Updated April 13, 2025

Dreaming of visiting Japan but unsure how to apply for a Japan tourist visa while unemployed or without an ITR? Having navigated the Japan visa application process multiple times, I’m here to share my personal experiences and helpful tips for those planning to travel to Japan and have yet to apply for a visa.

Disclaimer: While I’m sharing my firsthand experience in applying for a Japan tourist visa, please note that the approval of your visa is entirely at the discretion of the Japan Embassy.

Save this Japan Tourist Visa guide on Pinterest for easy access later.

New Update: Apply at the Japan Visa Center

As of April 7th, 2025, Japan tourist visa applications are now processed through the Japan Visa Center managed by the VFS Global. Both individuals and travel agency representatives can submit visa applications at any of the VFS application centers in the Philippines.

If you prefer to apply directly, visit the VFS Global website to begin your application or you can choose to go through a travel agency.

Personal Experience with Travel Agency

Prior to the new visa application process, I lodged my application at Reli Tours in SM Megamall. I first applied for a Japan visa in 2016 and was approved for a single-entry visa. During my second application in 2019, I received a multiple-entry visa.

My most recent Japan visa application was in March 2024. Fortunately, I was approved for a multiple-entry visa again. All of my Japan tourist visa applications were processed through Reli Tours.

With the new changes to the visa application process, you can either apply directly through VFS Global, where you can select and book an appointment at the nearest visa application center, or you can go through a travel agency.

Prepare your Documents

To apply for a Japan tourist visa, you will need to gather the required documents and submit them to the Japan Visa Application Center. You can also review this guide to make sure you have all the necessary documents for your appointment. For this blog post, the requirements listed are for unemployed individuals. But for a complete checklist for a single-entry visa, you can find it here. You may also visit the Japan Embassy website for the list of requirements for other applicant categories.

1. Passport

• Damaged passport will not be accepted
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least 2 blank pages
• Signature of the passport holder is required

2. Visa Application Form

• The application form must be an A4-sized paper (21.0 x 29.7 cm)
• All fields in the application form must be completed accurately
• If a field is not applicable, write “N/A”
• Forms with missing details, such as the date of application, signature, or blank fields, will not be accepted.
• For the application date, provide the date you submit the form to your chosen travel agency
• Incorrect or inaccurate information may result in the embassy rejecting the application
• Do not use friction erasable pens on the visa application form or in any supporting documents

Based on my experience, it’s best to fill out the application form provided by the travel agency rather than printing one at home. I initially printed the form at home, but because my printer didn’t print the dimensions correctly, I had to fill out another form at the agency. However, the agency staff will also double-check your form for any missing details.

If you need a reference for filling out your visa application, here’s a link to the sample application form from the Japan Embassy. I hope this helps guide you in completing your Japan visa application.

3. Photo

• Size: 45×35mm (2×1.4in) with a white background.
• Photo taken within the last 6 months
• Write your name and birthdate on the back side of the photo.
• Paste the photo onto the application form using glue on all corners.

When you’re ready to have your photo taken, simply inform the photo studio that it’s for a Japan visa application, and the staff will be familiar with the specific photo requirements.

4. Bank Certificate (Original copy)

• The average daily balance for the last six months or the past year’s average amount must be shown.
• If the Average Daily Balance (ADB) for the last six months is not indicated, a bank statement showing transactions within the last six months must be submitted.

When I applied for a tourist visa, I submitted a bank statement along with my bank certificate. However, the travel agency informed me that the bank statement wasn’t necessary since my bank certificate already showed the ADB for the last six months.

5. Certificate of Enrolment (For students)

I applied for my son’s tourist visa as well, so I had to get his certificate of enrollment from his school and submit the original copy to the travel agency. I also included a photocopy of his school ID.

Keep in mind that if you’re applying for a student, they must be physically present at the agency, except for minors. Since my son was 15 years old at the time of application, he wasn’t required to be at the agency.

6. Guarantee Letter (If a guarantor in the Philippines will cover part or all of the travel expenses)

I was the guarantor for my son, so I filled out a guarantee letter provided by the travel agency. A birth certificate is necessary in this case to prove the relationship between the applicant and the guarantor.

7. Birth Certificate (Original copy issued by PSA within one year)

A birth certificate is not necessary if you already have a used Japan visa in your passport, but you will be required to submit the original visa.

I didn’t have to submit my birth certificate, but I provided my previous Japan visa. I’m sharing this for those who haven’t been issued a Japan visa yet.

8. Marriage Contract (If married — Original copy issued by PSA within one year)

9. Itinerary

Click here to view or download my itinerary. I submitted one copy for both my son and me.

For the accommodation listed in the itinerary, simply write the hotel where you plan to stay. It’s not recommended to pay for your hotel before your visa is approved.

10. Multiple-Entry Visa Letter (Optional)

Since I was previously granted a Japan tourist visa, I felt confident applying for a multiple-entry visa. I thought it was worth trying. If the multiple-entry visa wasn’t approved, I would still have the option of a single-entry visa.

Fortunately, both my son and I were approved for a multiple-entry visa. Just bear in mind that there’s a Php 500 additional fee for applying for a multiple-entry visa, which will be refunded if the application is not granted with at least a single-entry visa.

If you’d like to learn more about applying for a multiple-entry visa, you can refer to this checklist.

Note:
These lists of documents are what I submitted during my Japan tourist visa application in March 2024 (except for the marriage certificate, which is required for married applicants). Some details were sourced from Reli Tours and the Japan Embassy. As requirements may change over time, please double-check with the Japan Embassy or your chosen travel agency for the most up-to-date details. Remember, the approval of your tourist visa is solely at the discretion of the Japan Embassy.

Additional Reminders:

• All documents must be original, unless stated otherwise.
• Explanation letters cannot replace the required documents.
• Do not purchase any travel arrangements (ex. airfare or hotel bookings) until your visa is approved. Delays or denials may occur.
• All documents must be in A4 size. Documents that are close in size to A4 (such as legal size) may be accepted.

I hope this blog post can assist you through your Japan tourist visa application process. I wish you the best of luck with your application! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them below—I’d be happy to help. If I missed anything or if you have additional tips, your feedback is always welcome!

Plan Your Japan Trip Next
Once your Japan visa is approved, it’s time for the exciting part — planning your trip!

Flights, Hotels, & Activities
Find everything you need for your Japan trip on Trip.com — from flights and hotels to activities and tours.

Get Organized
Keep track of your itinerary, bookings, and travel notes with my Travel Planner (printable + Goodnotes digital).

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through Trip.com using my link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

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