sample cover letter for japan tourist visa application

Letter Templates & Example

Journey to Japan: A Comprehensive Cover Letter Sample for Japan Visa Application

Planning a trip to Japan can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience, especially when it comes to the visa application process. One key element of the application is the cover letter, which provides important details about your travel plans and purpose for visiting Japan. To assist with this process, we’ve compiled a selection of cover letter samples for Japan visa, that you can use as a reference and edit as needed. By following these samples, you’ll be able to create a stand-out cover letter that showcases your personality, intentions, and overall readiness for a trip to Japan. So, let’s get started with crafting a compelling cover letter that will impress the Consulate-General of Japan and help you obtain your visa with ease!

The Best Structure for Cover Letter Sample for Japan Visa

If you are planning to apply for a Japan visa soon, then you need to prepare a cover letter. In Japan, the cover letter is called ‘detailed explanation of the purpose of visit’ or ‘shuhen moushikomi sho.’ In this letter, you need to explain the reason why you want to go to Japan, your itinerary, and other necessary details. Having a well-structured cover letter can improve your chances of getting approved for a Japan visa. Here are some tips on how to structure your cover letter.

1. Introduction In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and give a brief overview of who you are. Include your name, occupation, and purpose of traveling to Japan. Keep this section short and get straight to the point.

2. Purpose of Travel This is the most important part of your cover letter. Describe your reason for visiting Japan in detail. Be specific and clear in explaining the purpose of your travel, whether it’s for tourism, business, or visiting friends and family. Include where you plan to stay, your itinerary, and the dates of your stay.

3. Supporting Information In this section, provide additional information that supports your purpose of travel. For example, if you’re visiting Japan for a business meeting, provide details about the meeting, including the name of the company, the purpose of the meeting, and who you will be meeting with. If you’re visiting Japan for tourism, mention the attractions you plan to visit and why you’re interested in them.

4. Personal Information Include your personal information, such as your passport details and contact information. Make sure that you include a valid email address and phone number.

5. Closing In the last paragraph, thank the consulate for considering your application and express your excitement about visiting Japan. End the letter with a polite and respectful tone.

In conclusion, a well-structured cover letter is crucial to the success of your Japan visa application. By following the above tips, you can create a compelling cover letter that showcases your purpose for visiting Japan. Remember to keep your cover letter concise and to the point, and make sure that you provide all the necessary information. Good luck!

7 Sample Cover Letters for Japan Visa

Cover letter for japan visa – business.

Dear Visa Officer,

I am writing this letter to support the visa application of [Name of Applicant] who is planning to visit Japan for business purposes. As the [Your Position] at [Your Company Name], I have had the pleasure of working with [Name of Applicant] for [Duration of Work Relationship]. Having witnessed [his/her] skills and experience in the field of [Industry], I am confident that [he/she] will make a valuable contribution in advancing our business in Japan.

[Name of Applicant] has been entrusted to represent our company in meetings, conferences, and negotiations with Japanese clients and partners. [He/She] is well-equipped with the knowledge of Japanese business etiquette, culture, and language. [His/Her] expertise in [Specific Skill] and excellent communication skills will allow [him/her] to effectively communicate our business values and negotiate deals that benefit both parties.

Thank you for your consideration in granting [Name of Applicant]’s visa application. I’m confident that [his/her] purpose of visiting Japan is genuine and I fully support [him/her] in this endeavor.

[Your Full Name]

Cover Letter for Japan Visa – Tourism

I am writing this letter to support the visa application of [Name of Applicant] for tourism purposes. As [His/Her] [Relationship], I have known [Name of Applicant] for [Duration of Relationship] and can confidently recommend [him/her] for a Japan visa. [He/She] is an avid traveler and is excited to explore the rich cultural heritage and attractions Japan has to offer.

As a [Nationality] citizen, [Name of Applicant] understands the importance of respecting and immersing oneself in the local customs and traditions when visiting foreign countries. [He/She] has meticulously planned [his/her] travel itinerary, which includes visiting [Landmarks, Festivals or Specific Places of Interest]. [His/Her] research on Japanese culture, history, and cuisine reflects [his/her] sincere interest in Japan and [he/she] plans to experience all these personally.

I am confident that [Name of Applicant]’s visit to Japan will be enjoyable and memorable. [He/She] is a responsible traveler who will comply with Japan’s laws, regulations, and visa requirements. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information in supporting [his/her] visa application.

Cover Letter for Japan Visa – Visit Family

I am writing this letter to support the visa application of my [Relationship] [Name of Applicant] for visiting Japan to meet [his/her] family. [Name of Applicant] is [Your Nationality] and [he/she] resides in [Your Current Country]. [His/Her] parents, siblings, and extended family members are residents in Japan and [he/she] is eager to meet them and spend some quality time with them.

[Name of Applicant] is financially stable and will take care of [his/her] expenses during the visit. [He/She] will be staying with [his/her] family and therefore, accommodation expenses are taken care of. [He/She] has already obtained [his/her] leave of absence from [Work/School] and is making all necessary travel arrangements.

I assure you that [Name of Applicant] will abide by the Japanese laws and regulations, and return to [Your Current Country] upon completion of [his/her] visit. I hope you understand the importance of family and appreciate your consideration in approving [his/her] visa application.

Cover Letter for Japan Visa – Employment

I am writing this letter to support the visa application of [Name of Applicant] for employment in Japan. As [His/Her] [Relationship] and [Current Position] at [Company Name], I have had the pleasure of working with [Name of Applicant] for [Duration of Work Relationship]. I strongly recommend [him/her] for employment in Japan.

[Name of Applicant] is an expert in [Area of Expertise] and [has/have] [Number of Years] years of experience in this field. [His/Her] skills are in high demand in Japan, and [he/she] has been offered a position as a [Position] at [Company Name] in Japan. [Name of Applicant] has already secured [his/her] work visa and is in the process of relocating to Japan.

[Name of Applicant] is a responsible, hardworking, and reliable employee and has made significant contributions to our company. [He/She] is fluent in Japanese language and has also undergone training in Japanese business culture and etiquettes. [His/Her] adaptability and positive attitude will help [him/her] in adjusting to the Japanese work environment, including effective communication, teamwork, and respect for time and hierarchy.

Thank you for consideration in granting [Name of Applicant]’s visa application. I’m confident that [his/her] purpose of visiting Japan is genuine and I fully support [him/her] in this endeavor.

Cover Letter for Japan Visa – Education

I am writing this letter to support the visa application of [Name of Applicant] for education purposes at [University Name] in Japan. I am [His/Her] [Relationship] and have known [him/her] for [Duration of Relationship]. I have full confidence that [he/she] is fully capable and motivated to pursue [his/her] academic goals in Japan.

[Name of Applicant] has already been accepted in the [Name of Program] at [University Name] in Japan. [He/She] has secured [his/her] admission and has made all necessary arrangements for accommodation, travel, and finances. [He/She] will be pursuing [His/Her] Master’s degree in [Field of Study] and [he/she] is excited to explore Japanese culture and language.

[Name of Applicant] is a diligent student and [has/have] consistently achieved academic excellence in [His/Her] previous academic pursuits. [He/She] has also undergone training in the Japanese language and is proficient in Japanese language proficiency levels N3/N2. I assure you that [he/she] will abide by the Japanese laws and regulations and return to [Your Current Country] upon completion of [his/her] studies.

Thank you for your time and attention. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information in supporting [Name of Applicant]’s visa application.

Cover Letter for Japan Visa – Medical

I am writing this letter to support the visa application of [Name of Applicant] for medical treatment in Japan. [Name of Applicant] is [Your Nationality] and is suffering from [Medical Condition]. [He/She] has been referred to [Hospital Name] in Japan for [Medical Procedure/Consultation].

[Name of Applicant] is in need of urgent medical attention, and [His/Her] health condition requires [Specific Procedure/Consultation] that is not available in [Your Current Country]. [He/She] has already received the necessary recommendation from [Medical Institution] and [His/Her] medical records have been duly furnished to the Embassy. [Name of Applicant] has also secured an appointment with [Doctor/Hospital] in Japan and has made all necessary arrangements for travel and finances.

I urge you to consider and approve [Name of Applicant]’s visa application in a timely manner so that [he/she] can receive the medical care that [he/she] needs. [He/She] plans to return to [Your Current Country] upon completion of [His/Her] medical treatment.

Cover Letter for Japan Visa – Family Event

I am writing this letter to support the visa application of my [Relationship], [Name of Applicant] for visiting Japan to attend [Specific Event]. [Event] is of utmost importance to our family and [Name of Applicant] would like to participate in this event that is scheduled to take place from [Event Date].

[Name of Applicant] is [Your Nationality] and is planning to travel to Japan on [Date of Arrival]. [He/She] has already obtained [His/Her] leave of absence from [Work/School], and has made all necessary travel arrangements. [He/She] will be staying with our relatives in Japan and therefore, accommodation expenses are already taken care of. [He/She] is financially stable and will take care of [His/Her] expenses during the trip.

I hope you understand the importance of this family event and appreciate your consideration in approving [Name of Applicant]’s visa application.

Tips for writing a cover letter sample for Japan visa

Writing a cover letter for Japan visa can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the Japanese culture and their visa application procedures. However, by following some tips, you can create a convincing cover letter that will increase your chances of getting your visa approved.

Firstly, make sure to address your cover letter to the relevant authority. In Japan, the visa application process is handled by the Embassy or Consulate, so it’s important to address your letter to the person in charge of the visa application. You can usually find the information on their website or by contacting them directly.

Secondly, explain the purpose of your trip to Japan clearly and concisely. Whether you’re visiting Japan for tourism, study, or business, make sure to state your intentions in a straightforward manner. If you’re visiting Japan for business, for example, mention the name of your company and the reason for your visit.

Thirdly, provide evidence that you have enough funds to cover your trip to Japan. Japan has strict visa requirements, and one of them is that you should have enough savings to cover all of your expenses during your stay. You can provide bank statements or proof of employment to show that you have the financial means to support yourself.

Fourthly, be honest and genuine in your cover letter. Japan values honesty and integrity, and a dishonest or fake cover letter will not only hurt your chances of getting a visa but also damage your reputation.

Finally, make sure to proofread your cover letter several times and have someone else read it. Spelling and grammatical errors can give the impression of carelessness, and it shows that you didn’t put enough effort into your application.

In conclusion, writing a cover letter for Japan visa requires careful attention to detail and adherence to strict requirements. By following the above tips, you can create a convincing cover letter that will help you obtain your visa and make your trip to Japan successful.

Cover Letter Sample for Japan Visa FAQs

What is a cover letter for a Japan visa?

A cover letter for Japan visa is a letter written by the visa applicant stating the purpose of their trip to Japan, specific details about their itinerary, and any other supporting information to convince the Japanese consulate that they will abide by the country’s laws and regulations.

What should I include in my cover letter for a Japan visa?

Your cover letter for a Japan visa should include your personal information, purpose of travel, intended travel dates, detailed itinerary, details of your accommodation, and your financial capability to support your stay in Japan.

What is the ideal length of a cover letter for a Japan visa?

Generally, your cover letter for a Japan visa should be one page in length. However, you can extend it to two pages if necessary.

How should I address the consular officer in my cover letter for a Japan visa?

You can address the consular officer as “Dear Sir/Madam” or use their last name if it is specified in the visa application instructions.

Can I use a template for my cover letter for a Japan visa?

While there are many templates available online, it is best to customize your cover letter to your specific trip to Japan. Customize the information and emphasize your unique circumstances, such as your relationship to any Japanese partners, if you have any, or your specific tourist destinations.

What are some tips for writing a successful cover letter for a Japan visa?

Making sure your cover letter has a clear purpose, is well-written, and includes any supporting documents are crucial to writing a successful cover letter for a Japan visa. You should also make sure that your itinerary is well-documented and that you have proof of financial capability to support your stay in Japan.

Can I include my spouse or children’s details in my cover letter for a Japan visa?

Yes, it is ideal to include your spouse and children’s details in your cover letter for a Japan visa, especially if they will be accompanying you on your trip. You should list their names, relationship to you, and passport details for the consular officer’s reference.

Thanks for checking out our cover letter samples for Japan visa!

We hope our examples have been helpful in crafting your own document to improve your chances of securing a visa. Remember to personalize your letter according to your own circumstances and to follow the guidelines set by the Japanese embassy. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to leave a comment below. Don’t forget to come back and visit us for more useful tips and information regarding travel and visa applications. Safe travels!

Cover Letter Sample for Turkey Visa Application: Templates and Tips A Comprehensive Guide to Crafting a Winning Cover Letter Sample for Canada Visitor Visa Effective Cover Letter Sample for Student Visa Application 10 Cover Letter Examples for Cabin Crew That Will Help You Stand Out Sparkle with Success: Use Our Cover Letter Template for Jewelry 5 Cover Letter Examples for Funeral Homes: Stand Out When Applying for a Funeral Director Role

Philpad » Visa » Japan Tourist Visa Cover Letter Sample (Use One for Your Application)

Japan Tourist Visa Cover Letter Sample (Use One for Your Application)

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

We are sharing here our Japan tourist visa cover letter sample to guide fellow travelers and tourist visa applicants.

Many readers have been requesting to post the cover letter we used on our tourist visa application, so here I am posting the cover letter I made for my sister.

As mentioned, we successfully got our Multiple Entry Visa even though it was our first time applying for a Japanese tourist visa.

If you want to know how our visa got approved and how we got a multiple entry visa, please visit this page: “How I Got My Japan Multiple Entry Visa in One Shot.”

Table of Contents:

What is a Visa Cover Letter?

A visa cover letter is submitted with your documents for visa application. The cover letter is a formal way to introduce yourself, to express the purpose of your travel, why you want to visit the country, the places you plan to see, and your sincere intention to return to your home country.

How to Write a Visa Cover Letter?

Step 1: address your letter to the proper embassy.

Write the correct address of the embassy of the country where you choose to apply for a travel visa. Verify the updated information before you print out your letter.

Step 2: Introduce yourself briefly

Introduce yourself and state the main subject of your letter (you’re applying for a tourist visa to travel to Japan.)

Step 3: Mention the purpose of your travel

Express the purpose of your travel and share an overview of your itinerary. Talk about the sites you wish to explore and the activities you plan to do in the country you will be visiting.

Step 4: Indicate how you will support your travel

If you’re paying for all your travel expenses, accommodations, and pocket money, share about your job or mention that you have attached your bank certificate. Prove that you are financially stable and capable of supporting yourself and your travel.

If someone is sponsoring your trip, explain your relationship with your sponsor and why they will shoulder your travel expenses.

Step 5: Show strong proof you will return to your home country

It will be helpful if you mention the other countries you have visited in the past and your other travel visas. Attaching supporting documents such as employment certificate, business permits, tangible assets, and income tax return also show strong ties to your home country.

Japan Tourist Visa Cover Letter Sample and Format

Embassy of Japan in the Philippines

2627 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, 1300

Dear Sir/Madam,

Kon’nichiwa!

My name is Lauren Park, with Passport Number: CB8787888, and I am requesting a tourist visa to travel to Japan.

It’s always been my dream to visit Japan someday. I am fascinated by its warm culture and heritage. I want to explore its ancient Shrines and Temples. I hope to see the Cherry Blossoms and the beautiful city of Tokyo. I am thrilled to see Japan’s Disneyland and wait for the night’s incredible fireworks.

I am looking forward to riding a Bullet Train and seeing Osaka. I am excited to be at Universal Studios. To be exploring the stunning places of Kyoto and Nara is on my Bucket List, too.

All my supporting documents and visa application are attached below.

• Philippine Passport
• Visa Application Form
• Original Birth Certificate
• Daily Schedule in Japan
• Original Bank Certificate
• Income Tax Return
• Certificate of Employment
• Roundtrip Airline Ticket

I am hoping for your kind consideration. Japan will always be special in my heart. I hope I will be able to travel and explore its beauty.

Sincerely yours,

Lauren Park

Important Notes:

Please do not copy the sample cover letter above. It is just a guide, and DO NOT submit it exactly as it is.

Just imagine the readers who do that, and you all would have the same cover letter. That would be risky on your application.

Make sure you write your own cover letter following what’s in your heart and following your itinerary or plans to travel to Japan.

Why should you submit a Cover Letter for Japan Tourist Visa?

Even though a Cover Letter is not one of the primary requirements and documents needed for a Japanese tourist visa application. It is usually attached when applying for your second application or applying for a Multiple Entry visa.

However, I recommend you also attach a Cover Letter even if it is your first time applying for a tourist visa and even if you are not aiming for a multiple entry visa.

A Cover Letter is a formal way of you letting the embassy knows your keen reasons and intention to visit and travel to Japan. It is a way of telling the consul why you love to travel to Japan.

So, I think it is an advantage to help get your visa approved successfully.

Visa applications like Schengen member countries require a Cover Letter as part of the document checklist. It is beneficial if you make one for your visa application.

It is not so difficult to create anyway. It will only take a few minutes of your time. Besides, seeing Japan is priceless.

Japan Visa Helpful Articles:

• Japan Visa Schedule of Stay Sample
• Japan Tourist Visa Requirements in the Philippines
• Japan Travel Blog and Guide with Itinerary
• How to Get JR Pass in the Philippines

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and should not be taken as visa expert advice. The author only shared her experience about visa cover letters. It doesn’t guarantee the same results.

Share this!

Related posts.

How to Apostille Documents in DFA Philippines (Birth Cert, TOR, NBI)

Australian Tourist Visa Requirements for Filipinos

How to Apply for Australian Tourist Visa in the Philippines

List of Accredited Travel Agencies for Korean Visa in the Philippines

Fehl is the founder of Philpad. She has a degree in Accountancy and a background in Finance. She is a licensed Career Service Professional and author of a poetry book at Barnes & Noble. In her spare time, she likes to travel and vlog.

9 thoughts on “Japan Tourist Visa Cover Letter Sample (Use One for Your Application)”

Good day! Our Travel date is on March 1 to 6 this 2020. We already have plane ticket as well as hotel. All are paid na po. Visa nalang kulang. However, ma la late and uwi sa Pinas yung husband ko dahil nasa port sila ng China. Hndi sila pwede umuwi dahil sa corona virus. So sa Australia pa sila uuwi. 23 or 24 pa sila lalapag ng Pilipinas. Mag apply kami kinabukasan or that day mismo. Possible po kaya na makuha namin agad yung result ng visa application namin kung sa last week ng February kami mag apply? Sayang namn kasi lahat is ready na Visa nalang

Hi 🙂 Possible naman na makuha na ang visa nyo if Feb. 25 kayo apply

I’m a multiple visa holder, too, and I will apply for my son (first time). Should I write a cover letter on his behalf? My son is a minor. Thanks!

Yes, it will help the application 🙂

Thank you. Follow up question, is it advisable to submit also round trip airline tickets? We will be there for just a week. Thanks, again!

I have a question, should this be handwritten or computerized???

I did mine computerized. Include your signature at the end

Hi Ms. Fehl! What was the latest time to get your visa? I mean my flight is on May 24-28. Can I apply for a visa by next week? I went to Japan last 2018 and they granted me a single entry visa and now I’m trying my luck to get a multiple visa, should I get my visa na ba? Hope you will noticed this. Thank you so much in advance.

Hi Yanna 🙂 Best time to apply for a visa is 3 months before your travel date. In your case, yes you can already apply 🙂

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

A Sample Cover Letter for Tourist Visa and How to Create One

By Alice Ross | PASSPORT & VISA

• PASSPORT & VISA » A Sample Cover Letter for Tourist Visa and How to Create One

If you're planning to  travel abroad , in many cases you will need to obtain a visa beforehand. The requirements vary according to your country of origin and your destination. But for a lot of people, the process to be granted a visa can seem daunting and unclear. In this article, we share important tips about visas to equip you with the knowledge to prepare for your international trip. Read on to find out more about how tourist visas work, including a very useful sample cover letter for your tourist visa application.  

What Exactly Is a Tourist Visa?

A tourist visa or visitor visa is an official document that allows you to get in another country. In general, you are likely to need one every time you visit another country. However, this depends on which country you are from and where you are going, as some countries have agreements that allow entrance even without it.

A tourist visa may take different forms: it can be a paper document, although it most often comes as a simple stamp in your passport . Some countries require you to arrange your visa before arriving in the country, while others issue it to you once you land at the airport.

A tourist visa indicates how long you are allowed to stay in the country. It also defines which activities you are allowed to participate in or not while there, such as working and studying.

Other Types of Visas

A tourist visa is the most common and most acquired type of visa. It is usually only valid for a short period of time, commonly ranging from a few weeks to a couple of months.

This is what you will need if you are just planning to visit the country. A tourist visa however doesn't allow you to work and study while you are in a particular country.

Others types of visas include student visas, business visas, media visas, fiancé visas , and many others depending on the place you're travelling to.

Resident visas are also available for those who want to live in a particular country. You will normally need a valid reason to obtain this type of visa, as they tend to be the most difficult to get.

What You Need to Apply for a Tourist Visa

As mentioned above, tourist visa requirements vary with your nationality and your destination, as well as where you make your application. You should always check the instructions application to your specific situation on the relevant embassy or consulate website. Having said that, there are some general requirements and common documents that are needed for most tourist visa applications.

These include:

• Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay
• Duly filled out visa application forms
• Confirmed round-trip tickets
• Cover letter for tourist visa or letter to the consulate

Top tip: travel insurance for your visa application

Most tourist visa applications require you to show proof of travel insurance coverage for the duration of your trip. We use and recommend SafetyWing as our preferred travel medical insurance provider. It's the most flexible and affordable we've found, starting at just $1.32 per day. They can also provide a visa letter to support your application. If you're looking for more comprehensive coverage, World Nomads is also a reliable and very popular alternative among global travelers. Note: In our experience and to the best of our knowledge, these two travel insurance options fulfill the requirements for most tourist visa applications. However, please make sure to check that they meet the specific criteria applicable to your individual case.

Sample Cover Letter for Tourist Visa Application

Via rappler.com

The cover letter or letter to the consulate is necessary for tourist visas that require interviews. This letter needs to explain why you want to visit the country and where you will be staying in the country. It must also outline the intended dates and duration of your stay.

Moreover, this letter is your way to tell the embassy if you are getting a sponsorship from a friend, parents, or a romantic partner who are currently based in that country. It's important to take your time to write your cover letter, although you should also make sure to keep it to-the-point and not too long.

If the trip is going to be  sponsored by someone else , make sure to include the following details in the cover letter for your tourist visa application:

• The name of the person who is going to sponsor your trip
• The job or source of income of the person who is going to sponsor you
• Your proof or relationship (normally pictures)
• Proof of financial capability of your sponsor
• The expenses your sponsor will cover

The cover letter is a really important document to provide before your trip. It states every important thing you want to tell the embassy or consulate. Make sure that it mentions and explains every document you've submitted.

To give you a better insight into how to create a cover letter for your visa application, here is a sample cover letter for a tourist visa needed to enter a country:

TO THE HONORABLE CONSUL

EMBASSY OF (Country you're visiting)

<Address of the Consulate>

Dear Sir/Madam:

I, <Your full legal name> would like to apply for a tourist visa to spend a vacation in <name of the country> from <date of arrival> to <date of departure.>

My main purpose for travel is tourism, to see the beautiful sights of  <name of the country> , particularly <name of tourist attractions.> I'm also looking forward to experiencing the culture, tasting the cuisine, and meeting locals to experience everything the country has to offer.

I am employed at <name of the company> located in <location of the company> since <date you were employed> and am currently holding the position of <your job position.> Vacation from work has already been approved for the whole duration of this trip.

During my trip, my <your relationship with the sponsor> <full name of the sponsor,>  who works as <job title of the sponsor> at <place of employment> will sponsor my trip. He/she will cover my accommodations, food expenses, and plane tickets.

Please find the following documents to support the legitimacy of what is outlined in this letter:

• Passports (including old ones if applicable)
• Application form, duly dated and signed with passport-size picture
• Employment and leave certificates showing the date I'm expected to return to work
• Payslips, tax report, credit card statements, bank certificate & statement of account as proof of income
• Plane ticket booking reservation
• Hotel booking reservation as proof of accommodation directly faxed to the embassy
• Travel insurance with benefits

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you require any further information. I may not be available at all times due to my working schedule or I might be engaged in a mission, but you may still try to reach me at the following:

Of course, the sample cover letter for tourist visa application provided above is only a template and can be modified according to your situation. Again, including this in your travel visa application is very important, so make sure that you take the time to think about what you want to write and to gather all the necessary documents to support the information you provide in your letter.

Do you have any helpful tips or a sample cover letter for a tourist visa application you want to share? Let us know in a comment below!

Rating: 4.3 (77 votes)

Thank for your voting!

About the Author

Hi, I’m Alice Ross, a long-term traveler who left the corporate world to travel the world. I chose to live life on my own phase and live day by day while immersing myself in new experiences, new knowledge, and new people in a different walk of life I met along the way.

RELATED POSTS

Canada Permanent Resident Visa: A Dream Come True

Your Ultimate Visa Handbook: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting China

How to Apply For Permanent Residence in Canada through Express Entry

Leave a Comment:

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

(0) comments

404 Not found

JAPAN VISA APPLICATION FORM: Sample + How to Fill it Out

Whether you’re applying for a Japan Tourist Visa or a Visit Visa, the first thing you need to do is to get hold of a copy of the application form and fill it out appropriately. You can get a copy from the agency where you will be applying. But if you want to take care of it before you go to the agency, you can download a copy of the application form below with instructions.

Download the form here

How to fill out japan visa application form.

First, a few important reminders.

• Complete the form either by hand or electronically. Either is accepted. If you go the hand-written route, make sure that you write in block letters and that they are readable.
• In fields that don’t apply to you, write NA. Don’t leave any field blank.
• Print the form in an A4-size paper. Other sizes will be rejected.
• Paste a photo on the designated area. PASTE! DO NOT STAPLE! The photo must have been taken within the past 6 months.
• Use a black pen or font. Do not use pencil or one of those erasable pens.
• Avoid erasures! If it can’t be helped, use double line (2 strikethroughs). If there are too many erasures, start over. Never ever use correction tape or liquid.

Here are some parts of the form that you might have questions about. For the purpose of explanation, I filled out the form in big blue letters just to make it obvious. But when you complete your form, use BLACK.

• Given and middle names: Write both your given name AND your middle name (your mom’s last name).
• Other names: If you have a pen name or nickname or if you’re known by any other name, write it down. If none, write N/A.
• Place of birth: If you have no province and you’re born in Metro Manila, write METRO MANILA. For example, if you were born in Makati, write: Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines .
• Former and/or other nationalities or citizenships: Only if you have one. Write N/A if you have none.
• ID No. issued to you by your government: Any government-issued ID will do. I have tried using UMID. My cousin used Driver’s License. A few times, I wrote the passport number here too, I didn’t have any problem.
• Passport type: Ordinary.
• Passport number: Double check. Make sure it’s correct.
• Place of issue: You can write the city name. In the case of Manila, you can write MANILA. You can also be specific. I usually write DFA NCR EAST, because that’s what’s on my passport.
• Issuing authority: DFA.

• Purpose of visit to Japan: If applying as a tourist, write TOURISM. If you’re visiting a friend or family, write VISIT FRIEND/FAMILY.
• Intended length of stay in Japan: Number of days including the day of arrival.
• Port of entry into Japan: Name of the airport. It can be Kansai, Narita, Chitose, etc.
• Name of ship or airline: Just the name of the airline or the ship. It doesn’t matter if you’re already booked or not. If you’re concerned about funds, write a low-cost carrier like CEBU PACIFIC or JETSTAR.
• Names and addresses of hotels or persons with whom applicant intends to stay: If applying as a tourist, write down the name, address and telephone number of your hotel. If you don’t know the exact address or telephone number of your hotel, Google it! If applying to visit someone in Japan, write their name, address, and contact number.
• Dates and duration of previous stays in Japan. Write N/A if it’s your first time in Japan. If you’ve been to Japan before write the inclusive dates of your previous visits and the number of days. If you’ve been to Japan many times and it won’t fit, use a separate sheet and indicate it on the form.

• Your current residential address: If you have more than one address, list them all on a separate sheet.
• Telephone number: If you don’t have a landline number, write N/A.
• Current profession or occupation and position: Be truthful! If your current occupation or position doesn’t match the ITR you’re submitting (for example, you moved to another company), you can write a letter explaining it.
• Partner’s profession/occupation: If you’re single and of legal age, write N/A. If you’re married, write the profession of your partner. If for a minor, write the profession or occupation of parents.

• Guarantor/Inviter Info: If you’re applying as a tourist and you’re shouldering all expenses, write N/A in ALL of the fields. If you have a guarantor, write their details. If the guarantor is the same as the inviter, write SAME AS ABOVE in the INVITER fields.

• If you answered “Yes” to any of the above questions, please provide relevant details: If you answered NO to all the questions, write N/A.
• Signature: Sign it by hand. I’m not sure if digital signatures are accepted, but I doubt it. If the applicant is minor, a parent or legal guardian can sign, but the relationship must be indicated below the signature.

Other Japan Visa Requirements

To see the other requirements, visit this page: JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS

Frequently Asked Questions

1. my guarantor is based in the philippines, not japan. should i write my guarantor’s details in the fields under “guarantor or reference in japan”.

This is the most confusing part. Travel agencies have different takes on this.

The last time we asked Reli Tours, they said YES, even if the guarantor is based outside Japan, you should still write down their details under “Guarantor or reference in Japan”. They might have changed their stance but that’s what they said last time.

But some agencies like Attic Tours say that you should write down N/A instead.

To be sure, what I suggest is to leave them blank temporarily and ask the agency what to do when it’s time to submit your application. If they tell you to enter your guarantor’s details, then do so right there and then. If they say write N/A then do it then.

Or you can call the designated agency where you plan to lodge your application beforehand.

2. Should all documents be printed on A4-size paper including the ITR and bank certificate?

Documents that you have control of like Schedule of Stay, Application Form or even COE should be A4.

In my experience, I’ve submitted ITR printed on legal size and bank certificate on letter size, but they were all accepted regardless. But I’m not sure if that’s still the case now or if that’s always the case.

2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣8️⃣ • 3️⃣ • 1️⃣9️⃣

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

Related Posts:

• JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS & Application for Tourists
• HOW TO RENEW JAPAN VISA & Other Frequently Asked Questions
• MULTIPLE ENTRY JAPAN VISA: Requirements & How to Apply
• JAPAN VISA: LIST OF TRAVEL AGENCIES Accredited by the Embassy
• Sample INVITATION LETTER for JAPAN VISA Application (Reason for Invitation)
• SAMPLE ITINERARY for JAPAN VISA Application (Schedule of Stay)
• Avoid These 12 COMMON MISTAKES when Applying for a JAPAN VISA!
• JAPAN Suspends Visas Issued in the Philippines Prior to March 27

• Recent Posts

• 2024 Resorts World One HONG KONG CRUISE Guide for First Timers - 13 April 2024
• FLIGHT RESERVATION for VISA • How to Get Dummy Ticket for Schengen, Canada, China and Other Visa Applications - 22 March 2024
• 2024 Cebu Pacific Promos & PISO SALE with List of Covered Destinations - 4 March 2024

Do i have to mention about my children or only my self and a husband? I dont see in the form about the children please answer my question thank you.

Ask ko lang, malaki ba chance na ma denied yung application mo pag may mga na leave ka na blank? like; other names, tel.no etc.?

Hi Kairu, group application? You will have to enumerate your companions in an additional form called “Accomplished List of Visa Applicants.”

More info here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2013/11/japan-visa-requirements-manila-philippines/

Hi sir, base sa nabasa Kong information galing po sa inyong blog. Regarding po sa “BANK CERTIFICATE issued 3months before”. Eh ung sakin po Kasi mag request palang ako today April 23, 2019 then tomorrow April 24, 2019 sya ma release. Balak ko po Sana straight nako sa Japan Embassy sa Manila. Isubmit ko na po together with other documents. Possible po ba na ma approve ako kahit recent palang ung bank Certificate ko?

Sir Iam Muhammad saif Pakistan Army retired security guard job interest

Hi Zarina, that’s perfectly fine.

I think you misunderstood. It’s NOT “issued 3 months before.” It should be issued within the past 3 months.

hi, if issued ung birth certificate last nov 2017 and mag apply ako visa this december 2018, pwede pa kaya i-allow yun?

Hindi po, kasi lagpas one year na.

Hi! What if i write down three addresses and they don’t fit in the space provided? should i just attach a separate piece of paper?

I think so.

Hi, my ticket was from Manila to Osaka, but when I applied visa, I indicated that port if entry is Narita. will this be accepted?

Hi mag apply sana ako ng tourist visa paano po ba kasi first time po. Pinag aaply ako ng bf ko nasa japan salamat po. Gusto ko sana guide agency pde poba iyon

Accepted where? If sa visa application, dapat consistent.

If na-grant ka na ng visa pero iba ung entry point mo sa dineclare mo, I think ok lang un.

can I submit my payroll bank account?

Pno kung kktpos lng ng contract s ibang bnsa as ofw, gusto mg apply ano illgay s profession no.16 in application form, tnx

Hi Arth, kung ako po nasa lugar nyo, kung ano po yung profession nyo abroad kahit na tapos na contract. Pero ako lang po yun.

Okei lang po kung hindi nailagay ang sign by mother/father dun sa signature?

My Guarantor po ako. Tapos dun sa mismong visa application yung sa may work ko now, my need ba ko ipasa na itr? Kasi dun sa instruction mo sabi mo dapat my need ako isubmit. If meron saan ko po pwede kunin?

If your current occupation or position doesn’t match the ITR you’re submitting.

Hi Michiko, if the ITR and current employment don’t match, you need to write a letter explaining that you recently moved to a new company etc.

Hi sir. Ask ko po. Bf ko po is my Japanese guarantor Dun sa no.19 ilalagay ko ba N/A or ilalagay yung last na occupation nya? Retired na po BF ko.

Hi Aquajennie, I think #19 is for married lang so NA pa rin. Ask mo na lang din agency to be sure.

Ask ko lng Dba Pag first tym mag apply ng late rigestration , dba need ng form 137 and baptismal , tpos ipasa na ung both original non…. So pano Po pag pang second apply na Po need pa ba ulit ng both original ng form 137 at baptismal sa pangalawang apply ng visa Po ?

Napaka-useful nitong blog mo. Ang daming kong nakuhang tips. Napakalinaw ng explanation. Thanks!!! Taga-West ka ga?

hey hello.. my name shehroz, im apply japan visa. please tell me how to apply japan visa and which document required to visa.

If you’re a Filipino applying in the Philippines, this is our guide: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2013/11/japan-visa-requirements-manila-philippines/

Otherwise, I don’t know how to help. :(

Hello. Reg. sa ID Number, do I have to put the specified ID after the number? Or basta number lang?

Hello! Ask ko lang yung guarantor ko is my sister and she is working as “Seafarer” or seawoman. Sa Royal Caribbean Cruise siya. Problem is wala silang ITR. anong pwede pa ipasa aside sa bank certificate? payslip nila or contract? Ano pwede ipalit sa ITR? pls reply. thanks

Hi Donna, ang alam ko, pwede sya magsulat ng explanation letter. Tapos submit ng other docs in its stead like payslip or COE. :)

Pero best to consult a travel agency kasi mas alam nila ang dapat gawin.

OK. Another question is yung sa visa application form na “if you have guarantor” dun ko ba i-ffill up yung name ng sister ko (taga dito siya Phils) or its applicable lang sa mga nakatira sa Japan? should i put N/a.

Hi Donna, iba-iba yung stance ng travel agencies about that. May nagsasabi na ilagay ay N/A kasi para lang daw yan pag sa Japan ung guarantor. Meron naman nagsasabi na ilagay dyan ung guarantor kahit nasa Pilipinas. Tawag ka na lang sa agency kung saan ka mag-aapply kasi medyo iba-iba talaga.

Hello i really need some advice i am from pakistan n my brother applied for japan visa since last year through some sponsor and from last two months he said you will get your visa very soon but all in vain.kindly tell me wat ll we do to do to find out whether he applied or not

I’m sorry but I’m not familiar with the process when it comes to other nationalities. :(

Hi po. Kapag po ba ang guarantor is nakatira sa Philippines, kailangan po ilagay yung name sa Guarantor / reference in Japan? Or yung section po na yun is for guarantor who lives in Japan?

Hi Inna, iba-iba yung stance ng travel agencies about that. May nagsasabi na ilagay ay N/A kasi para lang daw yan pag sa Japan ung guarantor. Meron naman nagsasabi na ilagay dyan ung guarantor kahit nasa Pilipinas. Tawag ka na lang sa agency kung saan ka mag-aapply kasi medyo iba-iba talaga.

If visiting multiple cities, e.g. Osaka, Nagoya & Tokyo, dapat ba ilagay name and address ng lahat ng accommodations? or kahit yung sa port of entry lang?

Hi Ysa, di ko alam kung ano ba dapat ang gawin pero ang parati kong ginagawa kapag multi-city, isa lang ang nilalagay ko sa form tapos the rest ay sa Schedule of Stay (Daily Itinerary) ko na nilalagay. Tinatanggap and naaapprove naman.

I want to apply for the Japan visa for the first time now while I still have my job so I can provide the requirements needed like COE and ITR. But truthfully, I really wanna quit my job na pagktapos, so say for example, I’m lucky to get approved, do you think there’s a huge chance for me to be offloaded by the Immigration during my flight date kasi kahit may approved visa ako eh I cant present any work documents na kasi I was only employed upon visa application but unemployed na upon my Japan visit?

I understand na medyo mahirap ipredict ang mga bagay bagay pagdating sa Immigration but I just really wanna know your opinion/insight on this based on your own experience or probably other people you know.

Thanks a bunch!

What’s your travel history like? And with whom are you traveling?

Want to travel with my boyfriend. Asian countries pa lang napuntahan ko so far, South Korea is one of them.

Thanks for the response!

Another question po,should I strictly follow the scheduled activities and flights?Cant I deviate from it?I’m planning to write about the tour around tokyo. But if ever my application gets approved can I do multi-city tour?

Yep, you can deviate from your submitted itinerary. :)

Hello I have an apartment. What will I write in occupation?is it Business owner or Self employed?and the name of employer? is it Self or the name of apartment?

Ay, di ko po alam kapag ganyang case.:S

Hi! I plan to leave on January 2020 can I apply now for Visa?

No. See FAQ 4.9 in this post: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2013/11/japan-visa-requirements-manila-philippines/#How_early_can_I_apply_for_a_Japan_visa

Thank you for the detailed guide. I plan to visit my aunt/cousins and probably spend the Christmas/new year holidays there. Is it alright if I fill my itinerary with tourist activity even tho I will be staying at their house?

First time and personal expense. Thank you!

Yep! That’s fine. When I handle my cousins’ applications to visit my sister, I also put tourist activities in the itinerary.

Hi Sir I would like to ask kung required po ba na ung ipapasa na birth certificate from local register this year din nakuha meron po kasi ako copy ng Civil Registry Form No. 1A kaso year 2016 pa. Yung PSA ko po kasi medyo malabo letter E sa name ko

Di ko po alam :(

Thanks anyway =)

Hello po. Ask ko lang about number 20. Yung guarantor lang po ba FROM japan yung ilalagay na details? O kahit na from philippines din? Bali group po kami, ung brother ko ung magguarantor sakin. Salamat po sa isasagot po nyo.

Hi Uma, nasagot ko na po ito sa ibang comments sa taas.

Iba-iba yung stance ng travel agencies about that. May nagsasabi na ilagay ay N/A kasi para lang daw yan pag sa Japan ung guarantor. Meron naman nagsasabi na ilagay dyan ung guarantor kahit nasa Pilipinas. Tawag ka na lang sa agency kung saan ka mag-aapply kasi iba-iba talaga.

Hello! Good day!

Meron po akong gurantor/sponsor sa Japan, He’s a Friend, Permanent resident na po sya sa japan, do I still have to pass and ITR and Bank certificate kahit meron naman na po syang pinadalang mga papers like ITR/Bank certificate.

Though I don’t have ITR and COE yet because kaka pasa ko pa lang po sa boards, ano po kayang possibleng ipakita ko for proof na uuwi ako sa pinas, though I have an exam this October 27, for med. Okay na po kaya yun and my review center?

So much appreciated po for the answer.

This post might help: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/japan-visa-requirements-with-guarantor/

If may guarantor, usually di na need ng employment and financial docs. Pero may mga cases na pede pa rin humingi ang embassy.

Thabks you! Oh paano po yan, since, what i said po i just passed my board exam so wala pa po akong work talaga :( so wala pa akong itr and coe .

Though volunteer pa lang po ako now sa redcross dahil wala pa pong bukas na hiring, pwede ko din ba ilagay dun sa form volunteer medtech ganun po? Position and occupation.

For me, if unemployed pa, the safest is to find a guarantor, preferably close relative. Mas straightforward kasi un. And Japan is one of the few countries na hindi kiss of death ang pagkakaroon ng sponsor.

Pag ipilit mo kasi to apply without ITR, you will need to write an explanation letter. Pero pwede rin naman yun. Feeling ko lang mas ok ang chances if my guarantor, in your case. Pero feeling ko lang yan ha. :)

Good evening po. Kailangan po ba talaga na mag pa reserve ng place to stay online before submitting JP Visa Application?

Nope. You just need to know where you PLAN to stay. No reservation needed. You just need the hotel name, address and contact number.

Hi sir.. ask ako about itr, below 250000 yong sahod ko annualy, so tax extemted ako, paano ba yan sir? need ba resibo sa itr? tnx

Hi Mark, usually kahit tax-exempted, meron pa rin dapat na ITR from your employer. Nakalagay lang na zero tax.

Di naman need ng resibo sa experience namin.

If wala ka talaga ITR, pwede ka gumawa ng explanation letter kung bakit. Pero mas maganda talaga kung meron.

Hi! Question! Dapat ba one page lang yung form kapag prinint? Harap at likod? :) Or pwedeng 2 pages? Thank you!

Kami 2 pages pag nagsusubmit

Hello, all set na po lahat ng finillupan ko for VISA, ang tanong ko lang po is yung balance ng bank account ko is almost empty bago magfirst week of the month. I plan to stay for 7 days, including the time of arrival and departure. How much po yung needed para mapprove ako?

See FAQ #11 here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2013/11/japan-visa-requirements-manila-philippines/#How_much_money_should_I_have_in_the_bank_to_get_approved

Good day po . Paano po kung unang country ko po na pupuntahan ay Japan . ppwede po ba kong kumuha ng visa? posible po kaya na maapprove po ?

Hi Dess, pwede pa rin naman. Mas may laban ka lang talaga pag may travel history na. Pero di naman ibig sabihin na denied agad pag di pa nakapunta ng ibang bansa.

Pano po ba mapapakita yung travel history sa pag pasa ng requirements? Bago lang kasi yung passport ko and nasa luma yung mga stamps.

You can submit photocopy of your past visas and stamps.

Hi po Yoshke, I am also a blogger and wala akong employer. Do you think okay na ilagay kong occupation is “Blogger” (similar to the one in your example) tapos N/A na lahat ng employer info?

Hi Lott, I wouldn’t recommend that. I think red flag pag N/A ang employer.

Need mo na ba magtravel to Japan agad? Is your blog your source of income?

Hello, please review po if tama yung procedures ko for getting my wife and son. 1. Application of COE, once na mareleased to ippdala ko lng po ito sa wife ko. 2. Apply lng po ni wifey ko sa Accredited agency ng Japan embassy sa pinas (e.g RELI TOURS & TRAVEL AGENCY,South Park 123, SM Mall of Asia, Bay City, Pasay City). 3. Wait for the release of visa then can go to Japan na.

Questions. For #2. Yun po bang application for ei handwritten at dun na fill upan sa agency or before going to agency pwedi prepare na? Yung po bang visa cost ei is per person? Normally po ganu ktgal marelease yung visa? Appreciate your advice po.

What do you mean “getting my wife and son”? Ang plan nyo po ba ay for them to move to Japan or mag-visit lang short-term?

If short-term lang, to answer your questions: 1. Pwede mo sya i-fill up beforehand para mabilis na ung process pag andun ka. Pag may di ka sure, i-blank mo na lang muna tapos ask the staff pag andun ka na.

2. Cost is per person.

3. Normally, 7 days ang processing.

For more information, visit: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2018/03/japan-visa-requirements-with-guarantor/

Ask lang, kasi recently lang ako nagresign sa company ko 6 months ago and now helping sa family business namin. I am applying for a Japanese Visa for vacation sa november with regards to submitting an ITR, do I still need to include the ITR of my last company, plus a letter explaining why wala po akong ITR ngayon?

Another question is kung need ba maglagay ng guarantor provided na I am working sa family business? thank you po sa pagsagot :)

Hi Raymund,

Wala pa naman talagang ITR for 2019. Submit mo yung for 2018 tapos gawa ka explanation letter to say na you’re involved sa family business na.

Whether or not kailangan mo ng guarantor, depende sa finances mo.

Thanks for the step-by-step guide! Big help! Just a few follow up questions:

1.) Do I need to print and include my booking confirmation from the hostel I’ll be staying in? 2.) Other than the visa application form, should the rest of the documents (bank cert, COE, ITR, schedule of stay) be printed in A4 as well? 3.) How many photos should I submit to the agency?

Thanks in advance!

I’m assuming you’re applying for a tourist visa in the Philippines.

1. Not really. Hotel reservation is not a requirement. They just need to know where you PLAN to stay. You can still submit hotel reservations but it’s not a requirement.

2. Documents that you have control of like Schedule of Stay, App Form or even COE should be A4. In my experience, I’ve submitted ITR printed on legal size and bank certificate on letter size, wala namang naging problem. But I’m not sure if that’s still the case.

3. Just one.

Also do I need to print a copy of my government-issued ID and submit to the agency?

Thanks again!

hi goodafternoon po

1.)ask ko lang po since apat kaming mag aapply ako at 2kapatid then mother ko then yung mother ko ang aming guarantor pwede bang isang ITR na lng i provide namin and need ba naka A4 size din yung clear copy ng ITR?

2.)ask ko rin po kung pwede bang hand written ang fill up namin sa documents?

Hi Saidrex,

1. Sa experience ko po when I applied with family, 1 copy lang pinrovide namin. Actually, may dala kaming maraming copies pero 1 lang ang kinuha. Just make sure you also fill out the form called “List of Visa Applicants” para alam nila na group kayo. More info here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2013/11/japan-visa-requirements-manila-philippines/

2. Yep. Madalas handwritten ako magsubmit.

Dear Sir, I’m planning to go to Japan this Dec. Kaso i was worried pagdating sa immigration bcos i dont have any job or should i say housewife na lng ako now..ano ba mga needed docs na hihingin nila or malabo ang chances ko na mtatakan nila passport ko?thank you..sna matulungan mo ako

Hi yoshke Kaylangan ba mag submit ng travel clearance ang applicant(minor) to get a japan visa and what if kung baptismal lang ang isa submit dahil iba na ang address ng applicant(minor) nung nag aral sya. Yung applicant(minor) is 7yrs.old, grade2.

Hi Juvelyn,

Di naman po needed ang travel clearance pag visa application, sa experience ko applying for my niece and nephew.

Regarding baptismal/school record, di ko po alam ano gagawin sa case nyo po.

Good day. Ask ko lang re: filling application form. I will accompany my mom during our trip and will be covering for her expenses. I live and work in the Philippines. Should I fill-up the “Guarantor” area with my details? And then put N/A in the “inviter” area? Thank you so much!

Hi Dale, this has been asked many times in the Comments section, so I’m adding an FAQs section to this article na lang. See the new updates. Thanks!

Hi po. Ask ko lang po kasi hinahabol ko yung promo ng ticket for Japan and balak ko na syang bayaran tom. kahit mag aapply pa lang ako ng visa. Non refundable nga yung ticket and i take the risk na ipabook na kc sayang ung promo. Ask ko lang kung madami bang nadedeny s pagkuha ng visa application ? Im worrying din kc i cant provide for my itr but i have travelled several countries na like hongkong, taiwan and indonesia. Ano kayang chances ko na maapprove ang visa ko? Thanks.

Mahirap po ma-determine ung chances nang konti lang ang information.

Pero di naman ganun ka-strict ang Japanese embassy.

I just want to be honest, I have been deported in year 1999 in Japan,for overstaying because my family that time was financially unstable, I was lucky then to have a Japanese couple who treated me so well in a laundry shop so I rendered in return best of my ability in that work. My employer treated me so well, that some of my filipino co-workers envy me in that situation, my employer then was planning to get my children so we live together while I work with them, so they reported me to the Immigration. sad to say it ended to a broken marriage…Since then I became a single parent, with Gods blessing I was again blessed to have employed in the Philippine Government again until today. I am now in my senior age, all sons are now professionals, I want to visit Japan again , to treat myself as a single mom. Please help me.

You could still possibly enter Japan because your ban period elapsed though it is not still guaranteed that you might get an entry visa for tourist as immigration has records of you already. You can try with all the papers that supports your financial capability and strong ties to your country as it will tell them that you are going back to your country. Good luck!

Hi Ma’am Nilda,

Unfortunately, I do not have any idea on what to do for cases like yours. :(

I think it’s best to consult a travel agency for that because they might know better.

Hi, Yoshke.

Pwede ba mag pasa ng dalawang bank / bank certificate (BPI/BPO)?

Hi Den, yep!

Dear sir, I am planning to go to japan in the month of December,i am not sure on which date i will arrive in japan its either 22 December or 25 December.In my application form if i write 22 December i will be arriving in japan and submit to the embassy,but then afterwards i change my arrival to 25th December is it ok if i do that

Hi Sam, yes, that’s alright, as long as it’s still within the validity period of the visa.

Hi po. Ask ko lang po ang opinion nyo reg my situation. Wala po akong, itr, coe or business reg. self employed po ako, i buy n sell used cars, sa letter of explanation ko, ilalagay ko link ng fb page ko para makita ng consul mga binebenta kong cars. May 7 figures po ako sa bank. What do u think of my chance getting tourist visa approve? Thanks

Hi Marie, di ko po kayo masagot nang sure. Usually pag walang ITR, nadadala naman sa explanation letter + other proof of income. Pero parang malabo ung FB page kasi madali lang namang gumawa ng FB page.

Hi po! ano po kayang mas maganda, indicate ko po na may inviter ako (boyfriend ko) or mas ok po na wag na lang para di nila isipin na mag stay ako dun as tnt?

Just want to ask what is 60K enough money in the bank to have better chance of Japan Visa approval? I’ve been to 4 countries outside of the Philippines but it is my first time to apply for a Visa. Hope you can help.

Hi Ann. Merong mga naaapprove na 60K lang ang laman ng bank account. Depends on how long your trip is and sometimes, your ITR.

My apologies for the typo in my previous question. I wanted to ask if 60k is enough savings in the bank for Japan Visa application. I’m planning to visit Tokyo for 4 days. I’ve been to 4 countries outside of the PH but it is my first time to apply for a Japan Visa.

Hi, I am planning to book a trip to Japan for 5 days to visit my relatives and go for sightseeing as well. I live in Canada and I’m applying for a visa from my country. Regarding the question of what is my occupation, I don’t have a job and I’m currently a full-time student. In that case, what do I put?

Hi. I intend to visit three cities in Japan (Matsuyama, Hiroshima, and Kyoto). I plan to stay in 3 different hotels, too. How do I fill out the application form, given that the space is not enough to mention the three hotels (name and address)?

Yung ginawa ko, ung first lang ang sinulat ko sa form tapos the rest, sa Schedule of Stay ko na nilagay . :)

Hi,gusto ko po sanang mag tour sa Japan for two weeks at iyong guarantor ko po is only my boyfriend. Pwde po ba iyon? Sa tingin ko parang mahirap nga kasi boyfriend ko lang… Pwde ko po bang ilagay na Instead boyfriend iyong guarantor ko ay friend nalang. Please I need your advice. Thanks

I am a senior citizen and this will be my 4th travel to Japan ,with my husband. But now my husband is already retired and no ITR to present. But we have Bank certificates. do you think this is enough proof we have money to travel? Thank you.

Hi po! Di ko po sigurado. Pwede po kayong magsulat ng letter explaining na he’s retired.

Pero best to contact the travel agency where you plan to lodge your application to be sure po.

I already have a multiple-entry visa for Japan. I would like to apply one for my baby who will be barely 1 year old by the time we plan to fly to Japan.

Also, I did not indicate her birth father on her birth certificate. She has my last name.

What requirements do I need?

Am not sure if you are able to answer this but I’ll try since we went to Japan multiple times already. Is it ok to apply for Japan Visa for a newly release passport? My friend told me that the passport should be active after 6 months from the release before applying for Visa. Is it true?

I have never heard that rule before.

But my niece got her passport September and we applied for a Japan visa 3 WEEKS later. She was granted a visa October same year. That’s way shorter than 6 months but she was still granted a visa.

Hello I have two bank certificates one with my name only and the other an ITF bank account with my mom. Should I still put my Mom as my guarantor? or Is it okay not anymore since my name appears in the account name. thank you.

Since you have a bank account with your name only, you can apply on your own without guarantor. Assuming, of course, it has sufficient funds and you have ITR too. :)

My ITR(2018) is still using my old address. Will this have issue with the current residential address I used in my other IDs?

What other IDs?

Not sure if magiging issue. But to be safe, you can simply write an explanation letter.

Hi! I just want to ask if possible mag apply for ME visa kahit naka guarantor lang? First timers po kami ng mom and brother ko, guarantor po namin father ko. Will probably go back sa Japan after our April trip. Or should we apply for SE only? Thank you!

If you fall under the categories here, pwede: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2017/03/japan-visa-multiple-entry-requirements/

HI , on the “ID no Issued to you by your government” section , do i need to specify if this is a SSS id umid , passport etc ID? Example CRN-123456789452(UMID)

Me, I usually indicate the type of ID. :D

which date should i write on date of issue? like the date i issued my visa or the date of going to japan? I can’t book a plane yet cuz of corona. So there is no certain date.

The one on Page 1? Date of issuance of PASSPORT.

Hi. I just wanna ask, may sister po ako sa Japan and dun na sya nakatira. Kapag nag apply po ba ako ng tourist visa kahit unemployed ako may chance po ba na maapprove kasi may guarantor? Thank you.

Hi! Your blog is very useful especially sa mga first timer na gaya ko. If I may ask po, I already have ticket for September 16-24, 2021 but I don’t have a hotel to stay kasi andun naman yung bf ko. But he’s not my guarantor. Can I put his address sa place to stay po?

Hi Marinelle! Thanks for your comment.

I’m assuming VISIT visa yung inaapplyan mo.

Yes, pwede mo ilagay ung address niya sa address (#14 sa post).

OK lang naman na yung pagse-stayan mo ay hindi mo guarantor or na wala kang guarantor. Just make sure na sa next page, leave the GUARANTOR section with N/A answers tapos ung INVITER section ung i-fill out mo.

Very helpful po. Thank you so much! God bless and stay safe po. :)

Can I Travel to Japan I’m a US Green Card Holder

Required po ba magpasa ng COE?

I want to apply with my Wife for Japan Tourist Visa but she is not working currently so Bank Statement with Salary Credit she cannot show but I have all documents line Bank Statement, Employeer NOC etc.

Now my wife needs to fill separate Application form or I can fill her details in list of Visa Applicants?

Kindly guide.

Each applicant need to submit a separate application form. The list of visa applicants is just a reference to check which applicants are traveling together.

Hi. What if may guarantor, do i still need ITR and bank statements? Thanks.

Hi Yoshke! This post is so helpful. Just a question with a particular item on the application form tho! I am a Virtual Assistant and I registered myself in BIR as self-employed. When it comes to item # 18: (Name and Address of Employer part) – Should I write my name (since that’s how I registered the business, under my name) or Should I write my current client’s information? Thank you so much!

hi, if wala pa kong hotel and ticket, anong isusulat? :(

Di naman po required ang hotel and ticket. Kung ano pa lang ang target mong sakyan and pagstay-an.

Hi!! Thank you so much for this guide! Just a quick question. I’m a virtual assistant and currently working for just one client now. I registered myself in BIR as a professional as well (so I can file my taxes next year). In the employer name section, should I just write the name/company of my client? Or should I use my BIR information (business is just my name tho.)? Thank youuuu!

If I remember correctly, when I was a freelancer, I just wrote my job title / self-employed, and wrote by business name as registered.

(I think I’ve also tried writing my client’s company name on another occasion, but I also wrote a cover letter to explain it.)

Freelancer din po ako. Pano po kaya pag 2 employers. Balak ko ilagay name ng emloyers ko sa form pero pang isa lang ung space sa form. Okay lang na ilagay ko sya pareho sa space na un?or do i need another sheet?

Hi, i have always been using your page as a ref every time i’m doing an application.but this time, i cannot find anywhere on how i can list all the hotels given that the space is very limited. Please help what should i do? Thank you!

If I remember correctly, you can just use a separate sheet. List them down and their details (address, phone number) and corresponding dates of stay on another page.

Hi, just wanna ask if I have to sign beside a mistaken information I fill in the form or I can just leave 2 strike throughs? Thanks

Ano po sinsavi sa baba na number of application max*10 po?un mag papa appointment ka sa consulate ng japan sa uae ng pa visa appointment.malaki kaliwanagan kung masagot nyo po sir Josh.

Naku di po ako familiar sa system sa consulate ng Japan sa ibang bansa.

Hi! I have a question.

Since yung guarantor ko po is My Mom with Permanen residence na sa Japan.

May kailangan pa po ba siyang kunin doon sa Japan Embassy? Or/May kailangan pa ba lagyan ng red ribbon yung letter of invitation and Letter of Guarantee?

For visa application, wala naman po. Need nyo lang po nung Guarantee letter, and Income Certificate (Shotoku Shomeisho) from City Hall, Tax return certificate (Nouzeishomeisho: Form 2) from Tax office (Kakuteishinkokusho Hikae), OR Bank Certificate (Yokin Zandaka Shomeisho). Best if you have all three.

Need po ng stamp ng mom mo ‘yung docs na ‘yan.

Hi po, hope na makita niyo po yung comment ko. I just wanted to clarify paano po yung counting sa intended length of stay? If for example April 1- 7 yung schedule, will it be 7 days po ba or 6 days? Thank you

Hi Van! If tama ang alala ko, it should be 7 days. Day of Arrival is considered Day 1.

Hi, how are you? Sir, ask ko lang po kapag ba student applicant sa part po na current profession or occupation and position ang ilalagay po ay Student then sa Name and Address of employer po ilagay po ba pangalan at address ng school or NA lang po ilagay ko? Please advise po if ano po dapat ilagay. Salamat po in advance. God Bless

Pano kung di ko na matandaan yung exact dates nung previous stay ko sa Japan? di ko narin mahanap yung old passport ko to check :(

Hi, Dun po sa part ng employer section ng form, Pano po if I am working directly to my client (remote work direct client US) and I have three clients, is it okay lang po to put the names of my clients? Thank you

Hi. I am planning to apply for a multiple-entry visa (I already traveled to Japan early this year on single-entry) this week. And at the same time, I’m in the talks of moving to a new job/employer, though,I haven’t signed any contract yet (no start date yet) with the new employer and haven’t resigned from the current employer because everything is in the process of negotiations pa. I just want to ask, if magaapply ako ng visa this week, is it correct to put in NAME OF THE EMPLOYER field in the application form yung current employer ko pa din? I want to take a break sana before starting in the new job. Thanks!

Featured On

We heard you!

Your comment is now queued for moderation! We’ll try to get back to you soonest. While waiting, follow us on these channels.

Subscribe on Youtube! Follow us on Instagram!

• Intensive Japanese Courses
• Lite Intensive Japanese Courses
• Part-time Japanese Classes
• Private Lessons
• JLPT Prep Courses
• Online Japanese Lessons
• JLPT Online Instruction & Exercise – 6 Month Course
• Self-Study Courses
• About Coto Japanese Academy
• Iidabashi Japanese Language School
• Shibuya Japanese Language School
• Yokohama Japanese Language School
• Minato Japanese Language School
• Our Teaching Philosophy
• Student Visa Support
• Corporate Solutions
• Japanese Blog
• All articles

How to write a Japanese Cover Letter – Ultimate Guide

Coming to Japan to look for a job? Or you just finished taking one of our Japanese language courses and would want to apply for a job in Japan? Stay tuned as this would be your ultimate guide to give your boss a first good impression through black and white! First and foremost, before your employer decides to read your resume, he or she always goes through your cover letter first. Writing a good cover letter is a stepping stone for you to get your employer to read more about you. With that said, how do you write a good cover letter? Writing a good cover letter is an important aspect of job hunting. The motive of writing a good cover letter is to persuade or convince your employer to spend time interviewing you. Your cover letter should be a very detailed biography or just a recommendation letter full of praises. Some key information to include in your cover letter would be:

• Introduction
• Name of position and expressing interest
• Reasons for leaving your current job
• Reasons for wanting to join
• Request for response

There are a total of 4 sections you would need to remember!

First Section – Introductions

Second section – reasons for leaving current job, third section – qualifications/skillset, fourth section – closing.

An introduction is normally made in Japanese with  採用ご担当様 (saiyou go tantou sama) which means Dear Hiring Manager. After you have greeted your hiring employer, you introduce yourself by giving your name, the name of the position you are applying to and express your interest. When doing so, include phrases such as ぜひ一度、お話を伺える 機会をいただければ幸いです。 (I’d really appreciate being given the chance to speak to you further about this.) or something like “・・・・新聞で貴社の募集広告を拝見し、応募いたしました.” (I wish to apply for the post of…which you advertised in…on…)

To end your first section, give reasons why you are interested in this job. Include phrases such as “私は特にこの仕事に興味があります。なぜなら・・・・” (I am particularly interested in this job, as…)

or “・・・・として御社に勤務したいと考えております。” (I would like to work for you, in order to…)

Second Section – Reason for Leaving Current Job

In your second section, you would need to give or tell your employer the reason for leaving your current job. As you are giving the reason for leaving your current job, you should sound positive instead of negative. Even though your employer would want you to be honest about this part, this would reflect you as a person if you would backstab people. Your reason should sound like you have learned something from your previous job. For example, you can add in a phrase which goes  “現在の○○の経験を活かし、さらに規模の大きいプロジェクトを担当したいと考えたためです。”  which means “I would like to make the most of my experience in….., and take charge of larger-scale projects.”

Or an opening sentence like “現在私は・・・・で・・・・の担当として勤務しております。” which means “Currently I am working for… and my responsibilities include…”

After you mentioned the reason why you had left your previous job, you would want to give the reason why you want to join the company you are applying for. You would want to describe your related work experience and skillsets and explain why you are qualified for the job you are applying for. Phrases for your skills would be like  “・・・・として・・・・年働いてきた経験があります.” (I have …years experience of working…) or “・・・・を使いこなすことができます。” (I am an experienced user of…) Here a tip for you! Try and match your skillsets required by the company for the job opening. You would increase your chances.

To help you, here are some skill-related vocabulary that you can incorporate into your cover letter! Excellent Communication Skills:  コミュニケーション能力・komyunikeshon nouryoku Deductive reasoning:  演繹的推理力・えんえきてきすいりりょく・Enekiteki suiriryoku Logical thinking:  論理的思考能力・ろんりてきしこうのうりょく・Ronriteki shikou nouryoku Good interpersonal skills:  対人能力・たいじんのうりょく・Taijin nouryoku Analytical skills:  分析能力・ぶんせきのうりょく・Bunseki nouryoku Negotiation skills:  交渉能力・こうしょうのうりょく・Koushou nouryoku Presentation skills:  プレゼンテーション能力・Porezenteshion nouryoku

Not only that but also talk about the company and your career objectives! Include phrases such as 貴社の○○の実績を拝見し、○○の分野において、今までの○○のスキルを活かした仕事が可能だと考えました。また、○○という社風にも大変魅力を感じております。 (Having seen the achievements of your company, I thought that I would be able to take up a position in the field of ○○ which utilises my ○○ skills.)

This is the section where you sign-off politely but also reiterate your interest in the position you apply for and also the company. Here is a phrase commonly used in Japanese when it comes to signing off お忙しいなか恐縮ですが、どうぞ宜しくお願いいたします。 (Sorry to bother you when you are busy and thank you for your consideration.) Common phrases such as “貴社の一員となり、思う存分自分の力を発揮したいと考えております。 (I am highly motivated and look forward to the varied work which a position in your company would offer me.) or お時間を割いていただいてありがとうございました。お目にかかれる日を楽しみにしております。私には・・・・を通してご連絡ください。 (Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to personally discuss why I am particularly suited to this position. Please contact me via…) Depending on how you started your cover letter, you would have to pair your opening with the closing. For example,  拝啓 (opening) is paired with 敬具 (closing). 前略 (opening) is paired with 早々 (closing). You must not mix and match the words! Yours faithfully, (Formal, used when the recipient name is unknown): 敬具・けいぐ・Keigu Yours sincerely, (Formal, widely used, used when the recipient name is known): 敬具・けいぐ・Keigu Respectfully yours, (Formal, not widely used, used when the recipient name is known): 敬具・けいぐ・Keigu Kind/Best regards, (Informal, between business partners who are on first-name basis, not recommended for a cover letter):   敬具・けいぐ・Keigu The final step is to end your cover letter with a short and simple closing by thanking them for their time and consideration when reviewing your application or cover letter. Do include a follow-up note such as will call or would be expecting a call. After sending your resume for about 2-3 weeks in, you are able to do a follow-up by letter, email or phone.

Things to be mindful of when you write your cover letter! Things to Do:

• Write clearly and accurately
• Use full sentences
• Use correct grammar
• Be confident
• Keep the length of cover letter to 1 page or lesser (it is a summary of your resume)
• Let a native Japanese or a Japanese of yours read your letter and give you feedback on how to improve
• Use correct industry jargon, but do not overuse it
• Show that you have done a little research about the job which you are applying for

Things not to Do:

• Do not use haughty words, this would give the impression of being arrogant or prideful.
• Do not start all your sentences with “I”. Makes you look like a one-man show
• Do not use contractions such as I’m, don’t, He’s or she’s. You are writing a formal letter, not casual.
• Do not try to be overly funny. It’s a job application letter…
• Do not use exclamation marks.
• Do not say negative things or backstab about your previous employer. It does not leave a good impression on you.
• Do not use short forms or text speak. It would reflect a lazy or sloppy behavior on yourself.

Back to Top

Start taking Japanese lessons and success job hunting in Japan!

Test your japanese level.

Recent Articles

Immersive Fort Tokyo

Top 5 Things To Do On Takeshita Street

Coto Online Information

• Search Jobs Search Jobs
• Company List Company List
• Found a Job? 🎊 Found a Job? 🎊

For Employers

Get job alerts, how to write an effective cover letter (with examples).

Updated July 21, 2022

Eric Turner

This post was written by our Japan Dev editorial team.

• Interviews & Resumes

When you send a resume to an employer, you'd better include a cover letter.

Even if they claim it's optional, it's a great chance to pitch yourself to the company. Don't pass it up. Your cover letter is your first impression to the hiring manager so a good one can vastly improve your chances of getting an interview.

In this post I'll outline how to write an effective cover letter that will make companies want to interview you. I'll talk about the following topics:

What do I write in a cover letter?

Basic cover letter format, writing tips for cover letters, selecting keywords to get through automated systems.

• Example cover letters

Resumes are a good way to show the facts about your career so far. It should summarize what you've done: your schooling, work experience and relevant skills. But they can't tell the whole story.

A cover letter is your chance to show your personality and explain exactly why you're a match for this job. It allows you to speak directly to the hiring manager and make your case in more detail.

Most recruiters screen tons of candidates every day, so they may only look at your cover letter for a few seconds. They'll glance to determine one thing: Is it worth looking at this person's resume?

That's why your cover letter needs to be short and concise. And it needs to get to the point as quickly as possible. Failing to get the reader's interest at the beginning can lose you the job, so you have to focus on the stuff that's important.

Here's what you should include:

• Your motivation for applying to the job
• Why you're a good match for the job
• Emphasis on your 2-3 most outstanding skills (make sure you quantify them )
• Supplemental info to explain concerns the reader may have (e.g. employment gaps, relocation)

First of all, use a document format such as PDF or Word (.docx). Or if you're applying via email, simply copy your cover letter into the body of the email.

As for length, it shouldn't take up more than a page in the format of a business document. No one's going to read multiple pages of text.

When sending by email, you should include your name and the title of the job you're applying for in the email subject. This will help recruiters keep track of you. For example:

Eric Turner, Engineering Manager

And make sure to use simple text to avoid file corruption and formatting issues. Skip the emojis, colors and other embellishments.

In the below sample, we've included official guidelines for the recipient's physical address etc. just in case, but you should skip this if you're sending it electronically.

Write personal cover letters for each company

Every company has unique requirements, so you should always personalize your cover letter for each company. In fact, I'd recommend personalizing it for each position (even for the same company).

Backup your skills and qualifications with numbers

When describing your results, be as specific as possible. This will give your words greater impact.

This will also make it easier for AI-powered applicant tracking systems to parse.

Here are a few examples of how you can quantify your achievements:

Data Analyst: I performed an analysis that led to a 20% greater efficiency in our _____ process.

Software Engineer: My implementation of _____ directly led to a 50% increase year-over-year in workflow improvements.

Management: I managed a team of _____ engineers and oversaw their performance from a technical perspective, leading to a 98% positive Performance review from my team.

Show that you're a cultural fit

Companies aren't just looking for those with strong skills. They also place a lot of importance on cultural fit. They want people who can commit to the company for the long term, and that's often dictated by cultural fit. So you need to understand the company's values and show that you share them.

I recommend researching each company's culture beforehand. If you happen to be in Japan, we list culture and value info on our company pages. Otherwise, you can usually get a good idea of their values by reading a company's blog and social media posts.

And whatever you do, don't criticize yourself!

I wouldn't have thought I'd need to say this, but recently I've been looking at a lot of cover letters. And a shockingly high number of people make the same basic mistake: They begin the letter by belittling themselves.

"I still don't have much experience, but..."

"I'm just now graduating from university, but..."

"I didn't study _____ directly, but..."

A cover letter is your chance to tell a company why they should hire you. Don't waste precious time by telling them why they shouldn’t! You need to stay positive. You might think "clearing the air" about some missing qualification makes you look honest. It doesn't. It just makes you look insecure.

It's fine to be insecure. Especially if you know you're not entirely qualified for the position. But you need to have a positive mindset and avoid allowing this insecurity to show through in your cover letter. You have the right to apply for this position, so put your best foot forward!

You only get a very small number of words to convince a hiring manager to let you move to the next step. You need to focus on convincing them to give you a shot. At the end of the day, the person reading your letter is a human, and they're choosing a new coworker . It's not all about objective qualifications. You can improve your chances by presenting yourself as a confident person that others will want to work with.

Keep text clear and simple. Avoid flowery language and embellishments.

• Avoid pictures, charts, graphs, emojis, logos and symbols.
• Use boring, easy-to-read fonts like Arial or Times New Roman.
• Keep the body to 3-4 paragraphs max (one page).
• For companies that use an ATS (Applicant Tracking System), make the text searchable (i.e. it may be better to use a Word doc rather than PDF). Although the accuracy of PDF scanning has improved, the AI can only reliably scan info in text format.

Recently, more and more companies are using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Especially in the US, more and more companies are using AI-based systems for HR operations including AI-powered resume screening. These systems automatically reject around 75% of applicants.

Although Japan still lags behind the U.S. in adopting AI into the hiring process, major companies are beginning to use AI-based screening. For example, SoftBank started using IBM's Watson for screening starting in 2017.

So, it’s important to think about how you can pass a company’s ATS and get your resume seen by an actual human.

ATS systems' screening systems scan the skills and experience from a candidate's cover letter and resume. Then they extract keywords and phrases that match the job description, and rank candidates based on the amount of overlap. So when writing a cover letter (as well as a resume), you should include keywords that match the job description.

Let's look at some more tips on how to get through ATS screening.

Use "standard" or official keywords

Don't use abbreviations when describing skills, and qualifications, because it may not be recognized by the ATS. These systems have become relatively smart, but it's better not to risk it.

For example, if you have a master's degree in business administration, you might use one of the following keywords:

(1) MBA (2) M.B.A. (3) Master of Business Administration (4) Masters of Business Administration (5) Masters of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

If you check the job description and you're already calling it the same thing they are, keep it as is. If this isn't mentioned in the job description, it would be safe to choose (5) since it covers your bases.

Select words that match the job's requirements

The AI scans your cover letter and resume and filters based on skills, background, location, language level, and more. Thus, it’s important to think carefully about what keywords are important to get through the screening process. Think about what companies want to solve by hiring for this position and use generic words so the AI can recognize them.

There is one caveat here: don't make up qualifications. It might be tempting to "keyword stuff" your cover letter or resume to match as many keywords as possible, but don't do this. It may get detected, and even if you get through to an interview because of it, you'll be rejected in the first round when you can't back up your claimed skills.

Cover Letter Sample

Even if there is AI screening, your resume will be seen by a human recruiter eventually. If there are two candidates with equal qualifications, they'll choose the one who's more enthusiastic and shares the company's values

Tip: Avoid clichés

When you screen candidates every day, overused clichés become boring. To hook the recruiter's attention, focus on your recent accomplishments. Show passion and prove you can get the job done. If you can inspire the recruiter using your own words, you'll be a step ahead of the other candidates.

Boring: I’m writing to apply for a Backend development position. While I was looking for potential new opportunities in Japan, I came across your job. I am interested in applying for your job...

Stand Out: I was excited to come across the job opening for a software engineer at Sample K.K. Not only have I been planning to move to Tokyo, but I’ve been a big fan of your mobile payment app for a long time. With 5+ years of professional experience in product development using Go, and experience in both SQL and NoSQL, I believe my technical skills would be a perfect addition to your team. Stand Out: I’m excited to be applying for the position because I saw that you are dedicated to building _____ products. I’ve been passionate about this space for years, which is why I’ve contributed _____ at my current role. I have no doubt that I can utilize this experience to achieve similar results as a developer at your company. Stand Out: I’m excited to be applying for the open Dev Ops role at _____ Company. I recently read an article about your _____. I’d be honored to become part of your team that has a clear and strong mission, and help push it forward. Stand Out: I was thrilled to see your posting for the position of Data Analyst. I am positive I can help with XXX's upcoming challenges. I have experience with leading...

• Money Forward
• ¥7mil - ¥10mil
• Code Chrysalis
• ¥9mil - ¥15mil
• ¥5mil - ¥10mil
• ¥6mil - ¥12mil

Want to write for Japan Dev ? ✍️ 💙 Click here to learn how!

Latest Tech Jobs 🇯🇵

Explore the top developer jobs in Japan for foreigners

• ¥4mil - ¥6mil
• ¥9mil - ¥11mil

Sign up for our newsletter to get hand-picked tech jobs in Japan – straight to your inbox.

Join 30k readers + get our Developer Salary Guide free ☝️

© 2024 Japan Dev. All rights reserved.

Proudly built in Tokyo.

• Python Jobs
• Backend Jobs
• Front-end Jobs
• Android Jobs
• Javascript Jobs
• Devops Jobs
• Full-stack Jobs
• Kotlin Jobs
• Machine Jobs
• Manager Jobs
• Design Jobs

Curated with 💙 in Tokyo

All our data is gathered from publicly available sources or contributed by users

How I Wrote my Letter of Explanation Japan Tourist Visa

Japan Letter of Explanation

A lot of people are interested to go to Japan because of the cheap flights being offered by some local airlines here in the Philippines. I received a lot of inquiries on Getting A Japan Tourist Visa in the Philippines without Income Tax Return especially on how I wrote my letter of explanation. Now, here’s a screenshot of the draft I wrote last year.

This letter I wrote was the second time I applied for a visa which the intention is to get a multiple entry visa. I wasn’t granted for the multiple entry, but I am still happy that they granted me a single-entry tourist visa.

Greet them in Japanese

Be Honest and Clear with your Intentions in traveling to Japan

I think one reason why I wasn’t granted a multiple entry visa is because I don’t have any proof of employment as what I have mentioned in my letter, I quit my job and do volunteer work. What’s important is Embassy of Japan granted me a tourist visa to get in Japan the second time around on the same year.

Related Article: Photos: Autumn in Japan 2015

To get that Japan tourist visa, you have to show that in your bank certificate, you have enough money to travel in Japan. Although it is expensive, I was able to get around on a low budget. Aside from bank certificate, I also submitted the original copy of Stock Investment Certification.

Related Article: My Travel Summary in 2015

Write the letter of explanation by hand

To make it more authentic, I wrote my letter of explanation by hand.

Everyone has its own explanation of getting a visa. I am just sharing you here how I wrote mine and hope this will give you an idea. Why do you love to go to Japan?

How to Request Stock Certificate from COL Financial Philippines for Visa Application?

Please check out this article –> How to Request Stock Certificate from COL Financial Philippines for Visa Application?

New Update: I got my Japan Multiple Entry Visa (2019 Guide)

You can check out this article now: How to Get a Japan Visa Multiple Entry Without Income Tax Return?

More from my site

222 thoughts on “ How I Wrote my Letter of Explanation Japan Tourist Visa ”

Hi Miss Roxanne, I am planning to visit Japan early jan or feb next year. I dont have an ITR for this year as I shifted from being in a Corporate employee to a freelancer. I have a bank account as well. My question is, is there any estimated money on my bank like 30k or 50k for only 7days visit? I just wanted to have this trip as a birthday gift for myself. I’ve to China, Malaysia, Vietnam, HongKong and Cambodia but that was way way over 3 years ago. Will travel documents suffice as an alternative with my old passport stamps since I’ve lost my old passport. Hope to hear from you soon.

At least 50k, the more money, the better.

Hi ma’am roxane. Tanong lang maam, kelangan parin ba ng explanation of letter japan tourist visa? Kahit my business permit ka, itr, dti, bank statement? Kasi plan ko this week pasa ng documents ko.

Saka maam, bago yung passport ko kc nawala yund old passport ko. Makikita ba ang travelled history ko since 2003, and last travelled ko is 2009.

Hindi makikita. If you like just write a letter of explanation that you travelled to those countries.

Ok maam. Maraming salamat maam.

Hello po Miss Roxanne! Plan kasi naman mag asawa na mag trip ng Japan pag uwi nya OFW kasi sya kasama ang baby namin as a gift sa baby namin sa 1st birthday nya. We only have one bank account nakapangalan po sa akin, okay lang po ba yon na nakapangalan sa akin? May Visa credit card sya pwede ba yon ang ipakita nya at ang CEO nya at bank certificate ko po? Gagawa nalang po kami ng letter na wala kaming ITR kasi OFW sya at ako naman wala po akong work.

Yes po. Just complete all the documents that you can afford Japan trip.

Need po ba talaga na naka passbook ang bank account mo o ok lang po kahit ATM lang po?

Submit a bank certificate po as mentioned. ATM Lang po saken.

Okay po thank you po Miss Roxanne!

Hello po Miss Roxanne! Ang husband ko lang po ba ang kelangan magpasa ng mga requirements sya naman ang mag sho-shoulder expenses namin.

You need to apply at the same time para makita Nila you applied as a couple. Sulat ka na rin ng letter na husband mo mag shoulder lahat expenses.

May mini business po ako sari-sari store may business permit po ako peru d pa po registered sa BIR. Ok lang po ang ipakita ko na business permit na galing lang po sa City Hall?

Pwede naman

hello parang off topic tong sakin tatanong q lng sana kung ok lng ba na hand written lng yung letter of invitation as in naka separate sa ibang bondpaper wla don sa parang official na form tapos fience pa nka sulat sa invitation peru nakasal na kami nung nagbakasyon yung girlfriend ko..bibisitahin q sana yung asawa q sa japan bakasyon na din,anyway may japan visa na ako planu kac namin mag tourist nlng ako hindi q gagamitin yung invitation nya? bka kac matanong sa immigration officer bka ma offload pa dahil dyan hihingi lng ng advice..thank you

Hi Ms. Roxanne! I am planning to get a visa on january, but the problem is walang telephone yung company na pinagttrabahuhan ko ngayon, small outsourcing company lang kasi kami. Do you have any advice for me kung anong pwede kong gawin about this? Thank you.

How about Skype?

Yes Ms. Roxanne may skype yung manager namin dito sa office. Pwede ba yon?

Skype and personal number please include it.

Good day Ms. Roxanne, If senior citizen po ba tapos walang ITR, kailangan pa ba ng letter of explanation? And kung need ng supporting documents, what type? Isasama ko po kasi lola ko e bank certificate lang meron siya. Thank you.

Yes also explain it na it’s you who will shoulder all the expenses. If you are working then show all your assets: bank accounts, properties, certificate of employment, investments

Good day Miss ROxanne,

HI, i already went to Japan last May 2017. In my single entry visa, i have a guarantor for my bank certificate.Now, I am planning to apply for a multiple visa, but on my own account. Is there a possibility that it will be approved even the bank certificate was different from the first one that i passed for the single entry visa before? Would it will have effect on my multiple visa application?

Arigatou Gozaimasu. 🙂

Pray for it. Kung Di ka ma grant multiple entry, single entry, at least not bad. Go for it.

Hi.. I have US Visa. I heard dont need anymore a tourist visa to Japan? Any idea if that’s accurate?

No need visa for you. You have 90 days in Japan which is really awesome.

Thanks Roxanne. Really appreciate it.

Will there be some form to fill out (just like how Taiwan do it) it will just present the US Visa to Japan immigration upon entry?

I think none.

Hi is this true po? Kasi we are planning to apply for a Japan visa.

Yes, this is true po.

Hello…. Ive read some bloggers about kung paano sila mag process ng visa. Ask ko lng po….ano po ung mas maganda??? Okay lng ba na ako nlng mismo ang mag fafile ng visa to japan embassy or kailangan ko tlaga mag travel agency???

Accredited travel agency po

Hello Roxanne. Im from Leyte, Philippines. Pupunta kami ng family ko consisting of my husband and 2 daughter (11yrs. & 1 yr. old) sa Japan this coming Feb. 2018 to visit a friend. Nakabili kasi kami ng promo tickets tsaka 4days lang kami dun. Sa tingin mo po, ok napo ba yung 150k para sa bank certificate for the 4 of us? Although meron nman kaming titirhan dun kasi ng-offer din yung bestfriend ko na dun tumira sa kanila pero ayoko rin naman cyang kulitin cya sa mga requirements na kelangan din nyang isubmit. At tsaka kelangan din ng Explanation letter about the relationship with the applicant, ako ba ang mgpo-provide nun or yung bestfriend ko? Sorry talaga pero andami palang requirement ng Japan Visa hindi gaya ng S.Korea. Thank you.

Ikaw mag susulat ng letter of explanation

Hello Miss Rox. Natuloy nga pala kami sa Japan ng family ko. But instead na Visit A Friend yung visa namin, Tourist with no guarantor nalang ang inapply namin para walang hassle sa friend ko. Nagbook ako ng hotel with free cancellation then yung itinerary ko Tokyo lang talaga tapos nung na-approve na yung VISA namin agad ko din kinancel yung hotel booking namin then dun kami sa bahay ng friend ko nagstay. Hiningan ako ng japan embassy sa airport ng itinerary namin kaso hindi ako nakadala ng print-out so sinabi ko nalang na Tokyo lang kami, so okey nman din ang lahat. Salamat.

Oh good. I have a cousin in Osaka but I applied as tourist with no guarantor. You did a great job. 😊

Did the Philippine immigration ask you if you know anyone in Japan?

Hi Ms. Rox! I have a question regarding may documents. Kasi I just got married last January and may Bank account and passport(which i got last december 2016 lang) is still maiden name pa din kaya yung plane ticket ko maiden name ko din ginamit ko kasi yun yung sa passport. But yung ITR na makukuha ko dito sa office yung married name ko na ang nakalagay kakahire ko lang kasi this March so married name ko na ginamit ko.. Tpos yung marriage contract naman 6months after pa pwede kumuha kaya halos kakakuha ko lang din.. Magkakaissue kaya about dun? or need ko na lang gumawa ng letter to explain tapos attached ko na din yung marriage contract?

Thank you so much. 🙂

Yeah write letter of explanation and any proof you got married or maybe wedding photos.

Hi Ms Rox! I have a follow up question, My idea ka ba kung anong name dapat ang ilgay ko sa pag fill up ng Visa Application, is it may maiden name or my married name na? i am still using my maiden name sa passport at sa ticket na binili ko.. Thank you 🙂

No idea but bring your marriage certificate and use the maiden name I guess

hi! nakapag travel na ako sa japan last 2015 yung nanay ko nagwork dun ininvite ako pero andito na sya ngayon plano naming bumalik dun ngayong April do I need to write a letter if I` m going back there with my mom and my daughter?

If you have enough finances and job dito sa Pilipinas you’ll be fine to apply.

hi roxanne! when you were granted a multiple entry visa, did you perhaps bought JR Pass as well? is multiple entry visa with temporary status accepted that time? i was searching the net and one JR Pass seller mentioned that multiple entry visa holders cannot use JR Pass… thank you!

I wasn’t granted a multiple entry visa and I never bought JR pass po.

Hi Roxy, good read! I was reading other blog’s and said to check “ROX” letter for Japan’s Visa with NO ITR. Upon seeing the Roxanne M. Tamayo, I was wondering if this is the same person I have hiked with in Mt. Batulao years ago. 🙂 🙂 🙂

I’ve never been to Mt. Batulao po 😂😂😂

“Oh the places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss

Helo poh maam..ASK Lng poh maam ung guarantee letter na ipinadala sa akin ng tita ko na confuse poh kc ako kc sabi niya ang reason daw naelgay ko ay baby sitter..saan poh don elalagay?

Oh is that for work? Patay ka nyan. Dapat iinvite ka as relative. Di Dapat imention baby sitter.

Good day po mag ask lang po ok lang po ba if magpresent kami parehas ng guarantor q ng bank certificate kasi maliit lng ung pera ng guarantor q sa bank acct. nia?

That I don’t know. If your guarantor has small money sa bank account Nya, then it’s not convincing to be your guarantor.

How much po ba ang dapt ng laman sa banko ng guarantor q if need namen ng 90days kaht mga 30-50lapad pwede na po ba un..?

I have no idea po. The embassy of Japan will ask,for other,documents anyway.

Dapt po ba ung schedule of stay specif cia.. eh pano po kung ung guarantor q may work sympre ndi nmn po kami lagi lagi makakaalis.. then. Mas ok po ba kung may ticket na kami back en port kasi sv nila mas ok daw bumili kaya nag buy na kami ng ticket.. thank u

hi po,ask ko lang kung naaproved visa nyo kahit maliit ang pera ng guarantor nyo sa bank account nya? thanks po sa sagot nyo😊

Hi Roxanne, I have money in my bank, an itr, but i just recently resigned from my job. but sa application for visa, meron duon name of employer. but since i am not employed in that company anymore, do i need to submit a letter to explain why i want to travel to Japan?

Yes you need to write a letter.

H, 3 times na ko nagapply for tourist visa with conplete documents. My husband is japanese but separated. Its that my surname matters? Thanks

Your complete documents matter.

hi, I went to Japan with my Mom 3 years ago with my brother who is married to a Japanese as our guarantor…this time I am applying for a MULTIPLE VISA, as a tourist with no guarantor, Currently working in a BPO company, I have my bank certificate, COE & ITR already. Do you think I need to tell them that I will be visiting my brother and his family in the Letter of explanation ?. or better not to talk about it if not asked?

Hi Jojo! Actually, if depends on you. I went to Japan twice solo trip and only applied tourist visa with no guarantor although I have a cousin in Osaka.

Thanks, I’ve already forwarded my application to the agency last Saturday (04/07/18), and I think the result will come out anytime this week… hoping I could get Multiple then…

Balitaan mo ako. I’m planning to apply multiple entry as well.

I was granted single entry visa, not bad then. At least di ako na denied. We really can’t tell when they are giving Multiple or just a Single entry visa.

Wow Jojo! congrats! 😀

Thanks Rox! Mata ne!!

Good day gusto q sana malaman po pag nag apply ka po ba ng 90days sila pa din ba mag dedecide kung ilang araw tlga ang ibbigay sayo…thank you

Try mo Lang mag apply, Di ko Kasi alam usually 15 days ako.

Ok thank you and may isa p qng question what na denied ilang months pwede mag reapply?? Tas mern kasi qng nabasa na blog pag nadenied pwede ba mag reappeal? Thank you

Hi! ask ko lang if I could give a reason na my husband which happens to be a japan citizen is still in japan fixing stuff if I could visit him there kaya I am applying for a multiple visa?? I am employed here in PH, no worries about the financial requirements. Hope you could help me with this kind of matter.

Just apply for single entry visa first coz that will be the initial to give you. if they will give you multiple entry visa, then you’re lucky.

Hello po pwedi pubang magtanong kase kinukuha po ako ng bf ko papuntang japan ano puba ung mas mabilis kung fiancee or tourist and pano pu sya gagawa ng valid reason para ma granted po ung visa ko

Hi, better try ka muna tourist visa. Di ko kasi alam about Fiancee visa po. But better talaga visit ka muna Japan as a tourist.

Hi po.. do you format of explanation later of no baptismal certificate (late registered po kasi eh)

Hello! Sorry for the late reply. Just explain that you have no baptismal certificate. How is it going? Did you apply na ba?

Hello ms. Roxan ask ko lng kung ano pwd e reason out pag wala ITR,im a insurance agent..and it happen po n may company drives for 5days po ung insurance na pinagtratrabahuan ko, as agent lng po ako don pero kasama ako sa drives ..the problem is i dont have ITR kasi di pa ko nkapag file last year ng ITR ko…

Just say you are an insurance agent and you haven’t filed for tax payment although you will have plans in the future to have one.

good day Ms.Roxanne Ask q lang.planning to apply japan visa with my son , i’m self employed with DTI and Business permit but no ITR it’s a home base travel and tours. My sister will shouldered our fare because it’s a treat for her 50th birthday! Is it okay ung may Guarantor na lang gamitin q? I can provide my bank certificate only ITR lang wala aq.

Hi Jocelyn,

You can submit your DTI and business permit, it’s a good proof that you can travel. And also show your bank certificate. If you don’t have ITR, just write an explanation that you don’t have one but you are planning to get one. 🙂 Good luck sa Japan. You’ll get it.

Hindi po ba required ang COE? I am currently employed but I plan to resign in June and work as a freelancer.

Saken naman I don’t have COE. You can submit COE if you are still employed while applying for a visa.

Hi! My mom, dad, and sister are traveling to Japan next month. Mag a-apply pa lang kami ng visa within this week. I jus twant to clarify lang kung ano kailangang requirements. Ang mom ko mag sho-shoulder ng expenses. She’s a retired government employee and senior citizen na. My dad no longer works din kasi senior na rin so pahinga na sya. My sister is employed but di na sya mag su-submit ng cert of employment and ITR since our mom will shoulder all the expenses. Ako naman unemployed. Ano po ba ang kailangan pa na papers as supporting documents? Wala ITR mom namin dince retired na sya. Susulat po ba kami ng letterof explanation na mom ko mag sho-shoulder ng expenses? Thank you po.

Yes you need to write a letter of explanation that your mom will shoulder the expenses. Ang tanong, how much money your mom has in her bank account? Make sure for 3-5 people, the money in the bank account will convince the embassy that your mom can shoulder everything.

Inviting again my daughter kc nadeny visa nya for student visa and okanning to invite her again and try to apply again to study in college school kailngan b indicate na na denay cy dati for student visa

Hi po. Wala po ako masyadong idea sa student visa po. Sorry talaga.

Hi… me and my partner, we are not married are applying for a single entry visa for japan, we are travelling with a group of friends 6 from the other family, then kme ng partner ko, with our 7 year old daughter and 71 year old mother, to celebrate our birthdays , October celebrants kase kame. Ang travel namin is Nov 17- 25, 2019. We have plane tickets already and book and paid na rin ang 2ng hotel namin sa aming 8 day stay in japan. The problem lies with my partner, he is a freelance musician, no itr and has a record of overtaying with Japan 1990 to 2000. He voluntarily surrendered on April 2000 , thus he was able to come back to the Philipines, year 2000, he never came back to Japan ever since. We made an explanation letter regarding his no ITR, he has enough money on his bank, kay a meron syang bank cert on his own, meron syang BIR registration as freelance mucisian registerd only this year, and meron syang official receipt under his name, so ngayon end year pa lang sya mag fifile para magka ITR. Ang kinakabahan kme yung sa overstaying nya ng 10 years sa Japan 19 years ago. We ere advised by Reli Tours to submit another letter explanation with apology on the circumstances surrounding the said overstaying 19 years ago, and say na nag voluntary surrender sya. Since 2000, may mga short stay travel na sya, and sa passport nya , ay may tatak na ng dubai atBali Indonesia last year travel nya. Ano pa mam kaya ang magandang gawin or I submit ? sa tingin nyo po ba may chances na ma approve ang single entry visa application nya? may mga alam po ba kayo na similar ang kalagayan nya at na approve? samat ng marami.

Show all the documents that he is a tax-registered musician and be honest about your intention of visiting Japan and his single entry visa.

• Pingback: Japan Visa Multiple Entry Without Income Tax Return
• Pingback: Tips to Get an Approved Visa Without a Sponsor as a Filipino Traveler

Hi po. May Chance po ba ma Approved ang Visa kung 3 Months pa langpo ang Business? Pero May Business Permit, DTI ,Certificate of Registration, Bank Certificate and Bank Statement in 10days as Tourist in France? Solo Traveler po.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Vivomigsgee

Drift. Snap. Share. Inspire.

• I. Drift (Travelouges)
• II. Snap (Photography)
• III. Share (Reviews)
• IV. Inspire (Features)

Japan Tourist Visa Guide: How I Got a 10-Year Multiple Entry Visa (No ITR and Less Than 6 Digits Bank Balance)

By vivomigsgee in Features Travel January 31, 2020

It’s been a rough start for the new decade, with all the bad news happening around the world in January alone such as natural disasters brought about by climate change , celebrity freak accidents and unprecedented virus outbreak. Just when I thought things couldn’t get any better this month, an unexpected blessing came. I just got a 10-year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa in Japan even without submitting ITR and with a bank balance of less than the “suggested” six digits.

I’m a little bit jumpy as of writing as I’m feeling over the moon with my newly-approved multiple entry visa with validity of 10 years and for stay(s) of 90 days in Japan. That’s the maximum visa validity and period of stay that the Consul can grant an applicant for a Japan tourist visa. I may not be an expert in visa application but through this platform, I will share my personal experience, tips from successful applications shared in the social media groups and learning from research online to increase your chances of getting a single entry tourist visa or inspire you with my own success story in applying for a multiple entry visa in Japan with no ITR, on probationary status, and a “ show money ” of only Php 70,000 or less.

Just a quick backgrounder, I’m a newly-hired employee of a private company (5 months) and I’ve already been to South Korea , Shanghai , Taiwan , Hong Kong, Macau and Japan last November 2019 (with single entry visa). My heart has been captivated by Japan for all good reasons , prompting me to go back and explore 37 prefectures more. Just like the first time, I secured all the necessary requirements for my second tourist visa application, this time for a multiple entry one.

READ MORE: Surviving 1 Week Autumn in 10 Japanese Prefectures for Php 10,000 Pocket Money

So, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a 10-year multiple entry Japan Tourist Visa for applicants (first time or not) in Cebu (or anywhere in the Philippines).

A. Gather ALL the requirements (Mandatory)

A stay of up to 90 days for tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives, etc. that does not include remunerative activities. Size of document for application is A4 size only. If a document is printed on other sizes, please submit copy that is already adjusted in A4 size from its original and without staples or pasting pages.

1.) Valid Philippine Passport

• Passports must be signed and must have at least two (2) blank visa pages, with a validity of more than six (6) months from date of departure
• Ensure to sign page 3 and add emergency contact at the last page of your passport
• old passport (expired) not required, unless there is used Japan Visa (for multiple entry visa requirement)

2.) Visa Application Form

• Visa Application Form to Enter Japan ( including sample ) is available at the Embassy website, at the entrance of the Embassy or at any of the accredited travel agencies.
• Application form must be duly accomplished. If an item is not applicable, please fill in (N/A). Embassy may not accept application with blank item, no signature or no date in the application form; may deny the application that is filled out incorrectly or has wrong information. Corrections must be crossed out with a double line only.
• Specs: 4.5cm x 4.5cm, with white background, taken within 6 months. Head to a professional photo studio for they already know the photo specs for Japan Visa.
• Please write applicant’s name and birth date on back side of photo before sticking it on the application form

4.) Birth Certificate (Original)

• This is only required for first-time applicants. Must be issued within one year from Philippine Statistics Authority or PSA (previously NSO). For convenience, request your Birth Certificate online ~ PSAserbilis ( free delivery 2 to 7 days after cashless payment via e-wallet services like GCash ).
• If birth certificate is unreadable or has incomplete information, please also provide birth certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar. If birth certificate is “Late Registration”, please submit in addition, a Baptismal Certificate and School Record (Form 137) from high school or elementary and School Yearbook (if possible).

5.) Marriage Certificate (Original), if applicable

• Applicable if applicant is married, must be issued within one (1) year from PSA. If there is no record in PSA, please submit a “Certificate of Non-Record” from PSA together with a marriage certificate from the Local Civil Registrar. You may also request it online via PSAserbilis .
• If marriage certificate is unreadable or has incomplete information, please also provide marriage certificate issued by the Local Civil Registrar.

6.) Daily Schedule in Japan ( Taizai Yoteihyo , Original)

Don’t make your daily itinerary too complicated. Your schedule of stay (containing your activities per day) matters as it affects how much budget you really need to prepare for your Japan trip. Get an editable file of “Embassy-format” itinerary in the website (or click here ).

Even if you planning to visit Japan for 10 days, it’s not wise to declare the exact 10 days in your Japan Visa application as you need to match it with your bank balance. Just state that your schedule of stay in Japan is 4 to 5 days maximum and intend to visit free attractions (no entrance fee) in various districts (e.g., Dotonbori, Namba, Umeda, etc.) in one area only, say Osaka, for easier calculation of your trip’s maximum spending. Besides, a plane ticket is not required so there’s no way the Embassy would know the exact days you’ll be staying in Japan. While creating a dummy itinerary, take into account that the less days of stay, less budget needed, more chances of getting your visa approved given you only have a not so high bank balance in actual. Unless of course money is not an issue.

7.) Applicant’s Latest Income Tax Return (Form 2316)

• Photocopy is allowed as long as it is clear and copied in A4, must be signed by the taxpayer and authorized representative of the employer
• Make sure that your income reflected in ITR is not too far off with your bank balance, say you have 1 million in your bank account but your annual income is only 100,000. This may raise a red flag to the Embassy.
• If you don’t have an ITR (just like in my case), you can make an explanation letter why you don’t have one. More of this in the section below.

8.) Personal Bank Certificate (Original)

• If applicant will shoulder part or all of his/her travel expenses, original Bank Certificate is required (validity of bank certificate is three (3) months from the date of issue)
• Fields like Japanese Consul as addressee, opening Account Date and Average Daily Balance (ADB) are NOT required, content of bank certificate depends on the template of your respective bank, as long as the purpose is for Japan visa requirement
• Should not be confused with Bank Statement requirement for South Korean Visa or Chinese Visa .
• Payroll account and joint account are fine (as long name of applicant also appears in the bank certificate as account owner)
• Must not be a freshly-baked account with one-time, big-time deposit just intended for visa application purposes.
• LEGIT AND PROVEN TIP: If you don’t have enough bank balance and need to add more, just ask from your friends or relatives to fund transfer certain amount for this particular purpose and once you already have your printed bank certificate, you can return back the borrowed amount immediately. Besides, a bank statement (account transactions) is not required for Japan visa application so there’s no way they will know about this activity. Pursuant to Bank Secrecy Law, the Embassy cannot make an inquiry into, all deposits in banks, (e.g., validate if the amount in your bank certificate is exactly the current amount in your bank account as banks are prohibited to disclose such private details). They will just verify if you have indeed an existing and active savings or checking account with your respective bank to ascertain that you are financially capable to survive in Japan once you’re already in their country.

How much money is really needed for Japan Visa application?

This is probably one of the most frequently-asked questions when applying for a Japan tourist visa. I hate to break it up with you but nobody knows exactly how much is required in your bank account balance. For the minimum fund for bank certificate purposes, Japan embassy did not specify the range. But for some reason, Japan Embassy would like to know whether a certain traveler has the capacity to tour around Japan and has enough funds to cover the cost of his/her trip. According to my ample research, the safe amount is Php 10,000 per day but it is not always the case. Applying for a Japanese Tourist Visa having less than Php 10,000/day balance may be approved, as evidenced by legit testimonials from some of my friends who traveled Japan recently, to wit:

• 6D5N Japan Trip with 40,000 bank balance
• Stayed in Japan for 8 days, at least 50,000 balance in bank certificate
• Applied for 15 days max – at least Php 70,000 available balance

Hopeful now? We all should be! It all boils down to creation of one simple itinerary (see details in number 6 above). As already noted, this is for purposes of tourist visa application only so you don’t have to follow such itinerary during your actual trip. In my case, a bank balance worth 70,000 is enough for 4-Day trip in Osaka.

If a Guarantor who lives in the Philippines will shoulder part of the applicant’s travel experiences, here are the requirements in lieu of 7 and 8 above:

• Guarantee Letter (Embassy Form) (Signature/Seal), Original and addressed to Ambassador/Consul-General of Japan
• Proof of relationship between applicant and guarantor (Original)
• Guarantor’s Bank Certificate (Original) and ITR (Form 2316) (Clear Photocopy in A4)

B. Submit additional requirements (Optional)

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that he/she meet the requirements for the grant of a visa. Submission of supporting documents not listed above is also encouraged, as follows:

1.) Applicant’s economic or social ties with the Philippines

• Certificate of Employment (with applicant’s salary, tenure and position) printed in the official letterhead of the company and signed by authorized signatory
• Photocopy of Company ID (not required but demonstrates that you’re actually employed in addition to a COE, regardless of whether you’re full-time, regular or not)
• If a freelancer, ask your clients to provide a COE (alternatively copies of PayPal transactions)
• If a government employee, show proof that your leave(s) is(are) approved (may also be used for immigration purposes)
• Certificate of Business Name Registration (for owners of a company, must be issued by Department of Trade and Industry or Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission)
• Personal Property and Land Titles
• Stock Certificate, Insurance Policies and other records

2.) Urgent reasons for visit

• Medical certificate
• Wedding invitation

3.) Not mandatory documents but you may want to secure or submit for whatever purpose it may serve

• Cover Letter (or an explanation letter for NO ITR)
• Plane Ticket (you don’t need to book Japan flights ahead)
• Hotel Accommodation
• Certified True Copy of Bank Statements for the last three months
• Photocopy of valid visa/s and arrival stamps to other countries

C. Request for a Multiple Entry Visa Form

You may apply for a multiple entry visa even if you are a first-time applicant. Please note however that a single(or double)-entry visa may be issued depending on the result of the examination even if you have applied for multiple visa. This just means that you could still get a single entry visa for Japan even if you are denied for a multiple entry visa. So even if you are still a first time traveler in Japan, applying for multiple entry visa is a good thing to try since you may still get a single entry visa anyway.

Secure a digital copy of the Request for A Multiple-Entry Visa Form from the Japan embassy website. In the Multiple Entry request form, you will see four (4) categories but you’ll only check the type of visa and appropriate item(s) below that is(are) relevant to your profile, to with:

• Multiple-entry visa for tourist (short-term stay)
• A company employee who has been working full-time
• Multiple entry temporary visitor’s visa for cultural or intellectual figures.
• Spouse or child of the Japanese who lives in the Philippines with long term visa. (Excluding Tourist Visa)

There are sub-categories under each type of Visa above. As for my profile, there are two items that are applicable, as follows:

• A person who has travelled to Japan as temporary visitor within the last three years and has financial capability to support his/her trip (category 1)
• A lawyer, certified public accountant, patent attorney, judicial scrivener, notary, medical doctor who has a national or international qualification and actually working as the same position (category 3)

The visa is for the purpose of business affairs for the first visit, but from the second visit it is possible to use as tourist or visiting to relatives or acquaintances as well. But it is not permitted to perform activities to undertake revenue generating business operations or activities to receive remuneration.

You have to submit documents to prove that you are qualified for multiple visa. In my case, I submitted a clear photocopy of my valid PRC ID as a Certified Public Accountant. I also provided a photocopy of my previous Japan tourist visa but the agent told me that it’s no longer necessary as the used temporary visitor visa and landing permission stamps are already in my recent passport (unless it is stamped in your old passport).

Lastly, fill in the reason why you need a multiple-entry visa in the box located at the last but the most important portion of the multiply entry visa request form. You may state personal reasons like how you really love to visit Japan, experience four seasons, spend your birthday, honeymoon or any special occasion, or any other valid reasons that you can come up with. And oh, don’t forget to write down the date, your name and signature at the bottom of the multiple entry request form. Printed or hand-written is fine.

If you want to secure a copy of the actual multiple entry request form I submitted, just comment your email address below so that I can provide it to you for reference.

D. Apply Through an Accredited Travel Agency

All visa applications (except some special cases) must be coursed through travel agencies accredited by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. Unlike the e-Visa application of South Korea where digital submission of requirements can be done , Japan Tourist Visa can only be processed manually or in person. To date, there are only five accredited agencies with branches in Cebu to wit:

• Universal Holidays, Inc. (Mahogany Place, Mabolo)
• Attic Tours Phils., Inc. (SM Cebu City and Cebu Waterfront Airport Hotel)
• Friendship Tours and Resorts Corporation (Oakridge Business Park, A.S. Fortuna St., Mandaue)
• Discovery Tour, Inc. (Northgate Center, Banilad)
• Pan Pacific Travel Corporation (Diplomat Hotel, Ramos St.)

Temporary visitor visa for Philippine Nationals is gratis or FREE. Since accredited agencies are private enterprises, a handling fee is necessary for processing the application. Please inquire directly at the accredited agencies for the rates/ handling fee on visa application.

For visa application filed through accredited agencies, at least (1) week [five (5) working days] from the date of acceptance by the Embassy is necessary to be processed and released of passports to the accredited agencies. If however, the passport has not been returned after more than a week, the applicant who need to verify the status of the application may inquiry to the Embassy confirming the 8-digit acceptance number from your chosen agency.

I first submitted my application to Discovery Tour, Inc, and paid Php 500 only for the handling fee (scored a promo during International Travel Festival 2019 last July at Ayala Center Cebu ). However, I do not recommend this agency as you have to wait for 14 to 15 working days before you’ll know the results, which for me is too dragging and inconvenient (given the anxiety of waiting for the unknown). Timeline as follows: submitted docs October 21, 2019, lodged to the embassy on October 23, 2019, approved on October 24, 2019 and claimed my passport on November 04, 2019. If the processing time matters to you, I highly recommend Universal Holidays, Inc. (UHI).

UHI is the best agency for Japan Tourist Visa application. UHI has a good reputation of having a high rating of approved visa applications because they know what they are doing and they’re on top of everything to make sure your documents are complete and valid. Plus, the processing time is faster, maximum of one week from submission to passport claiming. I only paid Php 1,000 for the handling fee but could be cheaper if you can avail of its promo during travel fairs near you. Timeline of multiple entry visa application as follows:

• January 23, 2020 – Docs submission to UHI Cebu
• January 24, 2020 – Forwarded docs to UHI main branch (Makati)
• January 27, 2020 – Application lodged to Embassy
• January 28, 2020 – Granted a 10-Year Multiple Entry Visa
• January 31, 2020 – Claimed my passport with a big smile on my face =)

Multiple Entry Visa Application (without ITR )

For my second visa application, I submitted the same documents just like my first application, minus the birth certificate and ITR . I actually have the ITR 2018 with me but the UHI agent suggested not to include it as the company indicated in the ITR is not the same with my current employer. I was connected with Company A for 3 years that ended mid-August 2019 and transferred to Company B before end of August same year. With inconsistent information in my ITR (Company A) and COE (Company B), I was told to draft a letter to explain why I cannot provide ITR. I was actually hesitant to follow her instruction at first but I was left with no choice. Thank God, I trusted her advice.

Please note that only the Consul can decide on visa validity of the multiple entry such as 1, 3, 5 or 10 years and period of stay of 15, 30 or 90 days. So just hope for the best that you’ll be granted the maximum number of visa validity and period of stay ~ 10 years multiple entry for stay(s) of 90 days !

If you want to get hold of the actual letter I submitted, please comment down your email address for reference.

Please note that submission of complete requirements doesn’t guarantee getting a Tourist Visa. Approval of a 10-Year Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is a case to case basis. You may even be granted a 10-Year Multiple entry visa even without applying for it. You may even be granted a Single Entry visa only even if you specifically requested for a multiple entry visa ( better than being denied ). Or worst, you may end up putting incorrect or inconsistent details in your application form or having insufficient bank balance or any other reasons which the Embassy sees fit to deny your visa application.

The discretion of whether or not to approve your visa application does not rest in travel agencies as they only serve as middlemen for facilitating your requirements and submission to the Embassy. Prayer is still needed. =)

If you have more questions, please do drop an inquiry on the comment section and I will try to answer them based on my personal experience and insights from Filipino travelers in Japan (via FB travel groups). If you are looking for ways to score cheap flights (PISO FARE) to Japan, you may read some seat sale hacks here: 10 Effective Secrets To Scoring Insanely Cheap Flights

Good luck 頑張ってください Ganbatte kudasai !

Share this:

• Share on Tumblr

Tags: 10 Year Multiple Entry No ITR , How to Get a Visa , Japan , Japan Visa , Multiple Entry Japan Visa

293 Replies to “Japan Tourist Visa Guide: How I Got a 10-Year Multiple Entry Visa (No ITR and Less Than 6 Digits Bank Balance)”

Hi sir can you please send me the copy of the ME explanation letter. Thank you!

[email protected]

[email protected]

Thank you for this very informative article. Can you send me a copy of your sample cover letter and request letter and also if you have sample of itinerary 5 days tokyo trip. Thank you and godbless.Here’s my email : [email protected]

[email protected] please thank you!

Hi. Thank you for sharing this. Please also share the cover letter you’ve submitted for ME: fritzerwin @ hotmail . com

sir pwede po makahingi ng explanation letter regaring salamat po sir big help po ito [email protected]

Hi, can I also ask for a copy of your letter of explanation re: no ITR please? My email add is [email protected] .

Thank you so much, really appreciate it. Your blog’s really helpful.

Thanks, Melissa

Hi Sir. can you share with me your multiple visa entry explanation letter? here’s my add [email protected]

Sir, hingi rin sana ako copy ng Explanation letter. Planning to go to UHI din to apply. 🙂

Hello sir! Can you share your ME cover letter, no itr letter and itinerary sample. Thank you! Here’s my email: [email protected]

Hi! Hoping you can share your actual letter explaining why you don’t have an ITR. Thank you so much! Godbless! [email protected]

Hello! Pwede din po makahingi ng copy ng cover letter, explanation for 10year multiple entry and sample iti thank youuu!! [email protected]

Hi! Hoping to apply ME visa as well, hope you can share your cover letter and ME application form. Thank you! 🙂 [email protected]

[email protected] Hope you can send a copy of your cover letter and ME app form. Thank you! 😊

Hi! Can you kindly send me a copy of the letter of explanation (No ITR)? Thank you so much! [email protected]

Hello Sir. May I also ask for a copy of your NO OTR letter? Here’s my email: [email protected]

Hello! May I also request a copy of your explanation letter for not having ITR? Here’s my email add: [email protected] . Thank you! ☺️

Hi there, can you share me your Cover Letter and ME Application Form, Letter of Explanation for no ITR and Sample Itinerary. Thanks. Im also a CPA. My email add is [email protected]

Hello Sir, requesting for your copy of explanation letter for No ITR and ME request form as well for reference. Thank you! 😊

[email protected]

[email protected]

Requesting for a copy of cover letter and ME Request Letter at email address [email protected]

Thank you and God bless!

Requesting for a copy po of the cover letter with No ITR and Multiple Entry form. I have a newly registered business po and I only have Mayors permit and DTI. Wala pa po kasi akong ITR kasi kakasatart lang ng business ko and I’m the CEO while my husband is the Manager.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Get the latest posts delivered to your mailbox:

Please wait while your request is being verified...

Japan Visa without ITR — Tips on How I Successfully Did It!

Japan has relaxed its Japan visa requirements for Philippine passport holders in recent years. So, it’s easier to obtain a Japan tourist visa now. However, some Filipino freelancers and digital nomads are often faced with the dreaded Income Tax Return (ITR) requirement. If you are applying for a Japan visa without ITR, you’ve come to the right place — I’ve compiled a few tips on how you can still apply for a Japan visa with no ITR.

Side note: Want to obtain an ITR as a freelancer to avoid visa requirement issues in the future? You may read my freelancer BIR registration guide .

My Japan visa without ITR tips

Tip #1: write your japan visa cover letter.

I always make it a habit to submit a cover letter, especially if I lack some requirements. I did this for my South Korea visa , Poland Schengen visa , and my Japan visa .

A letter of explanation can elaborate more on why you are applying for a Japan visa without ITR. It will also help convince the embassy that you only intend to travel on the specified vacation dates. Write everything with all honesty. And, do not attempt to falsify any information.

My sample letter of explanation no ITR Japan visa

[Date of Application]

Embassy of Japan in the Philippines 2627 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, 1300

Dear Sir / Madam:

I am writing this letter to show my intent to travel to Japan, and explain why I am unable to provide an Income Tax Return (ITR) as part of my Japan visa requirements.

I understand that an ITR is one of the proofs that I have strong social and economic ties to the  Philippines, and that I will return to my home country on the specified return date. However, I cannot submit an ITR for my Japan visa application at the moment because… [state your reasons]

Furthermore, you can see from my passport that I am a traveler since [year] . I have already been to… [state the destinations you’ve traveled to before, including the travel dates and who you were with]

I have heard and read a lot of beautiful things about Japan, and I would love to see and experience them myself… [explain why you are interested to travel to Japan]

You may read the details of my previous travels both local and abroad on my travel blog… [put URLs of blogs or publications for your published works if you have]

Thank you and hoping for your kind consideration.

[Complete name with signature]

Tip #2: Gather all the other Japan visa requirements

Check your visa type and gather the respective Japan visa requirements. Then, fill out the Japan visa application form. Please refer to Steps 1 and 2 of my Japan visa guide for Filipinos .

Tip #3: Attach supporting documents

Aside from your cover letter, you can also attach some other documents to support your Japan visa without ITR. These supporting documents will show proof of your financial and travel capacity. Some supporting documents include confirmed booking of flights and hotels , and an employment certificate .

Credit card statements , and proofs of owned assets may also serve as supporting documents. You may also want to refer to my tips on how to increase your chances of visa approval .

Tip #4: Apply via an accredited travel agency only

Submit your Japan visa requirements to an accredited Japan visa travel agency . I applied via RELI Tours & Travel in SM Megamall, and I would say that my Japan tourist visa was processed smoothly.

Tip #5: Follow my Japan visa guide for Filipinos

All your Japan visa requirements ready? Please follow my comprehensive Japan visa guide for Filipinos . It also has frequently asked questions to address common Japan visa application concerns.

Best of luck in your Japan visa application! Let us know if you were successful, too. Hit us up on Facebook ,  Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube .

Now preparing for your Japan trip? Read more of our Japan guides:

• Suica Card Guide
• Japan SIM Card or Pocket WiFi Guide
• Japanese Food Guide
• Japan Spring Itinerary

Disclaimer: I am not a Japan visa expert. While I got my Japan tourist visa without ITR back then, I cannot guarantee the same outcome for you. I still encourage you to complete the Japan visa requirements to avoid complications. You may also contact the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines for your personal questions and concerns. This article was originally published in Aug 2019 and had been updated for accuracy and freshness of information.