It is not that difficult to find a place to stay in Tokyo. Nearly every budget is covered be it cheap and cheerful hostels, more expensive business hotels or ultra swanky accommodation. An entrepreneur doesn’t have to pay too much for his hotel if he does proper research. It pays if you find the ideal locality for residential accommodation in Tokyo for reasonable price. It could be business hotels or reasonable priced apartments instead of paying higher rent for rooms in hostels or other accommodation based on how long you will stay in Tokyo. You can avail Tokyo transit visas with friends when you travel together so that visa fee can be shared among the group of friends travelling together.

It is that time of the year again when some of us start thinking about our next big trip. While it sometimes daunting to travel to a foreign land where you don’t know the language, Tokyo is relatively safe and easy to navigate. The key is to plan your trip, factor in all your expenses (yes, all of them) and keeping a separate bank account to save towards your travel.

To enter Japan, you need a visa. A transit visa allows you to transit through Japan for up to five days, but does not permit you to leave the airport area. You can only use this visa if you are traveling from one destination to another (for example, from India to South Korea) and have already obtained visas for both countries.

If you plan to visit Japan for 5 days or less, a tourist visa is the best option for you. This allows you to stay in the country for up to 30 days. If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, then it is necessary to apply for a “visitor” type of visa that will allow you to stay for longer than 90 days at any given time during your trip. It’s also possible that when applying for this type of visa, an official might ask that you show evidence of financial resources that will allow them to support themselves while they’re there (such as bank statements).

If you do not have enough funds in your account or if they cannot be verified by documentation provided by your bank (such as bank statements), then they may require proof of other assets that can be sold off quickly enough in case something unexpected happens while they’re away from home.

Japan is a fantastic place to visit and explore. It is a country rich in culture, history and natural beauty. If you are planning to visit Japan for the first time and have never applied for a visa before, then this article will help you understand how and when you need to apply for a visa to enter Japan.

The Tokyo Transit Visa is designed for tourists who are travelling through Japan on their way to another country or region. This visa allows tourists from India to stay in Japan for up to 15 days without any restrictions on the amount of time they can spend in each city.

This type of visa is only available if your final destination is not Japan and only allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 15 days before leaving again. The Tokyo Transit Visa does not allow visitors with Indian passports any other type of extension or change of status while they are staying in Japan.#ENDWRITE

What Documents Do I Need for a Japan Transit Visa Application?

When you apply for a Japan Transit Visa, you need the following supporting documents:

• Japan Visa Application Form, completed and signed. You can download a copy of the application form from the website of the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (here). Complete all the fields, even if they do not apply to you (write “N/A”).
• Your passport, which must be valid for at least another six months and have at least two blank pages for the visa to be affixed in.
• Cover letter stating the purpose of your travel.
• Passport-size pictures of yourself, with the following specifications:
  • Dimensions: 4.5cm x 4.5cm
  • White background
  • Taken in the last six months
  • You must be staring straight ahead, with a neutral facial expression
  • Your entire face has to be visible
  • Your name and birthdate have to be written on the back
• Flight Itinerary, stating a detailed plan of your arrival and departure dates, flight reservation number, the Certificate of Reservation issued by the airline, etc.
• Daily Itinerary. You have to include an itinerary of your daily activities in Japan. You can find a sample itinerary for Japan Visa at the website of the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affair (here).
• Valid visa for the third country of destination.
• Bank statements, proving you can finance yourself.
• Latest Income Tax Returns

Japan visa on arrival requirements

The requirements for a Japan visa on arrival are as follows:

• An original passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of arrival in Japan.
• A completed visa application form signed by the applicant.
• Two recent passport-type photographs in color and with a light background.
• Cash to pay for the visa fee and additional costs if they apply

The visa on arrival application form is available at 22 ports of entry in Japan or when traveling by plane are given by the airline before landing.

If the traveler does not have a photo, there is an additional fee for scanning the photo from their passport. Those who wish to visit Japan should also know that there are additional charges for the visa if you arrive between 6:00 and 8:00 in the morning, on a weekend, or on a national holiday.

How to get a visa on arrival for Japan

To get a visa on arrival for Japan the traveler should have all of the documentation listed on this site: their passport, two photographs and the completed form.

On arrival, the traveler should head to the window marked “On Arrival”. The immigration window is only for people who already have the visa.

If the traveler hasn’t already filled the application, it is advised to complete the visa on arrival form by the window. Once completed, the traveler should submit the form and the two photographs to the immigration official at the “on arrival” window.

To finalize the process, the traveler is expected to pay the visa fee in cash. It is possible to pay for this fee in american dollars. After providing all the documentation, travelers are asked to wait. The name of the traveler will be called when their application has been reviewed.

Once it is implemented in June 2019, the Japan electronic visa will eliminate the need for this complicated application process upon arrival. Applicants will be able to complete a simple form with personal and passport information and receive a copy of the eVisa via email. They will then be able to print a copy to present at the border for an expedited entry into the country.

Main border Checkpoints in Japan for visa on arrival

There are 22 ports of entry where foreign visitors from eligible countries will be able to obtain a visa on arrival to enter Japan. These are the main border checkpoints in Japan:

International airports:

• Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital;
• Luang Prabang International Airport in Luang Prabang Province;
• Pakse International Airport in Champasak Province;
• Savannakhet International Airport in Savannakhet Province.

These are the land border checkpoints where it is possible to get a visa on arrival for Japan:

Thailand-Japan:

• Chiang Khong – Houixay, Chiang Rai to Bokeo Province;
• Nakaxeng – Kaenthao, Loei to Sayabouly Province;
• Houi Koln – Nam Ngeun, Nan to Sayabouly Province;
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I, Nongkhai-Vientiane Capital;
• Tha Naleng train station in Vientiane;
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II, Moukdahan-Savannakhet Province;
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge III, Nakorn Phanom-Khammouane Province;
• Chongmek – Vangtao, Ubol Ratchathani to Champasack Province.

Cambodia-Japan:

• Dong Calor – Veun Kham, Cambodia to Champasack Province.

Vietnam-Japan:

• Nameo – Banleui, Thanh Hoa to Huaphanh Province;
• Namkan – Namkan, Nge An to Xieng Khouang Province;
• Keoneua – Nampao (Lak Sao), Ha tinh to Bolikhamxay Province;
• Laobao – Dansavanh, Quang tri to Savannakhet Province.

China-Japan:

• Mohan – Botene, Yunnan to Luang Namtha Province.

Conclusion

Touriago tries to help travellers, who want to visit Japan, but not afford an expensive Japanese tour packages. It provides useful information as well links to Indian bus tickets like RedBus, clear trip, online booking of Air India flight tickets, and links to low cost accommodation available on Airbnb such as Roomorama etc. The website even has a forum for travelers where they can share their travel stories about Japan.