Want to go to Japan? Apply for tourist visa 2 months before trip

Amid the surge of leisure travelers from the Philippines, the Japanese Embassy has advised Filipinos to apply for a tourist visa at least two months before their planned departure for Japan.

The embassy said its advisory is for those applying for Temporary Visitor Visa for stay within maximum of 90 days and Multiple Entry Visa for Temporary Visitors.

"Due to the rapid increase in the number of visitors from the Philippines, examination of visa applications for tourism purposes may take several weeks longer than the standard processing time. Therefore, we highly recommend for applicants to please apply at least two months prior to the date of travel," the embassy said.

Japan's upcoming cherry blossom or sakura season is expected to draw more Filipino tourists to Japan by late March to April when the picturesque pink and white blossoms from cherry trees are in full bloom in Tokyo and other parts of the country.

READ: Here's the Cherry Blossom forecast for 2025, according to the Japan Meteorological Corporation

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) said more than 710,000 Filipinos visited Japan from January to November 2024 — a 30.7% increase from the same period of 2023.

Japanese Ambassador to Manila Endo Kazuya said in November 2024 alone, a record-breaking 87,100 Filipino tourists visited Japan, which is a 37% increase from 2023.

"This marks the highest growth rate of tourists from an ASEAN country in this period of time. Hoping our Filipino friends enjoyed their stay," said Endo on X last month.

Breaking records! The JNTO reports that 87,100 ???????? visited ???????? in November 2024. A 37% increase from last year, this marks the highest growth rate of tourists from an ASEAN country in this period of time. Hoping our PH friends enjoyed their stay & see you next time you #VisitJapan!

— Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines (@AmbJPNinPH) December 23, 2024

The Philippines is Japan’s eighth largest source of tourists behind the United States, South Korea, China, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand, the JNTO said. —KG, GMA Integrated News