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Long-Term Stay In Japan: Complete Guide To Visas And Statuses Of Residence

If you come to Japan for work, study, or cultural activities other than tourism, you'll be required to have an appropriate visa upon entering the country. This article introduces the main types of visas for long-term stays in Japan and the procedures required in order to obtain them.

Types of Visas Required for Entering Japan

If you visit Japan as a tourist and plan to stay for less than three months (*1) without engaging in work or other paid activities, in many cases, a visa is not required. Japan has short-term stay visa exemption arrangements with 68 countries (*as of June 2020).

Nationals from The People's Republic of China, Russia, and the CIS countries, Georgia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and other countries will be required to hold a short-term stay visa or tourist visa . These visa procedures can be made at the Japanese embassy or consulate in each country.

However, if you plan to work, study, or engage in cultural activities, a working visa or another type of long-term stay visa is required.

We introduce the main types of long-term stay visas and the procedures required to obtain them.

*1 The period of the short-term stay is 15 days, 30 days, or 90 days depending on the country. Please check the official website of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for details.

Note about Long-Term Stays and Residence in Japan

Photo by Pixta

The most important thing you need to know about applying for a long-term stay visa and the right to reside in Japan is that you'll be dealing with two different institutions: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , which gives you the permission to land in Japan, and the Immigration Bureau of Japan (Immigration Services Agency), which belongs to Japan's Ministry of Justice and issues the residence cards for foreign nationals living in Japan.

In other words, you'll have to go through a set of procedures before coming to Japan to obtain permission to enter the country ( visa ), and then do another set of procedures after you've landed in order to ensure your stay (status of residence) . You'll need a different set of documents for each of these procedures because two different institutions are involved.

Procedures for Obtaining a Long-Term Stay Visa for Japan

To start the application procedures for obtaining your visa, you'll first need to complete the following steps:

1. Visit the Japanese Embassy in Your Country

The Japanese embassy or consulate in your country is the first place to go for advice on visa-related matters. (See the list of worldwide Japanese embassies and consulates .)

Visit the embassy first to see what procedures are necessary to obtain a visa for working or studying in Japan. Here is where you can get a visa application form , one of the documents that you need to prepare for the procedures.

2. Contact Your Japanese Connection

In order to apply for a long-term visa, you'll need a connection in Japan. Your connection can be your employer, the school where you plan to study, or a Japanese acquaintance who agrees to become your guarantor. The cooperation of a Japanese party (your employer, host school, or Japanese friend/relative) is required to get some of the documents necessary for the visa. (*2)

A document you'll need right away before your arrival is the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) , which is issued by the Immigration Bureau of Japan. The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is required for all long-term stays visas and certifies that you fulfill all the conditions for being allowed to enter Japan.

Your Japanese connection will have to apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) at their Regional Immigration Bureau. After your COE is issued, your Japanese acquaintance will need to send you the certificate.

*2 It is advisable to apply for a long-term visa only if you have concrete perspectives of living in Japan after arriving here.

3. Prepare the Documents to Apply for a Visa

To apply for any type of long-term stay visa, you'll need to submit the following documents to the Japanese embassy in your country. - Visa Application Form (*for some countries, two forms are required) - Your Passport - One or two photographs - Certificate of Eligibility (the original and one copy)

Depending on your nationality, some additional documents may be required. Check the official website of the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country for details.

After your application is examined, you'll be called to pick up your passport from the Japanese embassy. If everything goes well, you'll receive your visa for landing in Japan. Please be aware that the visa expires in three months; you need to do the procedures at the Immigration Bureau to ensure your status of residence within 90 days after entering the country.

It usually takes around five workdays for a visa application to be processed.

Check the official website of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for details on the visa application process .

Long-Term Stay Visa Types

We introduce the main types of long-term stay visas below.

1. Work Visa

Apply for a work visa if you plan to engage in remunerative activities in any of the following professions:

Teaching, arts, religious activities, journalism, business management, legal/accounting services, medical services, research, engineering, humanities, international services, nursing care .

Period of stay Three months, one year, three years, or five years. (*The period of stay is decided when you get your status of residence at the Immigration Bureau of Japan.)

To apply for a status of residence with a work visa , you'll need to apply for a residence card at your Regional Immigration Bureau by submitting the following documents: - Application for the status of residence - Your passport - A passport-size photograph (3 cm × 4 cm) - Documents detailing your position in the company or organization, the salary you will receive, and the duration of your contract. - Documents attesting your previous academic and professional history - Documents related to the receiving company or organization, such as company registration, statement of profit and loss, etc. (*these are usually provided by the company)

In addition to the above, depending on your profession and nationality, some other documents may also be required. For example, artists may be asked to submit documents showing their previous achievements, and researchers may need to provide academic and professional qualifications.

Find more details on the documents necessary to apply for your status of residence and a list of documents for each profession type on the official page of the Immigration Bureau of Japan .

2. General Visa

If you come to Japan as a student , or to engage in cultural and training activities , or as a family member of a foreign national with a work visa, you'll need to apply for a general visa.

Exchange students, interns (*only for unpaid internships), trainees, or students of Japanese language and culture all fall into this category.

Periods of stay Cultural activities: three months, six months, one year, or three years. Students: From three months up to four years and three months. Training: three months, six months or one year Dependent (family member of a foreign national): from three months up to five years.

Soon after your arrival in Japan, visit your nearest Regional Immigration Bureau and start the procedures for obtaining your status of residence. You'll need to prepare the following documents. - Application for the status of residence - Your passport - A passport-size photograph (3 cm × 4 cm) - Documents regarding the school or institution receiving you. (*The required documents vary depending on the type of institution, so please inquire at the Immigration Bureau at the time of your first visit.)

If you are a family member of a foreign national working in Japan, authorized copies of marriage/birth certificates that attest to your relationship with the holder of the work visa, a copy of their residence card, as well as documents related to their employer will also be required.

3. Highly Skilled Professional Visa

Foreign nationals who engage in advanced academic research activities, advanced specialized/technical activities, or advanced business management activities, and already have a contract with a receiving Japanese institution can apply for a highly-skilled professional visa .

The applicants are evaluated using a point-based system that takes into account previous professional achievements and qualifications.

See more details on the requirements for the highly-skilled professional visa on this page of the Immigration Bureau of Japan .

4. Specified Visa

Foreign nationals who come to Japan on a working holiday program or for paid internships , individuals with Japanese ancestry, as well as spouses/children of Japanese nationals or of permanent residents should apply for a specified visa .

Those participating in a working holiday program, paid internships, and other types of work not covered by the work visa will need a specified visa for designated activities. A long stay of up to six months for sightseeing and recreation will also require a visa for designated activities.

Period of stay Designated activities: from three months up to five years, or a designated period up to five years. Spouse/child of a Japanese national: from six months to five years Spouse of a foreign national employed in Japan: from six months to five years

After your arrival in Japan, visit the Immigration Bureau in your region to apply for a residence card that attests your status of residence.

5. Start-up Visa

Entrepreneurs supported by municipalities in Japan and their spouses or children can apply for a start-up visa . The period of stay is six months.

6. Diplomatic Visa

Members of diplomatic missions receive diplomatic visas for a period of stay that corresponds to the length of their mission.

7. Official Visa

Individuals who come on the official business of foreign governments or international organizations recognized by the government of Japan and their family members receive an official visa. The period of stay ranges from 15 days to five years.

Important Note about the Limitations of Your Visa

If you wish to engage in other activities than those stipulated by your visa, you'll need to apply for special permission at the Immigration Bureau. For example, if your visa and status of residence are for teaching, you'll need special permission to engage in paid work (remunerative activities) unrelated to teaching.

More details on the official page of the Immigration Bureau of Japan: Application for permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted

Remember to Apply for Your Residence Card after Arrival

We've summed up the main types of visas for long-term stays in Japan. Remember that, if you come to Japan for other purposes than tourism, you have to obtain the status of residence corresponding to your visa, which means applying for your residence card at the Immigration Bureau of Japan.

It takes around two to three weeks for your application to be processed and your residence card to be issued by the Immigration Bureau. In the meantime, your main identification document will be your passport with the visa and landing permit you received upon arriving in Japan.

If your status of residence allows you to stay one year, three years, or five years in Japan, please be aware that an extension of the status of residence is needed if you plan to continue living in Japan.

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Main image by Pixta

This is the official account of MATCHA's English editorial team. We are bringing you the latest travel information on Japan.

Our beautiful cover photo features the fall foliage at Lake Kinrin in Yufuin (photo by Pixta). We hope you'll have a wonderful time exploring Japan.

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All you need to know about entering, leaving and staying in Japan

Any foreign visitor entering Japan must have a valid passport for the duration of their stay, and all visitors must comply with the conditions of their visas.

See below for information about the current visa requirements for Japan.

If you have any further questions, please contact the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

Enjoy the Digital Nomad Lifestyle in Japan

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Live in Japan long term: a five-year visa plan for Japan

When you imagine your future in Japan, what do you see? Study, then work? Language study, then higher education? Running your own business? Whatever your vision is, you need to have a visa plan in order to be able to successfully live in Japan long term.

We know how daunting that can seem as there are many types of visas with their own restrictions and opportunities, so we’ve put together our recommended five-year plan to help.

First things first: Is Japan really for you?

Moving to a new country long-term is a big deal. So the first thing you need to establish is: is Japan the country for me? If you can, try to visit Japan on a short trip as a tourist .

Keep in mind that living in a country and visiting a country to travel are two very different things.

Ask yourself whether you can see yourself living in Japan and why you want to live in Japan. Be realistic and assess the pros and cons before you dive into the next stage of your plan.

If you need more insight, read our article that weighs up living vs travelling in Japan .

If you are lucky, you will be able to enter the country on a 90-day tourist visa that many nationalities receive upon arrival at the airport.

If you want to also test out language lessons at the same time, look into our Japan Study Trips . These are short-term trips where you get to learn Japanese at a language school, but also participate in fun, cultural activities.

You can also check out our online beginner Japanese crash course . This two-week course teaches you the basics of the language and useful phrases to help you get by on your visit. For more information and to sign up, visit our website .

Years 1 – 2: Learn the language

Learning Japanese is important if you want to live in Japan long term, especially if you want to work or complete further education.

Most companies that hire non-Japanese employees require those employees to have at least business-level , or JLPT N2 , Japanese. This might vary depending on the requirements of the role and company, but opportunities outside of teaching roles where you get to work purely in English or your native language are rare.

Similarly, the majority of vocational colleges and universities only accept students who have the requisite level of Japanese.

If you start as a beginner at a language school, you can expect to reach JLPT N2 level in about two years. This is if you are enrolled full-time at school, attend all your classes and commit to your homework and study outside of class.

You can get a student visa for up to 2 years in order to study Japanese at a Japanese language school (bonus: you’ll be able to work up to 28 hours a week during this time!)

For more information about how Japanese language schools work, read our article to learn more !

Years 3 – 4: Further education

For those without a degree that allows them to work in Japan, or those who want to study more in Japan, the next few years after language school will be focused on further education. For this, you will again need a student visa.

The type of education you pursue will depend on your goals . For example, if you want to do something design-related, you can apply for a vocational college. If you get accepted, you will study at the college for two years, after which you will receive a qualification that makes you eligible for a work visa.

Courses available at vocational colleges vary widely, from architecture and civil engineering to photography and fashion. The length of the course may also vary depending on what you are studying.

Note that vocational schools only start in April each year, so you will need to keep this in mind to ensure you complete language school in time to start vocational college.

Those who wish to study at a university will need to set aside at least four years to complete a Bachelor’s degree, two years for a Master’s and at least three years for a Doctorate.

Read more about the university entrance exam for foreign students here .

Years 3-5: Work

If you already have a degree that allows you to work in Japan, or several years of work experience, then your next step following language school will be to find a job in Japan .

Your school or education institute may be able to help you connect with employers. Otherwise, you can search for jobs on online platforms.

Applying for jobs and doing job interviews can be quite different in Japan compared to your home country. Make sure you get familiar with how to write your resume in Japanese , as well as how to prepare for a job interview in Japan .

Dress etiquette is also very important, so don’t forget to read our article on how to dress for a job interview in Japan !

If you get offered a job in Japan, your future employer will request a work visa for you, which allows you to work in Japan full time.

The length of this visa ranges anywhere between 1 and 5 years. However, it is important to know that your visa is tied to the fact you are working. If you leave the job that you received your visa for, then you only get three months to find another role before your visa becomes invalid.

If your country runs a working holiday programme, that is also a viable option and especially useful to “get a foot in the door” in a Japanese company. Keep in mind that some restrictions apply based on your country of citizenship and the length of the visa also depends on this factor.

Please check with your own embassy to confirm if you are eligible, and to find out how to apply for this visa if you are in Japan on a student visa, as restrictions may apply.

Year 5 and beyond

Whether you choose to leave or continue to live in Japan – that decision is, obviously, up to you. Just make sure you have a valid visa – and you comply with the requirements of that visa – if you want to continue living in Japan long term.

If you’d like to live in Japan long term, then permanent residency (永住権, eijūken ) is the most convenient way to do so. It is not simple to obtain this residency status. It often requires you to have lived in Japan for around 10 years consecutively on a work visa , to even be able to apply.

A shortcut to the application would be to get the “Highly Skilled Professional” visa, which is based on a rather complicated point system. However it does enable you to immediately apply for permanent residency after obtaining this visa status.

Your circumstances might change or you might want to pursue different goals. Make sure you always seek professional advice in those situations to ensure you maintain the right to live in Japan.

If you would like to work freelance or start your own business , other rules apply and you would need different kinds of visas. As these are especially complicated to obtain, we recommend consulting an immigration lawyer.

Ready to dive into your new life in Japan? Contact us to get your journey started.

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Related articles, the ultimate guide to traveling in the japanese countryside, passing the jlpt n1: what you need to know, passing the jlpt n2: what you need to know, passing the jlpt n3: what you need to know.

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• Application
• Requirements

Japan Visa Types

Types of long-term stay visa, working visa, highly skilled professional visa, general visa, specified visa, diplomatic visa, official visa, types of short-term stay visa.

• Japan e-Visa (Online Visa )

Tourist Visa

Business visa, transit visa.

Japan is a fascinating country that attracts people from many parts of the world. There are several Japan visa types for travelers who wish to visit Japan with different purposes .

While some foreigners only wish to visit the country, there are several foreign visitors who wish to stay in Japan for longer periods of time to study or work in the country . Therefore, Japan has short-term visas available as well as long-term visas. The types of visa for Japan are:

Japan Long-Term Stay Visa

There are several long-term visa types for Japan . The requirements and documents will differ depending on the applicant’s nationality and individual circumstances. Among the visa types for Japan, it is possible to obtain a work visa, general visa, or diplomatic visa.

When applying for any kind of work visa is necessary to have a hosting organization in Japan , generally an employer. There are exceptions such as visas granted to journalists or artists in which an employer is not required. A hosting organization is referred to as a “visa sponsor” and those who apply for a long-term visa must secure their sponsor before applying for their visa.

Japan has two main categories for work visas, the Working Visa and the Highly Professional Visa . The Working Visa is designed for a number of different kinds of professionals including professors, artists, business managers, researchers, etc.

A working visa can grant its holder authorizations for periods of three months to up to five years, depending on the case. The process to get a work permit for Japan starts with finding a sponsor in the country that will apply to the Regional Immigration Bureau in Japan for a certificate of eligibility.

Japan Launches New Work Visas to Solve Labor Shortage

Documents needed for a Working Visa for Japan include:

• A completed application form
• A 4 cm by 3 cm photograph
• A return envelope with a 392-yen stamp
• Supporting documents that demonstrate the reasons for your visa request
• A letter of guarantee

Additional information can be provided by the sponsor in Japan and by a Japanese mission .

The Highly Skilled Professional Visa , HSP or HSFP visa , was introduced in 2012. This visa offers several advantages and it is designed for talented foreign workers with advanced and specialized skills.

This type of visa to Japan still is a work visa , therefore, it is not possible to apply without a job or job offer from a Japanese sponsoring organization.

Points are awarded to the applicant based on their educational and professional background , income and academic achievements based on a fixed point chart created by the Japanese Immigration Authorities. Applicants must score 70 points or more to be eligible for this visa type.

A holder of a highly skilled professional have certain privileges including:

• Possibility of engaging in multiple activities that cover different visa categories
• The length of the visa is 5 years
• Faster access to Permanent Resident visa
• Preferential processing of Immigration procedure (new visas, change of visa status, renewal, etc.)
• The HSFP visa holder’s spouse can also work full-time under certain conditions
• Possibility of bringing parents to Japan under certain conditions
• Possibility of hiring a domestic helper/nanny under certain conditions

For additional information about this type of visa to Japan it is best to contact a Japanese Embassy or Mission.

The general visa is designed for its holder to engage in cultural activities . The period of stay can range from 3 years, 1 year, 6 months or 3 months .

It is necessary to provide the following documents and requirements to get this type of visa to Japan:

• One visa application form (nationals of Russia, CIS countries or Georgia need to submit two visa application forms)
• One photograph (nationals of Russia, CIS countries or Georgia need to submit two photographs)
• Certificate of Eligibility - the original and one copy

A Certificate of Eligibility is issued before a visa application by a regional immigration authority under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice as evidence that the foreign national meets the conditions for landing in Japan.

Chinese citizens must also provide a copy of the Chinese Family Register and a Temporary Residence Permit or Residence Certificate.

It is possible that additional documents are required based on the applicant’s nationality.

A Specified Visa can be granted to the spouse or child of a Japanese national . The period of stay with this visa can range from 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or six months.

The documents and requirements are similar to those of the General Visa . Exceptions or specific instructions apply to citizens of certain countries. For example, second-generation Japanese-Filipinos or second-generation Japanese-Brazilians making visa application to the Japanese Embassy in Manila or the Japanese consulate in Sao Paulo are also required to submit documents that clearly show Japanese ancestry, such as a copy of family register.

A Japan diplomatic visa can be granted only to individuals that will engage in activities on the part of constituent members of diplomatic missions or consular offices of foreign governments hosted by the Government of Japan, activities on the part of those who are provided with similar privileges and/or immunities as are given to diplomatic missions in accordance with treaties or international customary practices, and the activities on the part of their family members belonging to the same household.

The period of stay is determined by the period of the mission of the person who has requested the diplomatic visa. Among the documents necessary for this type of visa, it is necessary to provide a passport, photograph and a note verbale and/or documents issued by the foreign government or international organization, certifying the identity of the person concerned and his or her purposes while visiting Japan.

An official visa to Japan can be used for official business of foreign governments or international organizations recognized by the Government of Japan . As a long-term visa, an official visa can grant stays of up to 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 3 months, 30 days or 15 days.

To obtain an official visa it is necessary to have a passport , a photograph, and a note verbale and/or documents issued by the foreign government or international organization, certifying the identity of the person concerned and his or her purposes while visiting Japan. A visa application form should also be completed.

Japan Short-Term Stay Visa

It is important that travelers are aware that documentation may vary according to their nationality and purpose of the visit. There are a few short-term Japan visas available

Japan e-Visa (Online Visa)

Once introduced, the eVisa system will simplify the process of obtaining a Online Visa for Japan for millions of travelers around the world. The Japan visa application form will only take a few minutes to complete online.

Applicants will just need to enter information such as their full name, date of birth, address, passport details, and travel plans. It will eradicate the need to go to an embassy or consulate to apply for a Japanese visa for eligible travelers.

The tourist visa for Japan is available for citizens of several countries from Asia , Africa , Latin American and former Soviet Union nations . A valid passport with 2 blank pages is required to get the tourist visa to Japan.

The temporary visa for tourism purposes can grant a stay of up to 90 days . Travelers can apply for a double-entry visa if they wish to make a trip to Japan within a 6-month period for tourism purposes.

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Chinese travel agencies are going to be able to offer online visa application services for a chinese travelers .

At this time, there’s a Japan Tourist Visa Required for citizens from :

• Afghanistan
• Antigua & Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Burkina Faso
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• Ivory Coast
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Indonesia (no e-passports)
• Marshall Islands
• Norfolk Island
• North Korea
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Saint Lucia
• Sao Tome & Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Vincent & Grenadines
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• Turks & Caicos Islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United States of America

You will need to contact the embassy nearest you to get more information .

Travelers going to Japan for up to 90 days for business purposes can get a business visa.

Japan has introduced a multiple entry visa for a temporary visit for business purposes including :

• Market surveys
• Business liaison
• Business talks
• Conferences
• Signing contracts
• After-sale service for machinery imported to Japan

The criteria for the business visa is as follows :

Nationals of countries from Asia and Asia Pacific, Central and South America, Europe, Russia and the C.I.S., parts of Near Middle East and African regions (UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, South Africa) who are employees holding supervisory positions (i.e. at least equivalent of a manager) of a corporation that satisfy one of the following listed criteria or those who have completed at least one year of full-time employment at a corporation of similar capacity can apply for a Japan Business multiple entry visa:

• A public listed enterprise (on the Stock Exchange of Singapore, Japan or another country）
• A national (state-owned) enterprise
• A joint venture with a public listed enterprise in Japan
• A company that has frequent trading with a public listed enterprise in Japan
• A company that is a member of the local Japanese Chamber of Commerce with an operational base or contact address in Japan.

There is also a temporary visa for business purposes for stays in Japan of up to 90 days which can be single or double-entry. Applicants can apply for a double-entry visa only if they have to make two trips to Japan within a six month period for business purposes.

One of the Japan visa types available for citizens of non-visa exempt countries is the transit visa . This type of visa for Japan is a requirement for travelers who need to stop over in Japan while en route to another country. To get this visa type is necessary to gather the necessary documents including a valid passport and a completed visa form .

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Visas for Japan

Temporary visitors to Japan will need a visitor visa for stays of up to 90 days, although citizens from countries such as the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, as well as EU nationals, are exempt from this.

All visitors intending to stay in Japan for longer than three months or engage in paid work will need to apply for a long-term visa. While on a tourist visa in Japan, sightseeing and tourist activities are allowed, but engaging in employment is illegal.

Temporary visas for Japan

Those who are not from a visa-exempt country and would like to visit Japan for tourism purposes, attend conferences or conduct research are required to apply for a temporary visa for Japan. The validity of a Japanese temporary visa (usually 30, 60 or 90 days) typically depends on the applicant's nationality and the purpose of their visit and can be applied for at a Japanese embassy or consulate before arriving in the country.

Applicants will need to complete an application form and submit proof of return flights. If travelling to Japan on business, additional documents, such as a letter from the applicant's company stating the nature of their visit, may be required.

Useful links

• See the complete list of visa-exempt countries for short stays
• Learn more about Japan’s visa system

Long-term visas for Japan

Those intending to live and work in the country for an extended period must apply for a long-term visa for Japan. There are different requirements depending on one's purpose in the country. Long-term visas should be applied for before entry into Japan. Work permits for Japan fall under this category.

Those wishing to study, live or work in Japan are usually required to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility before applying for a long-term visa at a Japanese embassy. The applicant's sponsor in Japan, such as their employer or school, applies for the certificate on their behalf and testifies that the bearer meets the requirements for a visa. It's typically valid for only three months, so the applicant must obtain their visa and arrive in Japan before the certificate expires.

There's no need for expats to change their visa status if they change employers while in Japan, as long as they still work in the same visa category. English teachers, copywriters and translators all fall under the Specialist in Humanities category, for example. Visas can be renewed from within Japan on an annual basis at the local Immigration Office.

• Learn about the requirements for long-term visas

Getting a residence card for Japan

Visitors who arrive in Japan on a long-term visa, and those intending to work in the country, will need to get a residence card (known as a Zairyu Card). This can be done on arrival at any of Japan's main airports. For those not arriving at one of the designated international airports, the card will be delivered in the mail.

The residence card is valid for one to five years, depending on the type of visa. It may or may not automatically allow multiple re-entries into the country, depending on the specific conditions of the visa. Having a residence card in Japan allows expats to register for critical services and products, such as opening a bank account, getting a mobile phone contract or a driving licence, or registering for the National Health Insurance benefits.

• More information on residence cards (Zairyu Cards)
• Find your local Immigration Information Centre

Permanent residency in Japan

Expats applying for permanent residency in Japan can do so through a points-based system, which is usually utilised by Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals, or they can apply based on their length of residency and other factors. Points are awarded based on factors, including profession, work experience, academic qualifications, age, achievements, salary and knowledge of the Japanese language.

• Understand the requirements for permanent residency

*Visa and work permit requirements are subject to change at short notice, and expats are advised to contact their nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for the latest information.

Further reading

► For information about documents needed to take up employment in Japan, see Work Permits for Japan

► To learn about the business culture, read Doing Business in Japan

Expat Experiences "I wouldn't list the visa process as easy; it was extremely time-consuming, with an extensive amount of paperwork and documentation constantly being requested from you. My employer handled my visa process and sponsorship." Learn more about moving to Japan in our interview with American expat Kim. 

Are you an expat living in Japan?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Japan. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.

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How To Live In Japan: A Guide To Different Types Of Long-Term Visas

How to live in Japan? Let’s be honest, who of us hasn’t asked this question before? And how often have we ultimately failed because of the bureaucratic jungle that denied us possible options for long-term visas?

In this guide, we would like to provide you with  the most important information about long-term visas for Japan ,  what types of long-term visas there are , what  requirements  you have to meet, and what you should consider if you want to emigrate to Japan.

Can I immigrate to Japan and live in Japan?

What should i consider if i want to live in japan, working visa and highly skilled professional visa, student visa and internship visa, working holiday visa, spouse visa, other types of long-term visas, how can i get permanent residence in japan, what are the requirements for japanese citizenship, how does the application process for naturalization work and which documents are required, what do i have to do before i emigrate to japan and shortly after.

The simple answer to this question is: yes, you can. There are different types of long-term visas. Most of them allow you to live and/or work in Japan for a period of one, three, or five years.

Visa types that go beyond a short stay and allow you to stay in Japan for a longer period are as follows:

• Student Visa and Internship
• Working Holidays Visa
• Permanent Residency
• Japanese Citizenship

The decision to immigrate and live in another country should never be taken lightly. Not only will the language be different, but so will the standard of living, the housing situation, and the social environment for most of us in Japan compared to our respective home countries.

Therefore, I would first like to give you a brief overview of the aspects to keep in mind when the question of wanting to live in Japan is in your head.  Three aspects played a crucial role for me. But of course, these aspects can vary from person to person.

With its  more than 50,000 Kanji , the Japanese language is  included on UNESCO’s list of the 10 most difficult languages to learn  for a reason.  If you want to live in Japan, you will not be able to avoid studying the Japanese language in either the short or long term —from simple greetings and phrases to introduce yourself to the different ways to express feelings like ‘love’ in Japanese. In addition, you’ll benefit greatly by studying Kanji. For example, if you want to explore Japan’s rural parts by train, you’ll also have to be able to read Kanji in order to get off at the correct station.

Numerous natural disasters hit Japan every year. Japan’s earth shakes around 5,000 times a year , experiences an average of three typhoons per season , and brings with them floods, followed by heat waves of up to 41 degrees, as it did in 2018 . If you have decided to emigrate to Japan, you’ll have to learn to be prepared for natural disasters.

Another issue is the cost of living and the housing situation in Japan . Those of you who have already been to Japan will know that Japanese apartments are much smaller compared to western apartments. The price for fruits and vegetables is also many times higher. In order to give you a small overview, here’s a monthly list of costs for the average income and expenditure for a two-person household in Tokyo area (as of April 2021) . Insurance expenses are not included.

From personal experience , I’d suggest any first-timers to Japan wishing to move here first get to know the country, the people, and the way of life for at least one year before making a final decision.

What types of long-term visas are there to live in Japan and how much do they cost?

Before you can apply for a long-term visa for Japan, you usually need a so-called Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) . This certificate is proof of the applicant’s fulfillment of certain entry and residence requirements and, except for the Working Holiday Visa, is required for all long-term visas.

Usually, the application for the CoE is submitted by your guarantor (employer, partner university, language school, etc.) directly to the immigration authorities in Japan and is not a responsibility (both cost and effort) on your part. The processing and issuing of the application can take about 2 to 3 months before the CoE is finally sent to you by post. Starting with the date of issue, the CoE is valid for 3 months , a visa must be applied for within this period.

You have to apply for your visa to your Japanese representation (embassy or consulate). The good news is that for most EU citizens, as well as Russian and US citizens, there are no visa fees.

For all other nationalities, the following visa fees apply:

The issuance of the visa usually does not take longer than 5 working days. Also note that the visa application must be submitted by you personally.  Applications by email or post will not be accepted.  Only when you have successfully submitted the application, it has been approved, and you have entered Japan, will you receive a  residence card (在留カード  zairyu kado ).  This is your identification card in Japan and provides information on your visa status (type, duration, etc.).

Next, let’s first take a look at the types of long-term visas available and for whom they are suitable.

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Would you like to accept a job offer in Japan, your company is relocating you to Japan, or you are taking up religious work as a missionary in Japan? Then you fall in  the working visa category .

To apply for a working visa or a highly skilled professional visa , you will normally need the following documents:

• A valid passport.
• A completed application form (this can be usually downloaded on the website of the Japanese representation in your country).
• A passport photo (45mm x 45mm/ 2in x 2in) that is not older than 6 months.
• The original CoE and a copy of it.
• For the Highly Skilled Professional Visa: A point calculation detailing your activity in Japan as well as an evidence to substantiate your knowledge (certificates, licenses, etc.).

Depending on the type of your occupation, the validity of your visa may vary. The different periods of validity for a normal working visa can be found in the following table:

The periods of validity and job titles that fall in the Highly Skilled Professional Visa are as follows:

There are also special visa options for family members (spouses and children) for people who fall in the category of the Highly Skilled Professional Visa , allowing them to stay in Japan for 5 years, 3 years, or one year. Parents of highly qualified professionals who look after their grandchildren (under 7 years old) or who want to support their pregnant (in-law) daughter will be able to stay in Japan for 1 year or 6 months.

Highly qualified professionals who have achieved 70 or 75 points in the “points system” can apply for permanent residency after an uninterrupted 3-year work stay in Japan.

Highly qualified workers who have achieved 80 or more points can apply for permanent residency after one year of uninterrupted work in Japan.

If you are still in the middle of your studies, then the category of student and internship visas will be of interest to you. It is important to know that the student visa is not only valid for university students, but also for all those who are planning a longer stay at a language school in Japan.

As with the work visa, you need the following documents to apply for a student or internship visa:

• A passport photo (45mm x 45mm/ 2in x 2in) that is no older than 6 months.
• The original and copy of your CoE.

Let’s take a closer look at the student visa first:

The period of validity of your student visa is usually based on the duration of the study program for which you are enrolled. University-internal exchange programs at partner universities in Japan, for example, usually have a duration of one or two semesters, which corresponds to a student visa validity period of 6 months or one year (in this case, however, you will often receive a visa with a validity period of 1 year and 3 months).

If you want to apply for a student visa in order to go to a Japanese language school, the maximum study period is 2 years , as is the validity of the visa.

Next, let’s take a closer look at the different types of internship visas :

Normally, a paid internship in Japan requires that you are enrolled at a university in your home country for the entire duration of the internship. For unpaid internships that do not exceed a period of 90 days, people from visa-free countries do not need to apply for the Cultural Activities Visa. The maximum 3-month Designated Activity Visa for paid internships refers to “summer jobs” that you can do during the lecture-free period at your university.

The Working Holiday Visa serves for cultural exchange and to promote a better understanding between Japan and the home country of the young people who choose this type of “holiday work stay” .

Unlike the types of long-term visas presented above, you do not need a CoE to apply for the Working Holiday Visa. Instead, certain requirements must be met for the visa to be issued:

• You have to submit the application in person and be willing to take part in an interview.
• The purpose of your trip is to explore Japan and to learn about Japanese culture, with the possible option of working. Working in Japan should not be the main reason for applying.
• You are at least 18 years old and not older than 30 years at the time of submitting your application.
• You are not accompanied by dependents (spouses or children).
• You have sufficient financial means for the first months in Japan (approx. 200,000 yen/ approx. 1,770 USD).
• You have a valid passport and a flight ticket for the outbound flight. If you have not yet booked your return flight ticket, you must provide additional financial reserves of around 1,400 USD.
• You have not yet been granted a Working Holiday Visa.
• For the duration of your stay in Japan, you will either need a copy of an insurance policy, an insurance application form or a written commitment for membership in te National Health Insurance of Japan.
• You must be in good physical and mental condition.
• You do not have a criminal past.

If you meet all of these requirements, we now come to the documents required for applying for the Working Holiday Visa:

• A completed application form (this can usually be found on the website of the Japanese representation in your country).
• Flight ticket(s)
• Proof of your financial reserves (e.g. bank statement) of at least 2,300 USD and at least 3,000 USD if you do not yet have a return ticket.
• Proof of overseas health insurance for the duration of your entire stay or the written declaration of commitment for membership in the National Health Insurance of Japan.
• Your itinerary (the form will be completed in English or Japanese).
• Your resumé (in English or Japanese).
• A one-page letter of intent in English or Japanese.

You will probably also ask yourself what exactly you should write in the letter of intent. When writing it, simply use the following questions as a guideline:

• Who are you and what are you doing?
• Why do you want to do a Working Holiday?
• Why do you want to go to Japan of all places?
• What do you hope for from your stay in Japan?
• Why should you of all people get the Working Holiday Visa?

With these questions in mind, writing the letter of intent should not be a problem for you.

If you are in Japan with a Working Holiday Visa, avoid looking for a job in the “entertainment industry.” This includes activities in nightclubs, bars, and the like. If you stay in Japan for less than a year with a Working Holiday Visa, you will be registered by the Japanese tax system as “Non-Residents.” This means that you will not receive any income tax benefits and income taxes will automatically be 20.42%.

Another type of long-term visa is the spouse visa , of which there are three different variants:

• The Dependent Visa (if your spouse works in Japan).
• The Spouse or Child Visa of a Japanese National (if your spouse/ parents is Japanese).
• The Spouse of Permanent Resident Visa (if your spouse has a permanent residence permit in Japan).

Depending on which applies to your case, the individual documents may differ in exceptional cases. Otherwise, the following documents are required for all three types of spouse visas:

• The original and copy of the CoE.

An application with individual documents must be approved by the Japanese embassy in your country , which is why you should contact the embassy beforehand. If the application with the individual documents is approved in your case, you will need the following documents to apply for the Dependent Visa :

• A copy of your spouse’s passport and visa, possibly already a copy of your partner’s Residence Card (though the original is better).
• Your spouse’s employment contract from Japan.
• A certified copy of your marriage certificate.
• Confirmation of residence in Japan, e.g. through a rental contract.

To apply for a spouse visa if your partner is Japanese , the following documents are required for each individual case:

• A recent copy of the family register (koseki tohon) from Japan, which is no older than 6 months and in which the marriage is already registered.
• A certificate of residence from Japan.
• Proof of financing (e.g. employment contract) or proof of a guarantee.
• A copy of your spouse’s passport.

If your spouse has a permanent residence permit for Japan and you would like to apply for a spouse visa, the following documents are required for the individual case:

• A copy of all the pages of your spouse’s passport.

Even if you have submitted all the documents, the embassy may ask for additional documents. Especially in the case of a marriage with a Japanese citizen, the Japanese government does everything possible to expose fake marriages, which is why a lot of evidence has to be presented for the recognition of the marriage in Japan (photos, chat histories, flight tickets, etc.).

Let’s now take a look at the duration of validity of the three different types of spouse visas:

You can find out what options there are to apply for a permanent residency in a separate section .

In addition to the types of long-term visas already mentioned, there are, of course, other possible options that we have listed here for you:

Perhaps you already have a work or spouse visa for Japan, and you are wondering when and how you can apply for permanent residency.

Of course, it would be possible to just stick to the original type of visa, but the permanent residence permit for Japan also comes with some advantages. For example, with a permanent residency, you are no longer subject to restrictions when choosing your job , which means that you can also orientate yourself in a new professional direction. Another advantage is that there is no need to continuously extend your visa and the associated administrative procedures , as well as the fees of 4,000 yen associated with the application for an extension of your visa. However, reasons such as simplified access to bank loans or protection for spouses in the event of death also play a role in applying for permanent residency.

Now let’s take a look at the requirements that you have to meet if you want to apply for permanent residency in Japan:

• You are not allowed to have any criminal past (no previous convictions, no traffic offenses, payment of taxes in time, etc.).
• You have to be able to prove that you have a secure job with which you can finance your own life.
• You have to meet all requirements for your current visa.
• You have already lived in Japan for 10 years, thereof you should have spent 5 years in Japan with a work or spouse visa.
• You currently have the longest option for your residence visa (usually a duration of 3 years).
• You have always paid your taxes and contributions to the Japanese social security system on time.
• You have a guarantor (Japanese citizen or a person with a permanent residence visa) who will assist you with the application.
• In a period of 12 months before and during the application process, you have been in Japan for more than 6 months.

This list of requirements, especially the 10-year residency requirement in Japan, may seem a little intimidating at first, but under certain circumstances, the 10-year residency requirement can be reduced. You can see these circumstances here:

• Spouses who have been married for 3 years and have lived in Japan for more than a year.
• Children of Japanese nationals or permanent residents who have lived in Japan for more than a year.
• Long-term residents or refugees who have lived in Japan for more than 5 years.
• People with a Highly Skilled Professional Visa. With a score of 70, permanent residency can be applied for after 3 years, with a score of 80, after one year.
• Individuals who have lived and served in Japan for more than 5 consecutive years (with regard to diplomatic, social, economic or cultural aspects).

And if you now meet all the requirements for applying for a visa or even some of the requirements to shorten the 10-year period, then you can now go to the necessary documents that you need to apply for permanent residency. The necessary documents are as follows:

• The Permanent Residency application form (永住許可申請書 eijuken shinsei-sho ).
• A passport photo (4c, x 3 cm) no older than 3 months. It should have a white background.
• Your current residence certificate (住民票 juminhyo ).
• Evidence from your employer (在職証明書 zaishoku shomeisho ). If you are dependent on your spouse, this document will be submitted by your spouse.
• Proof of your income (所得 shotoku ) and proof of the municipal taxes you have paid (住民税 juminzei ). This information is usually included in your tax certificate, the nozei shomeisho (納税証明書) or otherwise in the kazei shomeisho (課税証明書).
• Proof of your national health insurance.
• A copy of your passport.
• A copy of the front and back of your residence card (在留カード zairyu kado ).
• (If your spouse is a Japanese citizen, you will need a copy from the Japanese Family Register, koseki tohon 戸籍謄本.)

In addition, further documents are required from your guarantor:

• A declaration of suretyship (身元保証書 mimoto hosho-sho ).
• Evidence from the employer (在職証明書 zaishoku shomeisho ).
• Certificate of income (所得証明書 shotoku shomei-sho ) of the previous year.
• A current residence certificate (住民票 juminhyo ).

You can plan with around 4 to 8 months for the duration of the application process for your permanent residence. Of course, the exact period depends on the individual cases and case officers. The application for permanent residence will cost 8,000 yen.

Is it possible to become a Japanese citizen?

The decision to adopt another nationality, in this case, the Japanese one, may be made for different reasons, be it the advantages of the Japanese passport , the desire to vote, or professional background, such as changing jobs in the public service in Japan. If you are also thinking about taking on Japanese citizenship, here are the requirements you have to meet and how the application process works.

In 2019, around 10,455 people had exactly this wish . 8,453 people received the Japanese citizenship (国籍取得 kokuseki shutoku , acquisition of citizenship) and around 5.7 percent of naturalization applications (帰化申請 kikashinsei ) were rejected. So, you can see that it is not entirely impossible to become Japanese on a passport.

Basically, there are five requirements that you have to meet in order to apply for naturalization:

• You have lived in Japan for at least five consecutive years.
• You are at least 20 years old.
• You don’t have a criminal record.
• You can finance your life in Japan by yourself.
• You are ready to give up your original citizenship.

As with long-term visas, there are also certain exceptions here. These concern the financing of life in Japan and the surrender of your original citizenship. If you are married in Japan, your spouse can also support you if you are not the main breadwinner.

With regard to citizenship, the principle applies that dual citizenship is not allowed in Japan. Only people under the age of 20 can have dual citizenship but must have decided on a nationality before their 20 th birthday. Only in exceptional circumstances, such as when you’re unable to discard your citizenship even after extraneous effort, may dual citizenship may be possible. However, you must provide evidence on why this is the case.

Let’s take a look at the documents that you will need for your application for naturalization:

• The application form with 2 photos (5cm x 5cm).
• A handwritten explanation of why you want to become a Japanese citizen.
• Your resumé.
• A written oath on your information.
• A statement of your family relationships and family documents.
• An explanation of how you make a living.
• Evidence of our living and working place and a hand-drawn map of the area.
• Graduation certificates
• Birth certificate
• Tax and asset statements
• Your Residence Card and your passport.

You will find out which other documents you have to submit during the interviews that are part of the application process. Here is the application process itself, which contains several sections and is partly also in Japanese.

The application process for Japanese citizenship begins with a preliminary interview, during which an immigration officer will assess your qualifications for acquiring citizenship. If the employee is of the opinion that you are qualified, you will be invited to a second interview.

In the second interview, you will find out which documents, in addition to those already listed, you need for the application and which conditions you still have to meet in order to obtain Japanese citizenship. In addition, you will be shown a one-hour naturalization video that explains how to behave and integrate into Japanese society. With the help of the naturalization book, you can complete your documents after the second interview.

When these preparations have been completed and you have all the documents together, you can go to the official application interviews. The duration and frequency of the discussions vary from case to case and also depend on whether documents still have to be submitted. Immigration officials may also visit your home during the application process.

If all documents are complete and free of errors, the final application interview takes place, during which you have to submit an affidavit before your application for Japanese citizenship is officially recognized and forwarded to the Ministry of Justice. Now your naturalization application only needs to be confirmed by the Ministry of Justice and you officially have Japanese citizenship.

The naturalization process can take up to a year and depends mainly on how quickly you have all the documents together and how difficult it is to relinquish your original citizenship.

You will also need to adopt a Japanese name that consists of either katakana, hiragana, or kanji. A common method is to simply write the current name in katakana or use kanji with the same pronunciation.

Now that we have clarified which requirements and documents you need for which visa, we now come to a checklist of the things that you should consider before and shortly after your emigration so that everything runs smoothly.

Before you emigrate, your thoughts will likely revolve around the visa application, but there are a few basic things you should keep in mind:

• Validity of your documents: Check in advance how long your passport is still valid and whether you don’t have to apply for a new one.
• Copies of important documents: Make copies of important documents (passport, vaccination passport, etc.) in case the original get lost.
• Medical examinations: Make another appointment with your family doctor, dentist, gynecologist, etc., regardless of whether you have chronic diseases or not. It is simply easier to communicate with a doctor in your mother tongue.
• Insurances and contracts: Think about the timely termination of your insurances and contracts. If necessary, your bank account as well.
• Global health insurance: Take out a temporary global health insurance if you do not join the national health insurance of Japan (for example with the working holiday visa).
• Accommodation: Make an effort to find accommodation in good time so that you do not have to temporarily go to a hotel.
• Financial precautions: Make sure that you have enough financial reserves for the first few months in case you don’t find a job straight away.

Now, let’s get to the things you should do on your first few days in Japan:

• Registration office: You must have registered your place of residence with the registration office within the first two weeks of your arrival in Japan. Therefore, it is best to figure out your apartment or a sharehouse in Japan before you leave so that you do not have to go to the registration office several times. When you visit the registration office, you can also register for the national health insurance.
• Bank account: You can only open a bank account with a registered address . Possible options would be the Japan Post Bank, Mizuho Bank Shinsei Bank and others.
• Electricity, water, gas and internet: If you are looking for your own apartment and not a sharehouse, then remember to keep the appointments of your electricity, water and gas suppliers so that they can install the connections. You also have to take care of an internet provider.
• Mobile phone contract: Note that most mobile phone providers offer mobile phone contracts with a minimum term of two years. If you do not attach great importance to making phone calls, data SIM cards or mobile WiFi devices are a possible alternative so that you have mobile data .

If you are planning to emigrate to Japan or if you are simply wondering how to live in Japan, you can always get information from the Japanese embassy or the nearest Japanese consulate. All this information is without guarantee and the necessary documents and documents can vary from case to case. Nevertheless, this guide is intended to give you an initial overview of the possible visa options and to help you on your way to visa applications. Now, we wish you fun on your next adventure to Japan!

Yvonne Tanaka

I'm a German girl from Berlin, who found her second home in Japan. Since 2012, I travelled at least once a year to Japan, before I moved to Tokyo in 2017 as an exchange student. After just a few months back in Germany, I ended up in Tokyo again in 2019 - ready for telling you more about this amazing and traditional country! :)

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Guide to Long Term Stays in Japan

Staying at a share house

Share houses in Japan can offer convenience, affordability and flexibility to those looking to stay in Japan longer than the average holiday. With more and more people arriving in Japan looking to pursue their dreams, the share house market has steadily expanded in recent years.

Those coming to Japan to find a job, study abroad, or even just live here for an extended period would be wise to know more about what's on offer. It's also easier than ever before to stay in Japan for longer periods. Visitors from many countries eligible for an automatic 90 day visa on arrival – with nationals from several countries even able to double this to 180 days during their stay.

What is a share house?

Share houses provide a combination of private rooms for residents, with shared communal facilities. With lower monthly and initial costs than rental apartment accommodation, they can be attractive to live in. Shared areas vary but can include kitchens, shower rooms and bathrooms, as well as social spaces like lounges.

Why consider living in a share house?

One major problem anyone faces when they travel overseas for a longer period of time is covering costs, with accommodation the main factor:

• Hotels are great but too expensive in the long term.
• Capsule hotels can be fun the first time, but staying too long likely unwise.
• Internet cafes are a well-documented alternative backup for overnight stays, but may damage your health.
• Dorms provided by some companies/schools may be restrictive or poorly located.
• Homestays may put you up with a family you might not get along with.
• Renting an apartment can involve a high setup cost, contracting your own utilities, paperwork, a high Japanese requirement as well as some patience (specifically with regard to the ease of acceptance of foreign tenants by some landlords – every experience differs though). Either you also factor in furniture, or you focus on serviced apartments – which come at an even higher cost.

Against this climate, you may think of share houses as an ideal solution for getting on the accommodation ladder in Japan – convenient, affordable, and friendly.

Why are share houses appealing?

Share houses can appeal to a wide variety of people, but are generally popular with both students and working adults in their 20s/30s.

Depending on the company you find, there are usually a good choice of locations and most don't require you to enter into a long contract.

Because of their burgeoning appeal to foreign residents, many share houses are very easy to communicate with in English making booking hassle-free.

They can also be ideal for those who like the social aspect of having lots of neighbours straight from the beginning – after all, arriving in a foreign country is never easy on your social life as things get started.

How to decide if a share house is for you?

Pros of living in a share house.

In addition to offering different types of housing, what sets sharehouses far apart from other types of accommodation is its combination of high quality facilities and low prices.

• Facilities Rooms are often fully furnished, while some locations include additional communal areas like theater rooms, multi-purpose studios, and other special features. Appliances such as mini fridge and washing machines are often included. Some providers, like Oakhouse, even offer a car transfer between locations.
• Free Internet Available in all lounges and each private room is equipped with LAN connections.
• Affordable Rent Amazingly, despite all those benefits and privileges, almost all share house rental rates fall between the 35,000 to 80,000 yen per month range.
• Utilities included Everything works on the day you arrive – not necessarily the case when renting an apartment.
• Fewer Additional Fees One major letdown many people face when signing a new housing agreement is the numerous fees laid on top. The surprise of finding a good deal can be offset by the slow horror of learning the total fee list expected upfront. Think agency fees, key money, gift money, security deposits, rent deposits and the like (though negotiation may be possible to some extent). Share houses will have their own fee structure, but it is likely highly simplified with less stealth charges to worry about – of course, always confirm what you are expected to pay before you sign anything.
• No Guarantor Required Typically with entering long-term contracts or large purchases, you'll need to supply details of a guarantor. This is usually a family member or willing company, which is neither easy or possible in many cases.
• Meet People If you're new to Japan, it can be a good way to build up a social network quickly.
• Female only-properties Some share house locations are provided exclusively for female residents, for added security and peace of mind.

Cons of living in a share house

• Less Privacy You'll need to be prepared to adapt to shared living – sharing amenities like shower rooms, bathroom facilities and cooking spaces might lead to frustration at times, as well as the volume/noise of being around so many people.
• Space Space is a premium in Japan, and share houses drive down costs by keeping rooms compact.
• Neighbours Although it sounds great to suddenly meet so many people and make potential lifelong friends on your desktop (hence also listed as a pro), there is no guarantee you'll get along with them. Some share houses may have very few communal areas to socialise too.
• Minimum tenancy One thing of note is that some share houses, apartments, and social residences all require a minimum staying duration of one month.

How to choose a share house?

When looking around you'll want to consider several factors:

• Figure out how far away you are prepared to live from your place of work or study to find a potentially suitable location
• Know that although newer properties may seem more attractive, rents may be lower purely because the best locations are already occupied.
• Think about access to supermarkets and convenience stores.
• Contract Make sure everything is agreed and stated in a contract. Make sure you know what type of contract you are signing (e.g. fixed term vs regular rental), what fees are expected, and the rules of living and using facilities.
• Management It's not necessarily straightforward to identify a reliable management company, but the usual signs apply – how responsive are they, how reliable are they, how well do they know the properties and how often do they visit them?
• Rules Make sure you are aware of the living rules at each share house. With the growth in the market, many share houses have emerged catering to e.g. women-only locations, pet-friendly properties and so on. Rules with regard to friends or family visiting may be important.
• Viewing It helps to have the chance to view in person, so make an appointment before deciding. This should give you the chance to get a feel for the kind of people staying there, as well as the vibe of the local area.

Which companies provide share houses?

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By Edward Yagisawa

Community writer

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How to Get a Long Term Tourist Visa in Japan

It’s very difficult to find any information on how to get a long term tourist visa in Japan. So whilst this post isn’t dog related I wanted to document my experience in how to get this coveted visa! For long term readers of this blog, you all know we’ve wanted to move to Japan for a long time. However, as the humans have already retired at a young age, they aren’t eligible for any of the standard visas. So they wanted to explore what long term options were available to allow them to stay in Japan longer term.

They are both British Nationals which allows them to enter Japan on a Temporary Visitor visa for 90 days. As British Nationals this can be extended for a further 90 days. However, that’s the maximum they’d be allowed. As the maximum you can stay is 180 days out of every 365 days. So what other option is there?

Designated Activities : Long Stay for Sightseeing and Recreation

After a lot of research, they stumbled across the Designated Activities : Long Stay for Sightseeing and Recreation visa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs website has a lot of useful information on their website. It’s not so easy to qualify and certainly won’t be for everyone. However, if you do meet the requirements it’s a great option. The requirements you must meet to get this visa are;

• Must have at least ¥30,000,000 in savings between you and your spouse (if travelling together)
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Hold private medical travel insurance which covers death, injury, illness during your stay

This visa allows you to stay for a period of 6 months. But it can also be extended for another 6 months as long as you apply before the expiry of your current visa. Giving a total of 12 months (plus any time you’ve had on your Temporary Visitor Visa). Given there is a possibility to extend your Temporary Visitor visa for a period of 90 days, in theory you could apply towards the end of that extension which would give you a total of around 18 months.

Our Experience

We originally intended to apply for this visa before arriving in Japan, however, in order to do so you should hold a long term visa in the country you are applying. For us this would have been Thailand and we were there on tourist visas. I’ve since been told that British Nationals can apply for this visa as a tourist in Bangkok now so we’ll maybe try that in the future.

We entered Japan on 20th January 2023 on the 90 day Temporary Visitor visa. It took a couple of weeks to settle in and we headed to the Tokyo Immigration Office in Shinagawa on 30th January. We received our Residence Card on 24th February, so it took less than 2 months in total.

Depending on where you stay in Japan will depend on which immigration office you go to. We chose the office in Shinagawa. It’s about a 25 minute walk from Shinagawa station and this is what we did each time. However, there is a bus, number 99, which drops off directly outside the immigration office.

Each time we went, we went in the afternoon. Reading online says to avoid long waits you should go before it opens, but we were fine going in the afternoon.

As a brief overview the steps we had to follow were;

• Apply for Certificate of Eligibility
• Submit application for Change of Residence Status
• Pick up Residence card (which is confirmation of the visa)

Certificate of Eligibility Requirements

The first step to get the Long Term Tourist Visa in Japan is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility. This is basically to prove that you satisfy the conditions required for the visa you are applying for. Therefore, the documents we had to provide were;

• Copy of passport
• Proof of savings of ¥30,000,000 (6 months bank statements)
• Proof of medical insurance that covered our period of stay
• Schedule of stay to confirm what we planned to do during our stay
• Application form for Certificate of Eligibility
• Passport photo (available to booths in the immigration office)

It does state you should provide your marriage certificate also, however we didn’t provide this and weren’t asked for it. I’m not sure if this is because we each qualified in our own right so weren’t reliant on the other to apply. We provided one copy of the bank statements and medical insurance since everything was held jointly.

Certificate of Eligibility Application Step 1

We took the documents upstairs to the first floor to counter T (brown counter to the far left after going up the escalator). You now need to take a queue number from the machine. The first time we arrived about 2pm. Here they checked through all of the documents which took about 30 minutes.

After they checked, they asked us to provide the policy documents for the medical insurance to show exactly what it covered. Originally we had only given the overview.

As we had received a substantial sum of money into the bank account from a property sale in the bank statements, we were asked what this was from and asked for proof of the sale of the property. We didn’t have the money in the bank for the full 6 months the first time around but still got approval.

Thankfully we had the extra documents on our One Drive account. We went downstairs to Family Mart and printed them. We also got a revenue stamp of ¥400 to cover the postage when they notified us of the result of the application. However, you can now opt to receive the results via e-mail which saves the postage and some waiting time.

By the time we finished printing and got our stamp, it was already 4:15pm and T counter was closed (it closes at 4pm). However, as we’d already started, they allowed us to submit the extra documents. He quickly checked the documents, stamped a piece of paper and told us to go to counter E downstairs to submit them for approval. Counter E is to the right of the main information counter on the ground floor which you will easily see when you enter immigration.

Certificate of Eligibility Application Step 2

When we arrived at the counter it was also already closed (they close at 4:30 and it was 4:32) so we were a bit disappointed we were so close. However, we approached the lady at the counter and explained it took us a bit of time to get to the counter and she thankfully allowed us to get a ticket to wait to submit! The great thing about the immigration here is we found everyone really does want to help and are so friendly.

We waited about 10 minutes before we were called and submitted the papers. She took them away to check and we sat back down. After a few more minutes she came back and said everything was fine and gave us a receipt for the application. We had to submit a stamped addressed envelope for them to post the result to. She told us it would take about 3 months for the result. As we were in a temporary Air BnB and didn’t know where we’d be in 3 months time, we put our friends address on here. I’m not sure what you would do if you didn’t have any Japanese friends though! We left the immigration office at about 5pm. As I mentioned above, you are now given the option to receive results by e-mail. Check my other post about our second application for more information.

Whilst it had taken 3 hours, it really didn’t feel like that long at all. Everyone was super friendly and helpful and we were just really pleased we didn’t miss the cutoff and had completed the first step.

Certificate of Eligibility Approval

We got a phone call on 17th February from immigration to tell us that the result of the Certificate of Eligibility application had been returned to them due to sender unknown. We hadn’t realised but we put our name on the envelope. This meant that the post office would not deliver to our friends address since we weren’t registered as living there. They wouldn’t tell us over the phone what the result was and as it was already 17:05 on a Friday evening we had a long wait over the weekend before we could go to immigration to collect the result.

We were super shocked that the result was back already since they told us 3 months. We believe it’s because there’s not many applications for this type of visa so processing is quicker than say an employment visa that loads of people apply for.

On the Monday we headed back to Shinagawa. Again we went in the afternoon and arrived at about 1pm. We went straight to Counter T and showed him our passport and he immediately knew what we were there for. He gave us the envelope which thankfully had our approval in! The approval was actually dated 3rd February. So it only actually took 3 days for approval which I’m sure is some kind of record! It was only because of the mix up with the postal address it took longer.

We were asked if we wanted to apply for the Status of Residence change. Of course we said yes so he gave us the required forms. We decided not to apply there and then as we felt that we’d like to use a bit more of our Temporary Visitor visa before applying to get as much time as possible in Japan.

Submit Application for Change of Residence Status

The second step to apply for the Long Term Tourist Visa in Japan is to change your residence status. You can find the application form here so you can fill it out in advance. Although these are often not updated ait might be worth just getting it from immigration itself. You need to submit;

• Application form
• Original Certificate of Eligibility
• Copy of certificate of Eligibility
• Passport photo

On 7th March we headed to immigration. We took our documents upstairs to Counter T again. They took the documents and asked us to wait whilst they checked them over which took about 15 minutes. Everything was fine so they gave us a confirmation and told us to go to Counter B1 to submit the papers.

Counter B1 is the orange counter directly in front of you at the top of the escalator. There wasn’t a big queue so took less than 5 minutes to submit. She checked through them again, took our passports and gave us a ticket number and a postcard we were told to write our address on. We then had to go wait by Counter B4 (in between B1 and T counter) for our number to be called. We were given number 026 and when we sat down it was on 853.

Thankfully the numbers weren’t called in order. I think as we were applying for a lesser known visa, it was quicker to process. We were called and out within 30 minutes. At this counter, we handed in the postcard with our address (by this time we had a permanent address) and were given back our passports. The passports had a stamp that extended our Temporary Visitor visa for 2 months in the event the approval was not given before it expired.

Visa Approval!

On March 17th we opened our post box to the lovely site of the postcard informing us that our visa had been approved! We hadn’t been as happy as how we felt that evening. Finally we knew we’d be able to stay in Japan long term.

The post card told us that we needed to go back to immigration to get the visa between 16th and 30th March. It also listed the documents we would need to bring with us;

• ¥4,000 revenue stamp
• Application receipt
• The postcard confirming approval

We had a few things to do that week so we went to immigration on Friday 24th March. We arrived at 1:30pm and first went to the 711 to buy our revenue stamps. There’s a separate queue just for stamps so it made it easy. Note they only accept cash. After we got our stamps we headed upstairs to counter A1 as mentioned on the postcard. This is well sign posted and is upstairs and to the right of the escalator.

Getting the Visa

The queue was small so we were hopeful this would be a quick visit. We handed over our postcard, passport, receipt and stamps. After sticking the stamp onto another form we signed to confirm we had made payment. Then we were given a ticket, number 677, time stamped 13:38 and told to wait by counter A4, which was right next to A1. When we looked at the screen it was on number 404 and said estimated waiting time 180 minutes! Oh man!

It was really hot, even though the weather was miserable outside and it was super busy with no spare seats. So we decided to head to the nearby Lawson and grab some snacks. When we got back we checked the numbers and they were only up to 455 so we knew we had a long wait ahead. In hindsight we should have gone back into Shinagawa, but we found a seat on the ground floor where it was cooler and just camped out there. To be honest the time went quite quickly.

At 4pm most of the counters close. I guess they accept applications until 4pm and as long as you get in by then you are guaranteed a result as people were still submitting right until the end. One of us kept popping upstairs to check the numbers, and after 4pm they started to go up a lot more quickly. We finally got to 676 at 4:25pm but then they moved on to 687. Oh no!!! We watched as it went all the way up to 735 and finally our number was called, 677 at 4:50pm. A total of 192 minutes, so it wasn’t a bad estimation.

We were handed back our passports after they checked to confirm it was us as well as our residence cards. In the passport, there’s a piece of paper stapled that he said you must keep in your passport at all times. It basically says what you are allowed to do on your visa (basically only sightseeing and no working). The 2 month extension stamp was also voided. However, there was no actual visa or any stamp in the passport. It seems the residence card is the main thing that you need.

We were super happy that we managed to get this visa at it seems it’s not very common at all. But we felt that the process was very simple as long as you follow all the guidelines.

Visa Extension

As our 6 months came to an end we didn’t want our time in Japan to end. So we applied for a visa extension. On the website it states that a 6 month extension can be provided if you apply for it before the expiry of your current visa. Our visa was due to expire on 24th September so we went back to Shinagawa immigration on 6th September. We didn’t want to leave it too late in case of any unexpected surprises so gave ourselves a couple of weeks grace.

We arrived at immigration around 12pm and headed to counter T. 12pm is pretty much when everyone goes on lunch so there was only 1 person working on the counter. Now they have a ticket number machine here which we didn’t see at first so stood in a queue. When we saw 2 other people collect tickets we were a bit annoyed at ourselves and then got a number. As there was only 1 person working the queue it took about an hour before we could hand over our documents. Even though there were only 3 people in front of us. It would have been much quicker if a) we got a number straight away and b) had we not arrived over lunch. Once it hit 1pm more staff came back from lunch to help and the queue moved much quicker.

Submitting Visa Extension Paperwork

Once our number was called we handed to them the documents we had brought;

• Visa extension application form
• Original passport & photocopy
• Original residence card & photocopy
• Copy of 6 months bank statements showing at least ¥30,000,000
• Copy of medical insurance policy document

They took them off us and checked over them which took about 15 minutes. Then they called us to the counter. It seemed the extension form we’d completed in advance from the website was an old form. So they gave us the new one to fill out (it wasn’t really any different). On the application form you have to state why you want to extend. We just put that we wanted to further explore Japan and listed some areas we wanted to visit. It does ask on the form if you have flights booked to leave. We did as plan to go back to Thailand for winter. So we put the dates of this on the application and provided flight booking confirmation. Whilst we asked for a 6 month extension we weren’t sure if we would get the full 6 months with us having said we were leaving in November.

Once we’d filled in the new form just like the first time he stamped a piece of paper, gave us all our documents and told us to go to counter B5.

2 month extension

At counter B5 there was no queue and she took our documents for a quick check through them. She then asked us to fill out our address on the postcard. She gave us a receipt and a piece of paper that said you are still able to stay in Japan for up to 2 months from the expiry of your current visa if you have applied for an extension. This gives them 2 months to give you a result. However, if you don’t have a response by then you would need to leave (or call immigration for an update). This gave us leeway and actually gave us extra time in Japan. Our current visa expired 24th September so we knew we would have at least until 24th November worst case. Which was enough for our flight back to Thailand.

Extension Approval

The postcard of glee was stamped 3rd October so it took just under a month for approval. We were on a trip and only received it when we got back on 16th. Which was really lucky because the postcard gave us until 17th October to go and receive the extension. So the next day we headed down to Shinagawa. We feel like we are pros at this now. We were told to bring the same documents. as last time (¥4,000 revenue stamp each, passport, the application receipt & the postcard). The only difference was we were also told to bring our old residence cards and had to also resubmit new photos. We had given the same passport photo as the original application so they wanted a different one for some reason.

The process to receive the visa was the same as the first time round (under visa approval heading). Only the queue wasn’t as long this time. We arrived at 13:24, got number 589 and wait time said 150 minutes. It seemed that the numbers weren’t called in much of an order and plenty of numbers way higher than ours received theirs long before us. At 15:18 our number was called so it was about 20 minutes less than expected.

Our passports and our old residence cards (with a hole in to show they were now invalid) were given back to us. Thankfully we received another full 6 months not just until our flight in November. So that means we can officially stay until April 2024. What a result!

I still don’t really understand why the cards aren’t ready when they’ve already approved them. It doesn’t make sense to have such a long wait. But hey, if it means I get to stay longer I’ll happily wait a few hours!

Hopefully this helps if you’re planning to get a Long Term Tourist Visa in Japan. Why don’t you just leave the country and come back in for another 90 days? Personally, we want to spend at least 9 months in Japan a year, rather than 6, which is the official amount of time permitted on a Temporary Visitor visa. Whilst there are many reports of people going out to Korea and back often, we don’t want to run the risk of being rejected upon arrival.

Especially having Wylie, it’s just not worth the risk. Knowing that you are 100% legal is certainly worth the few trips to immigration for us. You are also allowed to leave and come back in as often as you like during the 6 month period.

Knowing the visa can easily be extended in country also is perfect for us. We have now also began the process for applying for this visa for the second time as our extension has now expired. Check out my other post on this process if you are interested to know what you need to do to apply for a second time.

If by any chance you will be coming with your pet, don’t forget to check out some of these pet friendly places in Japan. You can also check out my Amazon store (affiliate link) which has all the details all of my recommended products I use then travelling with a dog. You can check it out here . Any questions you may have please feel free to ask them in the comments below 🙂

Woof woof, Wylie & his humans x

If any of my travel tips are helpful, please feel free to leave a small donation which would be greatly appreciated 😊

121 thoughts on “ How to Get a Long Term Tourist Visa in Japan ”

Hi there, thank you for providing information on this visa type. There isn’t a whole lot on the internet about it, so I’m glad that someone is posting about their experience so that others can learn from it!

I’m interested in applying for this Visa type and am capable of meeting all of the requirements. Towards the end of your post, you mentioned that you would be applying for this Visa type next time from Bangkok since you found out it’s possible. My understanding is that the COE has to be applied for whilst in Japan (so it would make applying for this Visa while in a different country more difficult unless you had a proxy to fill this out for you in Japan) – is that incorrect?

Hi, yes there’s such little information out there about it! When you read the list of requirements for the visa it states that if you apply with COE you don’t need to provide bank statements, schedule of stay & medical insurance. Which means that you can actually apply without the COE if you apply at your embassy outside of Japan. But to do this you must provide those items (things which you need to apply for the COE) and it’s likely it will take a bit longer than submitting with the COE.

I confirmed this understanding with the Japanese Embassy in Bangkok also. It’s therefore worth checking with the Embassy where you would apply from that they would allow the same. Usually you need a long term visa in the country you apply from but Thailand has an agreement for certain countries that allow them to apply without it (UK being one of them).

Wow, thank you so much for the detailed report! This is helpful information for anyone (like me) applying for this visa. Your response to the previous comment is also illuminating.

Did you conduct this process in English or Japanese?

Thank you! I hope your experience is as smooth as ours was. We did everything in English (with a little help from Google translate!)

Hi there, this visa gave me some hope after finding out that it is almost impossible for my Japanese spouse or myself to sponsor our parents to move to Japan with us on a dependent visa.

Can I ask whether you are staying in a short-term rental apartment or a serviced apartment? Hotels are definitely out of the question if they are coming over for 6-9 months but it also won’t be easy for them to live with us with kids around.

Glad that the post is useful for you 😊 actually we ended up buying our own place. But for the first month we stayed in an Air BnB which was a life saver. Obviously having a dog makes things a lot harder but I think without one there are plenty of options for serviced apartments/Air BnB’s that would be suitable good luck!

Oh wow, that’s awesome. Alright, will look around for the best accommodation option for my parents. Thanks for replying! 🙂

Yours is one of a very few that describes the process to obtain that visa, thanks.

A couple of questions if I might:

1. What is the policy in getting another such visa after the 6-month extension ends?

2. How much detail was required for describing your “planned activities?”

Thanks for the positive feedback! In response to your questions;

1. From what I have been told, to get another one you have to do the same process from scratch with the COE etc. When we do it next year I will update the blog 🙂

2. We didn’t put that much detail in terms of planned activities, we kept it quite simple and split between various cities eg Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka etc then just listed some tourist attractions in each place.

Hope that helps!

Thanks for the quick response!

Do you know whether any gap is required between visas, or can you essentially just move to Japan albeit as a full-time tourist?

As far as I am aware you can apply straight away which is what we are planning to do. I spoke to one person who said he had managed to do that but until we do it for ourselves I couldn’t say 100%!

Hi, thanks very much for all the information on your site. I am a bit confused and concerned that you still had to submit the bank records, insurance and schedule of activities as they say on the MOFA site that if you have a COE those are not necessary ? Are they essential in all cases when applying for a COE ? The way I understood,or hoped 🙂 it worked was that those were not necessary if a Japanese friend/ contact person did the application. I am in Japan at present on a tourist visa; I asked a Japanese friend to do the COE for me – he called immigration to enquire about it, specifically what visa to enter on the COE application form; when he told them, they said there is no such thing 🙂 and anyway I would have to return to my home country as I cannot change my tourist visa to a long-stay visa ! without leaving Japan. Please give me your thoughts as I will struggle to do this alone and also to provide enough proof of funds unless I can include the value of my property in my country.

If you apply for the visa in your home country you don’t need COE but must submit the bank records, insurance etc.

If you apply in Japan you must first do COE. COE can’t be done by just a friend it has to be done by yourself, an immigration or your sponsor eg employer. The purpose of COE is to confirm you meet the requirements for the visa you are applying for. Therefore you must submit all relevant documents eg bank proof and insurance in order to get COE

If you don’t have bank proof then you don’t meet the requirements for the visa and therefore wouldn’t get a COE. After all, the requirements for the visa are pretty clear so if you don’t qualify for it I’m not sure how you would expect to get a COE.

Property value doesn’t count because the purpose of this visa is to prove you have sufficient funds to support your time in Japan without the need for support from Japanese authorities. They may have set that limit relatively high but they’ve set it for a reason. A property won’t count because you can’t easily cash it in and spend it to find your life here.

So unfortunately it doesn’t seem that this visa is going to be for you.

PS there’s no need to go back to your home country. Once you have COE you can submit change of visa at immigration and they change from tourist visa to this one in country, no need to leave. This is what we did.

Hello, thank you very much for writing this article, there is indeed not a lot of information about this type of visa, so thank you!

The requirement says to have “Documents such as a bankbook to prove that the applicant’s savings are more than 30 million Japanese yen along…” and you mentioned a property value doesn’t count because it’s illiquid.

Do you know if they also consider a combination of investments in stocks, mutual funds, or physical gold? These are relatively liquid or easy to cash in.

Our bank statements showed mutual funds and stocks and they accepted that, although we qualified with the cash we had. I’m pretty sure they do accept but couldn’t say 100%.

Good to know 🙂 thank you so much for your reply.

I consulted a Japanese immigration lawyer, and they told me the funds must be in cash. I asked about money market funds, and they thought it was probably alright but were clearly not familiar with the concept.

Yeah I think even immigration lawyers aren’t sure because so few people apply for this visa. It’s better to just go to immigration yourself (if you can) as ultimately they are the ones that make the decision and the only ones who know 100% what they will and won’t accept.

The requirements do just say savings, it doesn’t specify cash so I personally think mutual funds would be OK and we did include ours in our application along with the cash to bulk it up but we qualified with cash alone so not sure if they took them into account.

Interesting, thank you for the response.

I applied for this visa after following your guide (was super helpful! thanks!). Not much info anywhere else.

Unfortunately I was rejected with the reason being that stock is not acceptable for the 30mil limit… Although only one of my stock accounts was flagged as not acceptable, so I am not sure what the difference is from that account compared to my other stock accounts… I received a letter telling me to make up the difference with some other evidence or withdraw my application.

Oh that really sucks! It seems strange they wouldn’t allow stocks since you’re more likely to hold onto them than just spend it. But I guess they look at it in that you might not be able to liquidate quickly if you need access to it. Was there any big difference between the account they didn’t accept and the ones that they did in terms of liquidity?

Is the certificate of eligibility form you mention the one here? https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/designatedactivities10.html?hl=en

If so, which sections did you fill out? I don’t see any mention of designated activities – long stay sightseeing.

Yes that’s right. You choose option 10, others, so then 27 and 32 😊

Not sure I see all those options. I am looking at this COE file “930004059.xlsx”, could you specify the row number to choose options 10,27,32? Thanks

Sorry we didn’t use the Excel file we just used the PDF and printed it out then filled in the relevant sections.

Hi, thanks for all your interesting articles. Regarding the long-term tourist visa, I applied for COE and my application was accepted; a week later immigration contacted me and asked me to withdraw my application as I am not from a visa waiver country, although on the actual application form for this visa it states that ‘ the applicant is a foreigner who . . . etc ‘ l am unable to find that stipulation on the internet. I would appreciate your opinion regarding this point ?

https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page22e_000738.html

“Nationals and Citizens of visa waiver countries or regions and who meet all of the following requirements:…”

Thank you, I read that first part as applying to individuals from visa waiver countries; then, as they repeat ‘ individuals 18 years and older ‘lower down I thought that that part below would apply to me hahaha. Strange that immigration didn’t know I was not eligible in the first place and as I mentioned there is no mention of visa waiver on the visa application form. But as you mentioned this visa is quite unusual so even the authorities are not so aware of the rules or procedure 🙂 Thanks again Mike

What did you use for the medical insurance requirement? I’ve been using WorldNomads on my short term stays, but am curious how the long term people who can’t get on the national insurance plan are doing this and what their experiences are.

We use our annual medical insurance from Thailand. They won’t accept any national insurance coverage it has to be private insurance and you must show that it covers the full time that you are planning to be there for. We previously paid monthly for ours but had to pay for the full year in one go in order for it to be accepted.

Great info and glad I found your blog. I am in Japan now on a 90 day tourist visa, leaving in a few days to Thailand for 90 days. Would like to spend next year in Japan on the designated activities visa. I meet the financial requirements and can purchase a travel health insurance policy. You stated as a Brit you thought you could do all this in Bangkok at the Japanese embassy? Any idea if US citizens also can apply outside there home country? Like to learn a bit more before I take a trip down to Wireless road. It seems like maybe it would be easier to just enter on a 90 day waiver and then do everything in Japan, giving someone maybe 15 months total? Also looking forward to see if you could renew this after for a consecutive year.

Finally, on the residence card, is this a normal zairyu card that would allow you to theoretically open a bank account and do other more official stuff that you cant do on a regular tourist visa?

Hi Greg, yes you should also be able to apply from Thailand as the information they sent to me was that if you are a member of an OECD country (US is a member) then the general requirements don’t apply (ie you don’t have to prove you are resident of Thailand so can apply on a tourist visa). You can apply through JVAC https://visa.vfsglobal.com/tha/en/jpn/attend-centre

Yes we felt that coming in on the 90 days and then applying in Japan was a good option as it potentially gives you that bit longer although we were a bit nervous since it was the first time we’d done it so we applied quite soon after we arrived to be on the safe side. Since we travel with our dog we also wanted a bit extra time just in case things didn’t go as planned. We submitted our application for extension on 6th September and waiting for the approval postcard to arrive. On the application we did put that we had a flight out of Japan in November so I’m not sure if we’ll only get approval until then or the full 6 months we asked for.

For residence card we got the standard residence card, but in order to open a bank account every bank we looked at wanted you to have a valid residence card for at least 6 months so it wasn’t possible to open a bank account with it. We’ve only used it otherise for exiting and re entering the country but it makes us feel more official than we ever did in Thailand!

Is it possible to string enough of these together consecutively to qualify for permanent residence?

I really don’t know. I’ve been told you can apply for more than one but I’m not sure how they’d view it you applied year after year. There’s nothing to say you can’t but ultimately it’s still a tourist visa so I don’t know. My personal thought would be that these wouldn’t qualify you for permanent residency no matter how many you did as you wouldn’t be paying taxes etc and aren’t eligible for national health service so I doubt it would help towards permanent residence but that’s my personal opinion you’d need to check directly with immigration for the official answer.

“as you wouldn’t be paying taxes etc”

Is this true? You can stay 6+ months on this visa without being considered a tax resident?

I was afraid id get hit for the 30%+ japanese income tax on my dividends/capital gains if i stay that long, if thats not the case I’ll move there this year!

As far as I am aware you need to be living there for 5 years before they tax you on overseas income. If you are living there and earning income there it’s a different story but on a tourist visa you can’t do that. I guess you’re classified as tax resident since you’re there over 183 days but you have no income there for them to tax you on.

However, it’s better that you speak to a tax accountant for your specific situation as everyone has different circumstances and the last thing you want is a big tax bill! Although since it’s a bit of a niche one it’s usually more difficult to find someone who has the correct answers!

Let us know what you find out 😀

Yes, I’m pretty confident that you owe taxes. The first 5 years you are considered a Non-Permenant Resident. You are right that you probably have no Japan-sourced income, but you seem to have missed that you are required to pay tax on any money that you bring into Japan during these years. I’m assuming you are paying for housing and food and things while you are there. That money is all subject to taxation in the year you bring it into the country. At that point they do consider your worldwide income to determine how the money you bring in should be taxed (i.e. even if you are bringing in money from savings, the first x dollars you bring in will be considered as coming from whatever x taxable income you made worldwide in that year).

Like I said, best off you speak to a tax advisor based no your own circumstances. We are just going off what we were told based on our circumstances. Which is that as a tourist who is not earning any income in Japan we do not need to pay taxes unless we live there for 5 years continuously then we would be taxed on worldwide income.

You can’t get a bank account in Japan on a tourist visa to bring money over. You can only take out cash or pay for things with overseas credit cards so the money isn’t technically being brought over. This is the case for short or long term tourists. If what you say is true then it would mean a tourist spending a week in Japan on a once in a lifetime trip but spending over the tax allowance would also be liable to tax on what they spend. I don’t think this is the case.

But, it’s always important that you get your own tax advice on your own situation so that you are comfortable with your own liability.

Who did you talk to? Maybe they know some cool workaround the rest of us can use, but it sounds like they are advising you to break the law. Just google Non-Resident tax Japan to confirm that you do fall into this category and that you do owe tax on any money remitted to Japan. When you take out cash or spend on your credit card, you are remitting money to Japan. Dont listen to me, google it. Your example of a person on a once in a lifetime trip will not owe taxes, of course, because they are not staying over 6 months in the year and becoming a tax resident. I think you had better get a second opinion… Maybe someone else from the blog can chime in. I think you still have time to pay tax for 2023.

A simple Google search shows the following information also;

The scope of income taxes varies according to the type of residence.

Residents are taxed on their entire worldwide income, earned inside and outside Japan. Non-permanent residents are taxed on their locally-sourced income. Their foreign-earned income is also taxed if paid within or remitted to Japan. Non-residents are taxed only on their locally-sourced income, such as salary, wages, and other types of income.

The use of the individual’s untaxed foreign income or gains to pay the credit card company in respect of the relevant debt will be a taxable remittance.

The key word here is untaxed foreign income. Given Japan has tax treaty’s with most countries, it would be assumed that you will already be paying tax on your earned income in the country in which you earn in the income. Therefore, you wouldn’t be expected to pay tax again in Japan.

As I said before, it’s best you get your own tax advice based on your own circumstances rather than relying on a dog blog or Google.

I’m glad to see that you found the information with a simple google search. Now it seems that you just need a little help understanding it. Oh well, i tried to help, but im going to bed now. Anyways, thank you so much for this excellent detailed guide on this visa.

Thanks for this post! For the health insurance requirement, did you apply for a 6 month or 1 year international traveling insurance before you knew whether you would be accepted? Isn’t it a bit hard to tell what time period you should be getting insurance for if there’s uncertainty around the visa dates themselves?

We have annual insurance anyway for medical expenses since being an expat we don’t have coverage so an annual policy is better suited for us anyway.

Were you able to submit documents in English, or did you need to have them translated to Japanese?

Hi Wylie’s pawrents (Big Hi to Wylie too!), thanks for providing such a detailed write-up on this type of long-stay tourist visa! There really isn’t much information out there and your article has provided a lot of answers I’ve been trying to find out. Just curious: did you manage to get the approval for your extension application and is it also for a 6-months period? Also, wondering if you will know: for each long-stay tourist visa with extension (i.e. 6 months + 6 months), how long must one stay outside of Japan before the long-stay tourist visa application can be repeated?

We submitted our documents for extension on 6th September and waiting for our response still. We do leave Japan in November which we told them about so we aren’t sure if they’ll give us the full 6 months or not or whether the 2 months grace we get from applying for the extension.

As far as we are aware you can apply as you near the end of the current extension for the new visa but I’m not 100% sure since we haven’t done it yet.

Once we get any updates I will add to the post so check back regular!

Thanks for your response, looking forward to your update & more travel videos on Youtube!

Hi all, I’m happy to report that I was also to get a long term tourist visa. The process was almost exactly as described in this post. A few notes: – (most important :p) The convenience store in the Shinagawa immigration is a FamilyMart now! – I was able to use a travel insurance policy for the medical coverage. It covers illness and injury but not long term care. I do hold proper insurance in the US but was not required to present it during the application process. – When I applied to change my residence status after receiving the CoE, they sent me to a different counter after checking in at T. I can’t remember the number, but I think it was either B5 or B3. I had to wait in line for a bit, but when I got to the front of the line I gave them my materials, filled out a postcard, and then was able to leave. I was not given a number or sent to another counter. – The residence card I received on the third visit to the immigration center has a period of stay of one year rather than the 6 months I expected. I have no idea how this happened but I’m not complaining!

Thank you so much to Wylie and family for providing such valuable information. It would have been far more challenging to navigate the process without this post. ありがとう！

Thanks so much for the update! That is so amazing that they gave you 1 year straight away! On the application did you ask for 6 months or a year or did you leave that bit blank?

Actually it was a Family Mart when we were there too I must’ve made a mistake in my original post!

Good news on the travel insurance being accepted too. We needed to have the medical insurance anyway as we don’t have coverage back home since we haven’t lived in the UK for over 10 years. But it’s good to hear normal travel insurance is accepted as that makes it cheaper and easier!

I’m so pleased you got a year! We applied for our extension last month and hoping to hear back soon. We did put on the application we were leaving in November as will be spending the winter elsewhere but I’m still hoping they’ll give us 6 months so we can come back and then start the new application when we come back 🤞🏼

When I filled out the form, I said that I planned to leave after six months. Actually, I was worried that it might be a problem if I said I intended to stay longer. When they asked me verbally I think I said something like, “Maybe a six months, maybe a year, I really like it here.” So really I unfortunately have no idea why I was given a year right off the bat.

Best of luck with the extension and your onward travels!

Yeah we were worried to put on we wanted longer! That’s so amazing you got a year! We just went to immigration as we got the approval postcard so spent the past 2 hours waiting and got approval for further 6 months ❤️

Congratulations to you and Henry!

That’s great news, thanks for the update! And thanks to Henry for updating his experience too! Sharing this bit of info I read regarding driving in Japan with a International Driving Permit (IDP), just in case anyone isn’t aware: https://www.police.pref.chiba.jp/english/International_license.html

Thank you, this is useful! We got Japanese driving licences based on our UK ones. Although we did have to prove we’d been in the UK for at least 3 months after passing our test (over 20 years ago!). They would only accept original documents so even though we had degree certificate we only had a copy so they wouldn’t accept. In the end they went through our passports noting dates of entry/exit to each country. As there was 3 months where we weren’t stamped in a country they assumed this meant we’d been in the UK (we hadn’t actually I’d just used a second passport to travel during that time) so they accepted that. However, my hubby had only used the one passport so his didn’t show he’d been in the UK they still gave him a Japanese licence but he has to use Wakaba (beginners) stickers on the car for 1 year. This didn’t have any negative effect though, we’ve rented cars etc on it and it didn’t cost any more.

Regarding the IDP I mentioned in my comment above, in a nutshell, if you are registered under their “Basic Resident Register”, which I assume is the case for long-stay tourist visa, if you exit Japan for less than 3 months and return to Japan, your next IDP is not valid – which means you are not allowed to drive in Japan for 1 year from the return date, unless you have their Japanese driving licence. The link above have diagrams that explain very clearly.

@cheryl: IDP is valid for 1 year from issuance though, so mine was issued on Sep 2023 and will be valid for driving in Japan until Sep 2024, regardless of my visa and travel situation?

Henry, what travel insurance did you use? How long was the term?

Berkshire Hathaway luxury care with a 1 year term. It was very affordable — I think around $130.

From when was your first 6 months dated? Was it when you submitted the change of residence application? Or was it automatically at the end of your first 3 months?

It was from the date we picked up the residence card

I’m in the midst of the process so far, but here’s what has worked:

– I just got the CoE approved, 24 days after applying at the Shinagawa office – Went at 11am on a Wednesday and it took like 1.5 hours for this step of the process. I had all the documents prepared thanks to this blog — the form from the website was up-to-date, so I didn’t have to print it out like mentioned here – Used Genki travel insurance (has flexible cancellation for 14 days and month-to-month payment) – Stocks: I submitted a printout of my US brokerage account showing the required assets, but they did not accept this. I had a japanese speaker with me to talk about this. He said stocks were not acceptable because they can go up or down (I didn’t point out that the Japanese yen was far more volatile than my stocks….). The official gave me a self-addressed envelope and said use it to submit further proof of the required assets in a bank account as cash, not stocks. He said transferring cash now was fine, and it didn’t need to be 6 months. So, I just wired the money to my bank, print out that statement, and sent it in using the envelope the next day – You can now sign up to get notified of the CoE approval by email (lady at the counter told us about this). So after sending in the extra proof, I heard about he approved CoE 23 days later via email. Apparently, the CoE site is what I can show in the next step

So, on to the next step. Hopefully, it will be snafu free.

Thanks for the update Rob!

Great news on the COE approval.

It’s good to know they accept monthly payment on the travel insurance also. We used to pay monthly for ours but on the policy document it then didn’t have an end date on it so we didn’t think they would accept it. Does your policy document show how long it’s valid for even if you pay monthly?

Thanks for clarifying the point on the stocks also. I guess it kinda makes sense. I wonder if they apply the same logic to mutual funds, I would assume so. But also on that note, I wonder what would be the case if you had significantly more in stocks than the required ¥30m. I guess the same logic would apply. But also, with cash you could simply just spend it the next day, buy a house or something, which is probably more likely than the value of stocks going down so much (and as you rightly say the ¥ currently being more volatile than stocks!). Anyway, it’s good to clarify that they don’t accept stocks.

That’s also great news about hearing about the COE by e-mail too, it hopefully quickens up the process by a couple of days and all that anxious waiting!

Have you managed to complete the next step yet to change your visa status to the designated activities one? Let us know how you got on 🙂

For Genki, yeah it does show a policy end date. Per your blog, I printed out the full policy document — like 40 pages, and I shrank the layout down to have 4 pages per page.

I showed them far more stocks than the ¥30m. I’m guessing that’s why they were pretty chill about me transferring the cash to my bank the next day and showing the print out of that bank statement (rather than 6 months of bank statements with the cash). I didn’t catch this, but my Japanese speaker said they insinuated that they were sure I could do something to get the cash into a bank account and that would be fine.

I’d like to think that this was a case where the bureaucracy made a reasonable judgement that I wouldn’t be a burden on the state and flexed the rules a little.

Ok, here’s how the change of status step went:

Got the email that said CoE was approved. Printed out the form for change of status and filled all that out along with the documents mentioned in the blog above (I highly recommend taking a photo of the final filled out forms you submit for the CoE in the first step– the forms are almost identical and it was hard to remember how I filled out the CoE forms with the corrections they asked for in the first step).

Went on a Friday at around 11:30 am. Went to the same form check counter that I went to in the first visit. There was no waiting in front of me when I got the number ticket. It took about 5 minutes for them to call me and 1 minute to look over the documents right there. Unfortunately, the person said I needed to print out the email that said my CoE was approved. This is despite the fact that the email said you can just show your phone. So, it took about 30 minutes to go to the Lawson downstairs and figure out how to print out an email on their machine from my iPhone. Save yourself the trouble and also print out this email

I then went back to the document check and flagged down the same lady (she said I didn’t need a new number). She took about 30 seconds to look at the printout and every thing else, and she handed me a piece of paper with a stamp that said to go counter B5. This was confusing at first because it was a long line that said “High Skill Visa.” I waited for about 30 minutes in this line and handed over the document package. It took about 1 minute for the person to look over everything. He had me write my return address on a postcard. And that was it. I asked about the line being called High Skill Visa, and they said the same department also handles this Designated Activities visa (Tokutei Visa), that’s why it was this line.

The whole thing could have been done in 30 mins if I had the print out of the CoE approval email, I reckon. Print everything out if you’re not sure I guess would be my advice.

13 days later, I got my postcard in the mail saying the Visa was approved and to come within the next two weeks to do the final step. So, I’ll do that in a few days

Hi! I’m currently starting my plans to apply for the Visa. I’ve been doing some research on health insurance plans/insurance companies, which is required for the application. Just wondering if you have any good recommendations? Thanks!

Perhaps a silly question but if one is attempting to get this visa with their spouse (who does not qualify on their own), do they need to fill out and print out two copies of everything? For example: CoE, Visa application, bank statements, marriage certificate, etc..

I’ve also seen mixed comments on whether one needs 30M Yen or 60M Yen if the couple is staying together the entire time – is there a definitive answer to this?

You have to print separate application forms, COE but only 1 copy of bank statements, medical policies, marriage certificate etc of applying together at the same time. If you are applying separately or are travelling separately then you will need 1 copy of everything for each person. If you travel together, enter together then you only need to hit the ¥30m requirement but if you enter separately, then you are classed as 2 separate applications so need to have ¥30m each.

I Thank you for the detailed post. My husband and I have been thinking about how we can apply for this visa without going back to the US. We have contacted several lawyers in Japan and all except one said this visa needs to be done at our home country and one said it might be possible. I do have several questions

1. Did you get a Japan phone number and is that how they are able to call you when they couldn’t deliver the COA approval? 2. Did your itenirary have a lot of different places in Japan? You mentioned that you bought a house, can that city suffice as where you want to go? 3. If we do not have friends in Japan to use as permanent address, what do you think would work? We will stay in an Airbnb. 4. Can one leave and re enter Japan with this visa? 5. Are there any Japan tax liabilities? 6. Is it ok to have a copy of the marriage certificate instead of the original?

Please do post an update on when you apply for this again a year after.

Thanks again!

We also consulted a couple of lawyers and they didn’t really seem to know much about it so in the end we thought it was better to just do it ourselves and make our own way through the process as it seemed pointless spending money on a lawyer that clearly wasn’t so sure. It’s certainly possible to do in the country as we have proven (and others commenting). In response to your questions;

1. Did you get a Japan phone number and is that how they are able to call you when they couldn’t deliver the COA approval? Yes we had a Japanese phone number as soon as we landed. We used Mobal which was delivered to the UK before we arrived in Japan so we had access the moment we landed. 2. Did your itenirary have a lot of different places in Japan? You mentioned that you bought a house, can that city suffice as where you want to go? We listed about 10 different places on our itinerary but they were quite generic and when we renewed we didn’t have to prove anywhere we had been. 3. If we do not have friends in Japan to use as permanent address, what do you think would work? We will stay in an Airbnb. If you plan to stay in the same Air BnB then you can ask the owner if you can use their address for mail. If not, I’m not sure what else other than perhaps befriending the local izakaya owner or something and using their address? 4. Can one leave and re enter Japan with this visa? Yes we have done this multiple times. You just need to fill in a form before you leave to confirm you will be coming back. 5. Are there any Japan tax liabilities? This will depend on your circumstances and best to speak to a tax advisor on this as it varies a lot depending on your income and source of it. 6. Is it ok to have a copy of the marriage certificate instead of the original? We didn’t actually submit our marriage certificate as we forgot (even though it’s asked). I assume a copy will be sufficient as they keep all of the documents you submit.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Thanks so much for putting this together! This is all very helpful. We’re looking to start apply for the COE soon, and in hopes of not making any mistakes, I’m wondering if the application form number 16 near the bottom of this page is the correct one to use? https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-1-1.html?hl=en

If it is, I don’t think I see a specific option in the form for “Long-term stayers for the purpose of sightseeing”, in which case, I take it you just select number “10, others”?

Hi, yes this seems to be the correct form and you are right in choosing option 10 and then just writing long term sightseeing 🙂 Good luck!

Since your 6-month extension ends in April, have you applied for another visa yet? Or, do you need to wait until it ends first?

We are heading back to Japan this week and plan to head to immigration the day after we arrive to apply for a new COE. Hopefully this arrives before the current visa expires so we can then apply for a new one 🤞🏼

I will update on here and also do a new post on the process once we’ve done it 🙏

Nice. Very curious how they feel about repeating this visa over and over

I’ve spoken to one person who has done this before and he told me that as long as you continue to qualify they are totally fine with it. I hope he is right 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🙏🙏🙏

Hi! Found your blog with all this helpful information today, just wanted to thank you for writing and responding to all these people’s questions! (which some were also mine).

In the stocks talk to meet the COE I got curious if they would accept bonds instead (as they are mostly fixed value), it’s very specific though I guess I’ll find out when I apply.

Looking forward to your next application too 👌

Good luck with your application. I would expect that they would accept bonds because they have a maturity date so it would suggest that as long as the maturity was in 6 months+ they should accept. That’s my view any way but let us know how it goes!

My wife and I got our COE over email yesterday after 4 weeks since application — we have been eagerly and anxiously awaiting this result as our visa-exempt status is expiring on Tuesday next week. We went to the Osaka Immigration Regional Office to apply for Change of Visa same day. I had to wait for 2 hours for my visa application to be processed and to receive a receipt. Overall this post has been the main source of information and insights for my successful and smooth application process. Thank you so much. Again, must definitely ask to receive your COE online which would help avoid the anxiety and slowness of waiting for the mail.

Thanks for letting us know the current waiting times! I hope ours arrives in a similar time for our renewal. We had planned to go yesterday to submit the papers for the COE but when we arrived into Japan one of our bags didn’t make it. And guess which bag all the papers I had prepared were in!!!! Thankfully it’s been delivered now so will be heading to submit on Monday. It’s going to be an anxious few weeks waiting 🙏🙏🙏

wow, amazing preparation. You should have plenty of time to get your electronic COE though. You also dont need a permanent address to get the physical COE in the mail so you could freely travel while waiting.

Hi nah! During your COE application, did you submit a copy of your marriage certificate or must you show them your original marriage certificate? Thanks.

We didn’t actually submit the marriage certificate at all, we forgot. But we each qualified individually so I think that’s why they didn’t ask us for it. We did plan to submit it for the second application but would only submit a copy not show the original.

we tried to show our marriage status via our most recent US tax return form but they didn’t accept it. Fortunately we were able to find our copy of marriage certificate back home and print it out. They only accepted the copy with an official stamp.

I guess I better bring my original marriage certificate – just in case. Thanks to both for your quick responses!

Thank you so much for this wealth of information, it’s super helpful! Were you able to renew your second visa from inside Japan? 🙂 thank you!

Unfortunately it’s not possible to renew it inside Japan. You have 2 options;

1. Apply for COE before the end of your extension. If you receive it before the visa expires you must take the COE to an Embassy overseas to apply for the new visa.

2. You leave Japan before the visa expires and re enter on a new 90 days tourist visa. Then apply for the COE on your return in the same way as the original visa.

This is what we were told at Shinagawa. We will be trying option 2 shortly 🙏

Ah yes, apologies, I didn’t write it correctly, my fault! I was referring to your second application for the Visa, not a renewal (sorry, English is not my first language). I hope the process will go smoothly and quickly! Thank you again 🙂

Yes I think we mean the same thing 🙂 We applied for the first visa in Japan and then we extended it for 6 months in Japan. But when we went to apply for new COE so we could renew/reapply we were told we had the 2 options but both meant we have to leave Japan. Had we known this we would have tried to enter this time on a tourist visa instead of with the residence card. However it means we get a trip to visit our friend in Korea for a few days. Just hope they let us back in on the 90 day tourist visa after having already spent 9 months here on the designated activities. Fingers crossed!

Ps all the application forms online are out of date so you need to fill in the form from the information desk. When we asked for the updated form we were asked what we wanted it for. When we explained the first guy didn’t even know about designated activities for long term sightseeing. The second guy (English speaking) said we could 100% not get it for a second time. When we explained the desk upstairs (counter T) said we could, he shrugged and said oh well, if they agreed, good luck.

So still seems the general information is not well known about this visa, even amongst the immigration staff!

I currently hold the same visa , only expiry on dec 2024. I have a few questions:

If the visa has not expired, how can I re-enter on a new 90-day tourist visa (option 2)? Do I need to return the residence card? What happens if I am overseas when the residence card expires?

I’m grateful to have found this post. It’s really difficult to find forums discussing this visa.”

Hi John, I got my visa last month. The immigration office (Osaka) told me and also has a poster explained that I could freely leave Japan and return, as long as my visa/residence card has not expired.

I’m not entirely sure. We left on the day our residence card expired. On departure we filled in a form to say we weren’t coming back and agreeing that when we return we would need to apply for a new visa. We handed over our residence cards and they stamped a hole in it.

We came back with 90 day tourist visa no problem after 5 days outside of Japan.

If it expires whilst you are out of the country I guess that means you can come back as a tourist but I personally think it’s better when you leave to tell them you aren’t coming back on that one so it’s definitely closed from their end leaving no worries about coming back.

Hi! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It’s so helpful as I also plan to apply the visa for long-term stay. Just a question about the following requirement:

– “Proof of savings of ¥30,000,000” required

Do I need to convert my saving to Japanese yen? Or I just need to show the equivalent amount in my local currency?

Hi, you don’t need to convert it to ¥, just show the equivalent in your local currency (which at the moment is probably quite low!) when we first looked at this visa the amount converted to around £200,000 but it’s now only £155,000!

Hello, sorry for the late reply. Thank you for the reply and i get the full picture of it. anyway fyi , i did my extension of 6months in osaka and i was able to get the new card on the same day. i not sure if i was luckily or maybe that how they does for this extension of the visa.

Does that mean you got a sooner end date as a result (your current visa and the extension overlap more)?

Hi John, if your visa only expires in December 2024 why did you apply for the extension already? That’s good news you got the extension on the same day as we had to submit the application with all the documents then wait for the outcome before going back to get the new card. Maybe they do it differently in Osaka as we did ours in Shinagawa.

Just did the extension in Shinagawa today. Arrived at like 130pm on Thursday. Took about an hour at the office all in after making a few mistakes.

– didn’t go straight to counter T because the person at the top of the escalator was directing us to the Lon counter B line. Ignore this and go to T. T will then check and approve the docs and send you to B5 (which had no line, unlike regular counter B)

– I also downloaded old forms and had to fill it out again at T. Make sure the current form has a spot for photos. The one I first got on google didn’t

I think it would have taken 30 minutes all in without these mistakes

Thanks for the update! There always seems to be something that catches you out that causes a delay! Last time for us it was going just before lunch break and then not getting a ticket number at counter T 🤦🏼‍♀️

Just got the post card. So 3 weeks from doing the renewal visit. Will go back just before my current visa ends to get the renewed resident card

Thanks for the update again, it’s good to know they are still efficient on the approvals. Just be careful on the date you go for the card as if I remember rightly there’s a 2 week window on the postcard that you can go to collect the card. Although I’m not sure what happens if you don’t go in that time.

For the extension did you get the option to receive the result by email like you can now for COE?

We are still waiting for the COE approval for the second time round. Currently on day 10 🤞🏼

Are there any tax implications for staying in Japan for a year with this visa?

as far as I understand you become tax resident after living here for 5 years. But it obviously depends on your personal circumstances, where you earn your money, what tax you pay on it, whether that country has a tax treaty with Japan etc.

If you are concerned you are best to speak to a tax advisor but this visa is generally not well known so it often causes confusion, even with the ward offices eg we were originally given Japanese health insurance cards which were later revoked as they realised the residence card was still ultimately a tourist visa. But we also still get all the invites for free health checks etc 🤷🏼‍♀️

Actually its not that complicated — you will become a tax resident when you stay in Japan for more than 180 days in a calendar year.

For the first 5 years you don’t need to pay tax on your income outside of Japan, unless you bring that money into Japan – i.e. if you transfer money into a japanese bank, use a credit card in Japan, withdraw cash from an atm machine in Japan, or bring money in on an airplane etc then you are supposed to pay tax on that money as if its the money you earned outside of Japan. You will probably have to bring in enough money to pay for rent and food at least, so you will look extremely suspicious if you arent submitting taxes in Japan.

I think most countries have a tax agreement with Japan that you essentially pay whichever tax is higher and get a credit in the other country, but you still usually need to do tax forms in both countries.

Hi! I am also planning to apply for the Visa. May I know how did you made your schedule of stay? Is that day by day? Someone told me week by week is possible. Would you be so kind to share your schedule of stay if possible? Many thanks!

well , my first visa (6 month) was expired on july 2024, so i extend 3 months before it expired which is around april 2024. the dec 2024 was the final date after extend for the last time. i am curious , so have apply for the new COE ? i will doing the same thing after my expired date of dec 2024.

Hi, we did ours month by month. I’m not comfortable sharing ours as it has details of our location etc but we were vet generic eg Month : June, Location : Tokyo, activities : General sightseeing, Disneyland, Shinjuku, Place of stay : our address.

If you look at the new blog post I just posted for our renewal, I have a picture on there of the titles we used.

Sorry I’m a bit confused. Why did you extend so early if you still had 3 months left?

Also, when you extended it, to confirm they gave you an additional 6 months from the date of original expiry, is that right? So in total you still got the full 12 months ie your first visa started Dec 2023 and expired Dec 2024?

As when we extended ours, they only gave us 6 months from the date we got the new resident cards after extension.

When your visa expires in December you need to leave the country regardless. You can either apply for COE before you leave and when that’s approved you take that to the Japanese embassy in your home country (or a country that will approve for non residents) to get a new visa. Or you leave Japan and hand over your residence card on departure and then come back in on another visitor visa and do the process the same as before in country. We opted for option 2 and going through the process now. You can see the updated post about this on the blog – https://wylietraveldog.com/renewing-a-long-term-tourist-visa-japan/

That really helps a lot. Thank you so much!

You’re welcome 🙂

Hi! Do you know if holders of this Visa are eligible to buy JR pass? Thx

Hi, no they aren’t eligible for it. Although there are some passes you can get as a foreigner. But not the main one. Although since the price has gone up I am not sure it’s cost effective any more anyway.

You are right. Thank you

Thank you so much for putting this article together. SUPER HELPFUL! I think my wife and I are going to make the leap and apply for this.

Could you drop the updated link to the application in the comments? I’ve tried all the links here and they all bounce or go to the main immigration page (which is in Japanese).

I appreciate your help!

This is the link https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-1.html if it is Japanese you can simply choose to translate the page on your browser (as with all foreign pages Chrome has an option to translate).

But every time we’ve used an application form from online when we’ve got to immigration they said it was an old form. So I wouldn’t 100% rely on it and be prepared to do a new one when you get there.

I also see that maybe the application has been moved online but I don’t know if this visa qualifies?

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/online/onlineshinsei.html?hl=en

You can’t do the application online when you are on a visitor visa already 😩 but you can receive the result of the COE via email.

When I looked before you need some kind of card reader to read your residence card to be able to apply for things online. From what I read from people who tried to do this way they said it was easier to just go to immigration.

Hi, our entire application process went smoothly thanks to your detailed blog. My husband and I applied for our COE at the Shinagawa office, arrived after lunch at 1:30pm and the whole process took about 1.5 hour. We received COE approval email after 14 days. A couple days later, we were back at Shinagawa – it was a Friday and the place was packed like sardines! Again, we reached after lunch at 1pm, a full tummy before the hard work 😬. Got ourselves a queue number at Counter T and after they checked our documents, we were sent to Counter B5 where they gave us a postcard to fill in our address – this time, we were done in 1 hour. 14 days later, we opened our mailbox to the beautiful sight of our postcard (instead of the usual junk flyers)! We’ll be back at Shinagawa soon to get our residence cards. Thank you so much! 🙂🙂

Great news, thanks for the updates. It’s useful to hear from everyone as to how long each stage is currently taking. We applied for our second COE last Tuesday so we should hopefully get the e-mail next week if your timelines are anything to go by. It’s a shame they don’t send the confirmation for the change of status approval by e-mail also, seems a bit strange they’ll do some electronically but not others. Picking up the residence cards was always the long wait for us, between 2-3 hours. I’m tempted to try early morning next time to see if it’s any quicker. Let us know how it goes for you!

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How Long Can You Stay In Japan On A Tourist Visa?

Published: November 7, 2023

Modified: January 3, 2024

by Crin Backus

• Plan Your Trip

Introduction

Japan, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, has long been a popular destination for travelers from around the world. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Tokyo, relaxing in a hot spring in Hokkaido, or marveling at the ancient temples in Kyoto, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences to be had in this fascinating country.

Before you embark on your journey to Japan, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations for entering and staying in the country. If you’re planning to visit Japan as a tourist, you’ll typically need to apply for a tourist visa. In this article, we’ll explore how long you can stay in Japan on a tourist visa, the options for extending your stay, and what happens if you overstay your visa.

It’s worth noting that the information provided in this article is intended as a general guide and may be subject to change. It’s always best to check with your local Japanese embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information regarding visa requirements and regulations.

Now, let’s dive into the details of tourist visas and the duration of stay in Japan !

Overview of Tourist Visas

Before you can enter Japan as a tourist, you will generally need to obtain a tourist visa. The tourist visa is designed for individuals who are visiting Japan for the purpose of sightseeing, visiting friends or relatives, or engaging in other non-business activities.

There are two main types of tourist visas available for travelers: single-entry visas and multiple-entry visas. The single-entry visa allows you to enter Japan once and stay for a specific duration of time, while the multiple-entry visa allows for multiple entries and longer stays over a period of time.

It’s important to note that citizens of certain countries are exempt from the requirement of obtaining a tourist visa if their stay in Japan is less than 90 days. These countries include the United States, Canada, Australia, most European countries, and many others. However, it’s still necessary to present a valid passport upon arrival and go through the immigration process.

When applying for a tourist visa, you will need to provide various documents, including a completed visa application form, a valid passport, a recent passport-sized photograph, and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Japan. It’s also common for applicants to be asked to provide a detailed itinerary of their intended activities in Japan.

It’s important to apply for your tourist visa well in advance of your planned trip, as processing times can vary. Once your visa is approved, you will receive a visa sticker or stamp in your passport, granting you the right to enter and remain in Japan for the specified duration of stay.

Now that we have a basic understanding of tourist visas, let’s explore how long you can stay in Japan on a tourist visa.

Duration of Stay on a Tourist Visa

The duration of stay on a tourist visa in Japan depends on several factors, including your nationality, the type of visa issued, and any special circumstances. In general, most tourists are granted a stay of up to 90 days.

If you hold a single-entry tourist visa, you will typically be allowed to stay in Japan for a maximum of 90 days from the date of your arrival. This means that you must leave Japan before the 90-day period expires. It’s important to note that the 90-day period is counted from the day after your arrival, not the day of your arrival.

On the other hand, if you hold a multiple-entry tourist visa, you may be granted longer stay periods, typically up to 15, 30, or 90 days per entry. The total duration of your stay on a multiple-entry visa will depend on the validity period of the visa itself, which can range from 3 months to 5 years.

It’s crucial to adhere to the specified duration of stay on your visa. Overstaying your visa in Japan is a violation of immigration laws and can result in serious consequences, including fines, deportation, and potential bans from re-entering the country.

If you wish to extend your stay beyond the initial duration granted by your tourist visa, you will generally need to apply for an extension. Extension applications must be submitted to the nearest immigration office in Japan before your current visa expires. The decision to grant an extension is at the discretion of the immigration authorities and is typically based on valid reasons, such as medical emergencies or other unforeseen circumstances.

It’s important to note that while you may be granted an extension, there are limitations to how long you can stay in Japan on a tourist visa. Generally, the total duration of stay, including the initial visa and any extensions, cannot exceed 180 days in a given year.

Now that we have explored the duration of stay on a tourist visa, let’s delve into the options for extending your stay and what happens if you overstay your visa in Japan.

Extensions and Renewals

If you wish to extend your stay in Japan beyond the initial duration granted by your tourist visa, you have the option to apply for an extension. The process for extending your stay varies depending on your specific circumstances and the type of visa you hold.

To apply for an extension, you will need to submit the necessary documents to the nearest immigration office in Japan. These documents typically include an application form, a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds to cover your extended stay, and a detailed explanation of the reasons for your extension request.

It’s important to note that extension applications must be submitted before your current visa expires. If your extension request is approved, you will be granted an extended period of stay, which can vary depending on the discretion of the immigration authorities and your individual circumstances.

In some cases, instead of extending your existing visa, you may be required to leave Japan and reapply for a new tourist visa from your home country or another country. This process is known as a visa renewal and involves leaving Japan and applying for a new visa before returning.

It’s worth mentioning that the immigration authorities may deny extension or renewal requests for various reasons, including insufficient funds, lack of valid reasons for extending your stay, or previous violations of visa regulations. It’s crucial to carefully follow the instructions and requirements provided by the immigration office to ensure a higher chance of a successful extension or renewal application.

It’s important to note that extension or renewal of your tourist visa is not guaranteed, and it’s always best to plan your stay within the initial duration granted by your visa to avoid any complications.

Now let’s discuss the consequences of overstaying your visa in Japan and any exceptions or special circumstances that may apply.

Overstaying and Penalties

Overstaying your visa in Japan is considered a violation of immigration laws and can result in serious consequences. It’s crucial to adhere to the specified duration of stay on your visa to avoid any penalties or negative impact on future visits to Japan.

If you overstay your visa in Japan, you may be subject to fines and legal consequences. The amount of the fine can vary depending on the duration of your overstay, ranging from 3,000 yen to 6,000 yen per day. In addition to the financial penalties, overstaying your visa can result in being detained by immigration authorities, deportation, and a potential ban from re-entering Japan for a specific period of time.

When you leave Japan after overstaying your visa, immigration officers will be able to identify your overstay and may impose additional penalties or restrictions. This can have serious implications for future visits to Japan, as it may affect your eligibility for future visas or your ability to enter the country.

It’s important to note that unintentional overstays due to circumstances beyond your control, such as emergencies or natural disasters, may be considered exceptional cases. In such situations, it’s advisable to contact the nearest immigration office to explain your circumstances and seek guidance on how to resolve the issue.

If you have overstayed your visa and wish to correct your status, it’s crucial to consult with an immigration lawyer or seek advice from the immigration authorities. They can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information on your specific situation and guide you on the steps to take.

Now that we understand the importance of adhering to the duration of stay on our tourist visa and the potential consequences of overstaying, let’s discuss any exceptions or special circumstances that may exist.

Exceptions and Special Circumstances

While the general rule for tourist visas in Japan is a maximum stay of 90 days, there are some exceptions and special circumstances that may allow for longer stays or different visa requirements.

One exception is the Working Holiday Visa program, which is available to citizens of certain countries, such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. This visa allows individuals aged 18 to 30 (or 35, in some cases) to stay in Japan for up to one year and engage in limited work activities to supplement their travel funds.

Another exception is the Temporary Visitor Visa for medical purposes. If you require medical treatment in Japan, you can apply for this visa, which allows for an extended stay based on the duration of your treatment. However, it’s important to provide necessary documentation from a medical institution in Japan supporting your need for medical treatment and the estimated treatment period.

Furthermore, there are cases where special permission may be granted for longer stays, such as for family or humanitarian reasons. For example, if you have close family members living in Japan and need to provide care or support, you may be eligible to apply for a longer stay based on compassionate grounds. Each case is assessed individually, and the decision to grant special permission is subject to the discretion of the immigration authorities.

If you are participating in a study program or cultural exchange program, you may need to apply for a specific visa, such as a Student Visa or a Cultural Activities Visa, depending on the nature of your activities and the duration of your stay. These visas have different requirements and allow for longer stays and specialized activities based on the purpose of your visit.

It’s important to remember that visa regulations and requirements can change, so it’s advisable to consult with the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate or visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and any exceptions or special circumstances that may apply to your situation.

Now that we have explored the exceptions and special circumstances, let’s conclude our discussion on staying in Japan on a tourist visa.

Visiting Japan as a tourist offers a world of incredible experiences and cultural exploration. Understanding the rules and regulations regarding tourist visas is crucial to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay in the country.

In this article, we have explored the overview of tourist visas in Japan, the duration of stay on a tourist visa, options for extensions and renewals, the consequences of overstaying, and exceptions or special circumstances that may apply.

Remember that the duration of stay on a tourist visa is typically up to 90 days, although multiple-entry visas may provide longer stay periods. It’s important to plan your visit accordingly and apply for extensions or renewals if necessary.

Overstaying your visa in Japan can lead to fines, detention, deportation, and potential bans from re-entry. It’s crucial to adhere to the duration of stay specified on your visa to avoid any negative consequences.

However, there are exceptions and special circumstances, such as the Working Holiday Visa program and medical treatment visas, which allow for longer stays or different visa requirements. Additionally, special permission may be granted based on compassionate grounds or for study or cultural exchange programs.

As visa regulations and requirements can change, it’s always advisable to consult with the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate or refer to the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for the most up-to-date information.

With proper planning, adherence to visa regulations, and an open mind to explore everything Japan has to offer, you can enjoy a memorable and fulfilling experience as a tourist in this remarkable country.

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TIPS: What you need to know about getting a Japan visa

Planning to travel to Japan any time soon?

Applying for a visa can be daunting, but it shouldn't stop you from taking that trip to see the Land of the Rising Sun. With some proper preparation of all the necessary documents, you'll be able to get approved for your Japan vacation.

There are different types of Japanese visas but we'll focus more on the tourist ones for those who want to go on a quick leisure trip to experience the country. There are two common tourist visas: the single-entry allowing holders to enter Japan once and stay for as long as 90 days, and the multiple entry visa which lets the holder enter the country many times within a specified period for at least 15 to 30 days each stay. Here are the requirements you'll need to get ready.

• Valid Philippine passport  in good condition, must be signed and have at least two blank visa pages
• Visa application form which you can download here
• Your itinerary in Japan which includes your port of entry, where you intend to stay and the contact number of the accommodation
• A passport photo 2 x 1.4 inches with a white background taken within six months
• If your birth certificate is "late registration," you must also submit a  Baptismal Certificate  and a Form 137  from high school or elementary, both of which must be issued within at least three months
• You only need to submit a birth certificate if you have never applied for a Japan visa before
• You will also need to write a letter of authorization for the Japan Embassy to verify your birth certificate
• Original Marriage Certificate (if married) issued within one year
• Bank Certificate  of a personal account (not company/business) issued within three months
• A copy of your latest Income Tax Return

If someone else will be shouldering your travel expenses, you must also submit the following:

• Guarantee letter
• Proof of relationship between applicant and guarantor
• Bank Certificate and Income Tax Return of the guarantor

Once you've acquired all the requirements, choose an accredited travel agency from this list from the Japanese Embassy. Fees may cost P950 to P1,200 for a single entry visa, depending on the travel agency.

Multiple-entry requirements

Want to get a multiple-entry visa? This type of visa has some conditions for issuance, so it may not be as easy to get one. For instance, you will need to have a history of travel as a temporary visitor to the country in the last three years.

If you pass the conditions, you will need the same requirements as above but also include an explanation letter for requesting multiple entry, proof of your travel to Japan in the last three years, and proof of financial capacity. 

So how much money do you need in your bank account to get your visa approved? The Japanese Embassy hasn't really specified a certain amount but what's advised is to have enough to fund your travel expenses. 

As for how long a tourist visa is processed, it will usually take seven to 10 business days. It's best to get your visa processed a month before your trip so you have ample time to request documents that you might not have around.

Additionally, you don't need to book a hotel or a flight before your visa is processed. In fact, travel agencies advise against it. It's best to book once your visa is approved.

Remember, just because you submitted all your documents, it doesn't automatically mean that you'll be granted the visa.

This article TIPS: What you need to know about getting a Japan visa was originally published in PhilSTAR L!fe

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Ticket to Ride: Navigating Japan's Rails with the JR Rail Pass

There’s so much to see and do in Japan, but without a JR Pass, you might end up burning a train-sized hole in your pocket. Learn all the details of getting and using this pass so that you can seamlessly explore Japan in 2024.

Introduction to JR Rail Pass: Your Ticket to Japan's Rail Network

The Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass is a rail ticket offered by Japan Railways Group, valid nationwide, and exclusive to foreign visitors. This pass grants you access to unlimited rides on JR train services in the country for a week or multiple weeks. It also provides unlimited access to select buses and ferries.

With a JR Pass, you don’t have to buy a new ticket every time you board a train. By charging a fixed cost in exchange for its unlimited transit value, the JR Pass is the most cost-effective and convenient way for travelers to explore Japan's extensive railway system. The pass is extremely common among tourists in the country who plan to visit attractions in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, or other cities in the country. Even though the JR Pass is way more expensive than the average train ticket, the promise of unlimited rides is enough to make it a no-brainer for most visitors.

In this post, we’ll reveal the validity, coverage, and usage of the JR Pass. We’ll also provide you with tips on how to get maximum value from the pass.

What is a JR Rail Pass: Understanding the Basics

Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Every year, millions of people from all over the world travel there to enjoy the endless attractions. Hence, the country generates a lot of revenue from tourism. As a tourist in Japan, you may have to travel thousands of kilometers between cities using the vast railway network that links different regions. But having to buy a ticket for every train or bus adds a considerable amount of stress to the experience. It would also cost you a lot of money, further discouraging you from leaving your hotel. To keep tourists moving, the six Japan Rail Group companies came together and came up with the Japan Rail Pass.

The JR pass is a special train ticket that allows the owner unlimited access to JR train services nationwide, valid for a limited time. Only foreign visitors can buy and use this pass. It covers all the major JR national trains, including Express trains and Shinkansen (bullet trains). The pass also covers some of the local buses and ferries. Please note that the JR Pass is a nationwide pass and is not to be confused with the regular rail pass, which is regional. For instance, the JR Kyushu Rail Pass only offers unlimited rides in cities within Kyushu. The JR East Pass and JR West Pass only cover rides on the JR East and JR West train lines, respectively.

Types of JR Rail Passes: Options and Coverage

There are two main ways to categorize the JR Pass. The first is via its validity period. You can get a pass that is valid for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days. All of these passes offer the same value but are valid for different lengths of time. Another way to categorize the JR Pass is by the service options: Standard Pass and Green Pass.

The Standard Pass is the regular JR Pass, which gives you access to trains nationwide. You get to sit in an ordinary car alongside the majority of the other passengers on the train. The Green Pass grants you access to the Green Car, a more luxurious train cabin where customers are given special services. This is the equivalent of getting a first-class ticket on an airplane. Some of the benefits of having a JR Green Pass include plush seating, more privacy, traditional oshibori (small warm or cold towels), magazines, and complimentary drinks. The Green Pass is the ideal purchase for peak tourist seasons such as the cherry blossom festivals, Golden Week, Obon, and the New Year.

Available nationwide, you can use the Green Pass on most bullet trains, most limited express trains, and a few of the local trains. 

How to Purchase a JR Rail Pass: Booking and Activation

Only short-term visitors from overseas can buy and use the Japan Rail Pass. No resident of Japan, irrespective of their nationality, can use it. If you’re a Japanese national, you need to show proof that you’ve been residing abroad for the last ten years. Once you’re certain that you meet the eligibility criteria, you can get your JR Pass using any of the two step-by-step instructions below.

How to Purchase on the Official Website

Use this method to buy the JR Pass from the official railway company website.

Open a browser and visit the Japan Rail Pass official website.

Select a start date for the pass no later than a month after purchase.

Pay for the type of pass you want.

Make a seat reservation if you have a Green Pass. This is only possible with this purchase method.

Visit the JR Exchange Office at any airport or train station in the country with your passport and get your JR Pass.

Activate it and it will be ready for use right away.

How to Purchase from Travel Agents

The second method for getting a JR Pass is to buy it from authorized online and offline travel agents using the guide below:

Visit the website or office of the travel agent. Two reputable online agencies are Klook and Japan Experience.

Pay for the type of pass you want. You will receive an electronic or physical exchange order voucher.

Visit the JR Exchange Office at any airport or train station in the country with your printed-out voucher within three months of your purchase.

Select an activation date for the pass no later than a month after you exchange your voucher for a pass.

You can use your new JR Pass on the activation date.

JR Rail Pass Cost: Value for Money

In previous years, the cost of the JR Pass was the equivalent of buying a few individual tickets for long-distance train rides. However, there was a massive price increase of about 70% for all types of JR Pass in 2023. The result is that today, the cost of the pass is equivalent to many long-distance ride tickets. When you consider pricing alone, those who use that many rides within a few days stand to benefit the most from the JR Pass

Taking into account the unlimited travel benefits and flexibility, we can safely say that the JR Pass still offers great value for money in 2024, particularly for those who know how to make the most of it within the validity period.

JR Rail Pass Validity: Making the Most of Your Pass

Without the JR Pass, the cost and stress of exploring Japan’s many wonders would be too much for even the average tourist. However, you can still maximize its usage within the designated timeframe and get optimal value for your money. The available validity options are 7, 14, and 21 consecutive days. You cannot pause validity after the start date and use the remaining days later. Most short-term visitors only really need the 7-day pass, which is the least expensive.

Validity start dates cannot be changed, so only buy from the official website if you’ve already planned and committed to an itinerary. If not, it’s better to buy from a travel agent. This is because you have to select a start date upon purchase on the official site, but with the travel agent, you don’t need to choose a start date until you exchange the voucher.

Be sure to use the free local JR bus services at key destinations like Kyoto, Kanazawa, and Hiroshima. Also, take a lot of day trips from your base city to nearby cities, using speedy transport like the Shinkansen lines.

Using the JR Rail Pass: Navigating Japan's Rail Network

One of the biggest advantages of using the JR Pass to navigate Japan's extensive rail network is seat reservation. You may walk into any ticket office to make a reservation. We’ll reveal more about the procedure later in this post.

To use your reservation or board a train, simply go to the appropriate train platform. Your pass gives you unlimited access to a nationwide network of Shinkansen, local trains, limited express trains, and rapid trains. It also allows you to seamlessly transfer between train lines at the stations. You can travel between central Tokyo and Haneda Airport on the Tokyo Monorail or visit Miyajima via the JR Ferry. Your pass also covers transfers to JR train lines from non-JR trains at select stations. The JR Pass is inclusive of local JR buses to various tourist attractions, such as Tokyo Big Sight, Hagi, and Lake Towada.

Benefits of the JR Rail Pass: Beyond Train Travel

The biggest advantage of using the JR Pass is that it gives you unlimited rides nationwide, which can save you a considerable amount of money. It also saves you time since you don’t have to buy a new ticket every time you board a train. All of these are great for when you move between cities via train. However, the JR Pass offers so much more!

For one, you get access to JR-operated buses and ferries. This is very important for getting to and around tourist destinations. JR Pass users can also enjoy special offers, including discounts and accommodation benefits at hotels affiliated with the JR Hotel Group.

JR Rail Pass Reservation: Securing Seats on Shinkansen

You can make seat reservations online by booking a reserved seat ticket using the official website, JAPAN RAIL PASS Reservation. This feature is only available for people who bought their pass online. Use it to get a seat on the Shinkansen, one of the fastest trains in the world. You can learn more details about these state-of-the-art bullet trains in our Shinkansen guide.

After booking the ticket, visit a JR ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi) to get the ticket or use a ticket machine to issue one yourself. These machines are only present in some JR stations. They allow you to book and issue a reserved seat ticket easily, without having to wait at the ticket office. If you couldn’t book a ticket online, feel free to use either the ticket office or the machine to get your seat reservations. The staff at the office will walk you through the entire process.

Tips for Using the JR Rail Pass: Insider Advice

There are still more ways to make the most of the JR Rail Pass. Here are some insider tips and advice for JR Pass holders in Japan.

Use mobile apps to plan your itinerary and manage bookings, especially those with maps.

JR stations offer a lot more than trains and buses. You can also buy food (eki-bento), explore historic landmarks, and shop at malls.

Enjoy as many complimentary services as you can, especially on bullet trains. Examples include free wifi, charging stations, warm towels, food, and beverages.

Don’t hesitate to ask staff at the ticket office for advice on departure times, reservations, platforms, and more.

A good way to check train schedules is to look at the departure times first to see what matches your ticket.

We recommend a free day trip through Hiroshima using the city bus and a ferry ride to Miyajima.

Book your JR Pass a few weeks before you leave for Japan so that you can get your exchange order in time.

The Green Pass is more valuable during the festive season, so consider using it when there is overcrowding at the station.

JR Rail Pass Activation: Starting Your Rail Adventure

When you book a JR Pass via a travel agency or anywhere else, an exchange order or voucher will be delivered to your location. You need to take this order to an exchange office to get your JR Pass when you arrive in Japan. But please note that your pass is inactive at this stage. To activate a JR Pass, visit a JR office with the pass. The staff at the office will ask you for an activation date, which should be any day within a month after the exchange. Your pass will be ready for use on your chosen activation date.

JR Rail Pass Extension: Extending Your Travel Experience

The validity period of the JR Pass cannot be modified in any way. This means that you cannot pause, shorten, or extend it. Their 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day validity are fixed, with no option to add more days. If you would like to continue using the pass, you have to buy a new one.

There’s also no direct way to upgrade from a Standard Pass to a Green Pass. If you have an ordinary pass and would like to use a green car, you need to pay a separate fee for access. 

Exploring Japan with JR Rail Pass: Unforgettable Adventures Await

The convenience, flexibility, and savings you get with a JR Pass make it a must-have if you want to explore Japan’s diverse landscapes and attractions. While you prepare to embark on unforgettable rail adventures in Japan, you can get a taste of the local cuisine through authentic snacks and sweets. Get a Bokksu Snack Box subscription to enjoy a monthly supply of these treats. We’ll deliver directly to your home, anywhere in the world.

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