Citizens of 68 countries (including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia) can enter Japan visa-free for stays of 15 to 90 days depending on nationality. Check the MOFA website for the full exemption list.
Determine your intended length of stay
Tourist visas are issued as single-entry or multiple-entry. Single-entry visas allow stays of up to 90 days, while multiple-entry visas are typically valid for 1, 3, or 5 years with 15- or 30-day stays per visit.
Locate the Japanese embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over your area
Japan does not accept mailed applications in most countries. You must apply in person or through an authorized travel agency at the consulate that covers your residential area.
Check if your consulate requires appointments or accepts walk-ins
Processing times vary by consulate — most take 5 to 7 business days, but some locations during peak travel season (March-April for cherry blossoms) can take up to 14 days.
Prepare Required Documents
Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Japan does not require 6 months of remaining validity like many other countries, but at least 1 month beyond your departure date is recommended.
Completed visa application form
Download the form from the MOFA website or your local consulate. The form must be filled out in English or Japanese — handwritten in black ink or typed. Leave no fields blank; write "N/A" where not applicable.
One recent passport-sized photo (45mm x 45mm)
The photo must be taken within the last 6 months, on a white background, with a plain expression. Photos with glasses are generally not accepted at most consulates.
Round-trip flight reservation or itinerary
A confirmed booking is preferred, but a reservation or itinerary printout is accepted. The itinerary should show entry and exit dates from Japan.
Hotel reservations or accommodation proof for entire stay
If staying with friends or relatives, you need a letter of invitation (Shochomeisho) from your host, along with their residence card copy and a record of tax payment from their local ward office.
Daily travel schedule listing dates, cities, and activities
This is unique to Japan's visa process. Create a day-by-day plan in table format showing the date, city, hotel, and planned activities. Consulates review this carefully.
Financial Documentation
Bank statements from the last 3 months
Show a balance sufficient to cover your trip — roughly ¥10,000-¥15,000 ($70-$100 USD) per day is a common guideline. Statements should be recent, dated within 1 month of your application.
Proof of employment or enrollment
Employed applicants need a certificate of employment showing position, salary, and tenure. Students need an enrollment certificate. Self-employed applicants should provide business registration documents and tax returns.
Tax return or income certificate from the past year
Some consulates require an income tax return or certificate of tax payment as additional proof of financial stability. This is especially common for applicants from countries with higher refusal rates.
Sponsorship documents if someone else is funding your trip
A sponsor must provide a letter of guarantee, their bank statements, employment certificate, and a copy of their ID. If the sponsor is in Japan, they must provide a tax payment certificate from their ward office.
Submit Your Application
Organize documents in the order specified by your consulate
Most consulates provide a checklist on their website listing the exact order. Submitting documents out of order or with missing items can result in delays or outright rejection.
Visit the consulate or authorized agency during business hours
Japanese consulates typically accept applications Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM only. Afternoon hours are reserved for visa collection, not submission.
Pay the visa fee at time of collection (not submission)
Japan charges the visa fee when you pick up your passport, not when you apply. Fees vary by nationality but are typically $27 for single-entry and $54 for multiple-entry (or local currency equivalent).
Collect your receipt slip with the expected pickup date
Standard processing takes 5 business days from the date of submission. Expedited processing is not available for tourist visas at most consulates.
After Visa Approval
Pick up your passport with the visa sticker
Verify all details on the visa sticker — name spelling, passport number, validity dates, and number of entries. Errors must be corrected before you travel, and corrections require a new application.
Complete the Visit Japan Web registration before departure
Visit Japan Web (vjw.digital.go.jp) lets you pre-register immigration, customs, and tax-free shopping information. Completing this before your flight saves 30-60 minutes at arrival in Japan.
Print or save your hotel bookings and itinerary for immigration
Immigration officers at Japanese airports may ask to see your return ticket, hotel bookings, and daily itinerary. Having these accessible on your phone or as printouts speeds up the entry process.
Note your visa validity and entry deadline
A 3-month validity visa means you must enter Japan within 3 months of the issue date — it does not mean you can stay for 3 months. Your allowed stay (15, 30, or 90 days) is stamped at the port of entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in Japan without a visa?
Citizens of 71 countries and regions can enter Japan visa-free for short stays. The duration varies by nationality: US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens can stay up to 90 days, while citizens of some countries (like Ireland, Austria, and Mexico) receive 6 months. Check the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for your country's specific allowance. Visa-free entry cannot be used for any form of paid work.
Can I extend my tourist stay in Japan?
Visa-free visitors with 90-day stays can apply for a one-time 90-day extension at a regional immigration bureau in Japan, for a maximum total stay of 180 days. The extension fee is JPY 4,000, and you need to show proof of funds and a valid reason for staying longer. Extensions are granted at the officer's discretion and are not automatic. Apply at least 2 weeks before your current stay expires.
Do I need to show proof of a return ticket to enter Japan?
While not always strictly enforced, immigration officers at Japanese airports can ask for proof of onward or return travel. Airlines may also deny boarding without a return ticket due to carrier liability rules. Having a confirmed return or onward flight booking is strongly recommended. A printout of a flexible or refundable ticket reservation is usually sufficient.
What is the Visit Japan Web service?
Visit Japan Web is the official online service for pre-registering your customs declaration and immigration information before arriving in Japan. Completing it in advance allows you to use the QR code lanes at immigration and customs, significantly reducing wait times at major airports like Narita and Haneda. Registration is free and can be done starting 2 weeks before arrival. It replaced the paper-based arrival card system for most travelers in 2023.