I've been traveling abroad quite a bit lately. I previously obtained a Schengen visa from the Spanish embassy, and this time I got a Japanese visa. Both visas were relatively simple; you just need to submit the documents according to the online instructions. However, there are some issues with the list of required documents for Japan, so I'm writing this guide to remind everyone of the process.

Official information website:https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/travel_and_visa.html

The following is the information I obtained regarding my tourist visa application. Other information can be found on the official website above.

Note: If you have a B1 or B2 visa, you cannot apply for a tourist visa.

Basic Information

• Application method: In-person interview with required documents
• Application period: Monday to Friday, 9:15 AM - 12:30 PM
• Pickup time: Monday to Friday, 13:30 – 16:30
• Review time: 5 days (actually 3-4 days)
• Cost: 27 USD

Material

Official instructions for tourist/business visas:https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/travel_and_visa/visa/short-term-visit-business.html

• The application form can be downloaded from the official website above. Print it out and fill it out.
• passport
• One passport photo (2” x 2”)
• Bank deposit statement
• Airplane ticket
• Hotel information (it wasn't listed online, but they asked me for it when I arrived).
• For supporting documentation (e.g., visiting relatives, attending a meeting, or something else), I brought the meeting invitation and information because it was for a meeting. During the visa interview, they asked for a letter from my company authorizing my trip, but I used the meeting invitation instead. For other details, please refer to the official website.
  • If you are visiting relatives/friends, an invitation letter from a relative/friend
  • If you are traveling for business, a letter from the inviting company in Japan and a letter from your company
  • If you are participating in a conference, printed material on the conference
  • If you are sightseeing, information regarding places you plan to visit, confirmation of hotel reservation, etc.
• Proof that you can return to the United States (I-94 + Visa, F1 + I-20, J1 + DS-2019, etc.). Remember to make copies of your documents, especially the Visa document.

Once you have all the necessary documents, you can go directly to the embassy. There's practically no queue, and the process takes only five minutes. They'll give you a receipt with the pickup date. The official timeframe is five days, but I later received an email saying I could pick it up on Wednesday (I submitted the application last Friday at noon).

If you don't bring enough materials, he will give you an email address, and you can email it to him when you get home.