredited travel agency to process your visa application. «


The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines does not accept direct visa application. You need to submit your visa application through their accredited travel agencies listed on their website.

Here are the list:

  • Universal Holidays - Makati Branch
  • Discovery Tour, Inc - Makati Branch, Cebu Branch, and Davao Branch
  • Rajah Travel Corporation - Makati Branch and Manila Branch
  • Reli Tours & Travel Agency - Makati Branch, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Antel Branch, SM South Mall and Binondo Branch
  • Attic Tours - Roxas Blvd Manila, SM Mall of Asia, SM North Edsa, SM Fairview, SM Southmall, SM Megamall, SM Clark, SM Cebu, SM Davao
  • Friendship Tours and Resorts Corporation - Makati Branch and Cebu Branch

For us, we opt for Friendship Tours and Resorts Corporation, which is located in 3/F Dusit Thani Manila, Makati City, Philippines. The Japan visa is free but the handling fee costs Php 1,200.

» Step 4. Wait for the RESULTS of your visa application. «


Me and my husband submitted our visa application on Thursday, November 10, 2022. We were advised that the processing time will take 7 business days.

Fortunately, it took us 3 business days. The travel agency submitted our visa application on Friday, November 11, 2022. We received a text message from them that our passports are ready to pick-up on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. I got our passports back on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. Voila! We were approved!


Note: This guide is based on my personal experience. This is not a sponsored post.

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