Many Filipinos would love to travel to Japan, but we need to apply for a visa for that to happen. And you're reading this post because you're probably a freelancer, newly graduate, newly employed, or unemployed. Whatever your reason is, you don't have an Income Tax Return (ITR) which is one of the requirements to apply for a Japanese Visa. Luckily for you, I've done the whole process, and got approved for a Single Entry Visa. I don't have an ITR, I'm a freelancer with no CoE, NO SPONSOR, and it was my very first time traveling out of the country too. So yeah, my tips are totally legit. Below is my guide on how to apply for Japan Visa without ITR, with a sample explanation letter, tips, and a chance to win roundtrip tickets.
But first, here are the requirements for the Japan Tourist Visa first time applicants:
REQUIREMENTS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW PassportMust be at least 6 months valid before applying and traveling.
Japan Visa Application Form-It must be printed in A4 paper.
-Write or type in ALL CAPS, black ink only, and NO ERASURE.
- This post by The Poor Traveler has a great guide on how you should fill out your Japan Visa Application Form. You can download the form in his post too.
-Issued within 1 year, they don't accept older ones.
- (OPTIONAL) Form 137 or Baptismal Certificate, if your birth certificate was late registered. If you don't have either one of these, you need an explanation letter. I heard some people brought a yearbook.
-Only if you're married.
-Should be issued within 1 year.
-You can request this from your bank.
-Should be issued within 3 months.
-Tell the studio it's for "Japan Visa" because they have a specific size.
-Show your ears, and don't smile!
-Write your name & signature on the back.
- (OPTIONAL) Explanation Letter, if you don't have an ITR and CoE like me, you need this. I have a sample below.
- You can submit last year's ITR if you don't have the latest one yet. Just provide a letter from your HR or a Certificate of Employment.
-Again, this post by The Poor Traveler has examples and a sample template.
-Should include the name, address, and contact number of the hotel or Airbnb that you're going to stay.
-It must be printed in A4 paper.
FAQ: Should I book plane tickets before applying for a visa?
No, it is not required for you to book your plane tickets before applying for a Japan Visa. But I'm not going to lie, my friends and I booked our roundtrip tickets months before applying for a visa because of a seat sale. It is very RISKY so I don't really recommend it.
FAQ: How much money should I show in my bank certificate?
The rule is, your bank account should have at least Php10,000 per person per day in your stay in Japan. So if you're planning to stay for 5 days, you should at least have Php50,000 in your bank account. But just to be sure, or in my term "more chances of winning", you should aim for a higher amount than settle for the minimum amount required. But that's just my tip.
FAQ: Can I submit more than one bank certificate?
Yes, you can. I actually submitted 2 bank certificates. "But wHy diDn't yOu jUst trAnSfer yOuR mOnEy iNto oNe aCcOUnt?" Well, I've heard some people submitted more than one bank certificate, so I did the same. One even said she submitted 3 bank certificates even though the third one only has Php3,000. And yes, she got approved. Also, I've heard of people getting rejected because of a sudden huge deposit in their accounts. So to be safe, I just submitted 2 certificates instead of doing a huge deposit.
FAQ: Should my bank account be 6 months old upon application?
This is a case to case basis, to be honest. And I don't know why some people got approved while some got rejected. But in my experience, I presented 2 bank certificates as mentioned above, but one of them which has a higher amount was barely 2 months old upon my Japan Visa application. But again, I don't recommend being risky like me. As much as possible, stick to the 6 months old bank account and bank certificates issued within 3 months.
Explanation Letter Sample For Japan Visa Application
When writing an explanation letter, you should be straight to the point, honest, and stick to one page only. Make it short as much as possible. But also show enthusiasm for the trip, tell them the things you want to do in Japan, and end the letter with a subtle hint that you have reasons for going back to your country (to prove you will not illegally staying to find a job). Below is the explanation letter I submitted for my Japan Visa application:
**NOTE: This should be printed in A4 paper. And I omitted my personal details.
What Should You Book in Klook For Your Japan Trip?
My friends and I traveled to Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. It was a DIY trip, so we have control of our own time and it's cheaper that way. We research all the places we want to visit and book the rest in Klook. And when you book in Klook, make sure that you use Shopback so you can get rebates. Below are the things we booked:
- OSAKA AMAZING PASS - You can use this card in for unlimited train rides (except for JR Express), bus rides, and free entrance to tourist spots around Osaka. Just read their list.
- KANSAI THRU PASS - Just like OAP above, you can use this for unlimited train rides (except for JR Express), bus rides, and free entrance to tourist spots around Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Wakayama, and Koyosan. Just read their list.
- UNIVERSAL STUDIO PASS - Make sure to check the Universal Studio Pass Price Calendar before booking. Because different days require a different type of ticket and there are 4 types called: A, B, C, and D. You'll see in their calendar which type of ticket you will need. A lot of people made a mistake of buying the cheapest in Klook without reading USJ Calendar and so they end up desperately selling it online. Also, we didn't book Express Passes because we went there on a weekend which has fewer people, fewer lines. Here's a thorough guide.
- 4G PREPAID SIM CARD - Since there 3 of us and there's a huge chance we'll not be together in one place especially when shopping, so we opted for a sim card instead of renting a portable WiFi. So we can message each other when separated. We picked up the sim card in the airport and unlike with WiFi devices, we don't need to return it.
FREE APPS YOU MUST DOWNLOAD
- GOOGLE TRANSLATE - Make sure to download the Japanese language in the app so you can use it even when offline. This was very helpful in translating signs and restaurant menus. Just open the app's camera, and point to the stuff you want to translate.
- GOOGLE MAPS - Duh! This is a map, but it will not just tell you directions, it will also show which train or busses you should take, even the train platform and alternative routes. It's also updated in real-time so you will both the train and bus schedule or if there are delays.
- JAPAN TRANSIT PLANNER - This one will tell you the ticket prices, train numbers, platform number, and all the station names in your destination. Google Maps will just show which station you will ride and your stop, but this app will show all the stations in between. Very helpful so you won't get lost.
Get A Chance To Win Free Roundtrip Tickets to Japan!
First of all, this is not a scam. And I personally know one person who won this Fun Japan Campaign. And I personally joined this contest, but I haven't won... yet.
Anyway, here's how to join:
- Visit my referral/invite link here.
- After you input your email, complete the registration. And that's it, you have an entry.
- But to increase chances of winning, create your own referral link after you register and send it to your friends. Ask them to register too.
For more details and a full list of prizes, visit the Fun Japan website.
That's all! If you have more questions on how to apply for Japan Visa without ITR or anything else, don't hesitate to leave a comment below or slide in my Instagram DM. In my next post, I will share what you can buy in Japan and hopefully, how to apply for a Multiple Entry Visa because our trip is so memorable and fun, I am definitely going back.
