Japan, Land of the Rising Sun: My First Solo Travel

Provision for Visa

My First Solo Travel: How the Japan Relaxation Visa Opened a Door for Me (and It Can for You Too)

It was December 2014 when the dream started taking shape. I had just come back from our Christmas vacation, filled with reflections, excitement, and a spark of courage. With enough savings and no commitments holding me back—except, of course, my love for my family—I told myself, "It’s time."

That was the moment I seriously planned my first solo travel abroad. And where else would I want to go but to the Land of the Rising Sun—Japan.

A New Door for Filipinos: The Relaxation Visa

At the time, Japan had just relaxed its visa policy for Filipinos. This move made it more accessible for ordinary travelers like me to enter a country we once thought was only for the well-connected or well-off. The Japan Relaxation Visa for Filipinos became a turning point—a new open door to a beautiful culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.

Taking the Leap

With a goal-oriented mindset and the courage to take the first step alone, I contacted an accredited agency that handles both employment and tourist visa applications. Honestly, I expected it to take weeks, maybe months. But surprisingly, the process was quick and smooth—just 7 days and my Japan visa was ready.

I still remember holding that visa for the first time. It wasn’t just a piece of paper; it was a symbol of dreams turning real.

Here’s Exactly What I Did (So You Can Do It Too)

If you’re a Filipino dreaming of traveling to Japan, here are the exact steps I took to get my tourist visa approved:

✅ Step 1: Complete All Requirements for Japan Tourist Visa

1. Valid Philippine Passport
   At the time, I used my old passport (not the one with the new chip), and I didn’t encounter any problems at the airport or embassy. I did hear about a ₱500 chip passport replacement fee, but that’s optional unless mandated by the embassy.

2. Photo – 4.5cm x 4.5cm
   Make sure it has a white background. I recommend having this taken professionally to avoid any issues.

3. Visa Application Form
   You can download the editable form online. It’s better to fill this out on your computer for neatness and clarity.

4. Birth Certificate
   Must be issued by PSA and not older than one year.

5. Marriage Certificate (if applicable)

6. Bank Certificate
   This part got a little tricky for me. I first submitted a certificate showing ₱50,000, but the agency asked for another with a higher amount. Eventually, I submitted another bank account with ₱120,000. My friend, however, only submitted ₱75,000 and got approved. So, while the exact amount may vary, a safe range would be ₱70,000 to ₱120,000, depending on the duration of your stay.

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Why This Matters

Traveling alone to a foreign country is not just about ticking off a bucket list item. For me, it was a journey of self-discovery. It reminded me that I am capable of dreaming big, planning well, and making things happen—even if I’m on my own.

And if you’re reading this wondering whether you can do it too—the answer is a resounding YES.

So What’s Stopping You?

If Japan has been calling you, maybe this is your sign. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. It may never come. Take that step. Start gathering your documents. Talk to a trusted agency. Make your dream trip a reality.

And when you finally land in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, take a deep breath. Smile. Because you did it.

You made it. Just like I did.. see some of my features here. 

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The following may be able to support your application but not necessary:

7. Daily Schedule or General Itinerary

8. Income Tax Return (Form 2316) - This document is not very necessary.  The agency did not even asked for this copy.  I just submitted this just in case since it may support my employment and my income generation for the year. 

For those who are employed but not able to request this from your HR department you may request through Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR),

Telephone no: 981-8888

Trunkline: 981-7000

Email address: contact_us@cctr.bir.gov.ph

Office address: BIR National Office Bldg., BIR Road, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines

9. There are few requirements / proof of your vacation and exit from Japan

Certificate of Employment (COE) – stating current position, annual income, length of service and approved leaves

Airline Ticket / e-Ticket

Hotel Reservation / Confirmation

Approved Leaves – with confirmation or acceptance of manager

For those who wish to apply for the 3-year or 1-year multiple entry visa, the additional requirements would have to be submitted (depending under which classification you fall under).

Classification A: Applicants with travel history as temporary visitor to Japan in the last three years without any record of violations of the laws and regulations of Japan during their period of stay.

1. Recent or old passport that shows previous stays in Japan within the last three years.

2. ITR (Income Tax Return) or Bank Certificate of the applicant or of the person who will support the applicant

3. Documents to prove residence in the Philippines (copy of Identification cards etc.)

4. Explanation Letter why the applicant needs a multiple-entry visa

Classification B: Employed individuals with sufficient financial capacity to support their stay in Japan.

1. Employment Certificate

2. ITR (Income Tax Return )

3. Documents to prove residence in the Philippines (copy of Identification cards etc.)

4. Explanation Letter why the applicant needs a multiple-entry visa

STEP 2: Submit application to any of the Accredited Agency. Please find agencies accredited by Japanese Embassy below: 

Discovery Tour, Inc. 

Rajah Travel Corporation

Reli Tours & Travel Agency

Attic Tours Phils., Inc.

Friendship Tours and ResortsCorporation

Pan Pacific Travel Corporationapplications 

Next story:

God Acquainted Mission Trip
Instant Friend 
It was just my first day
Next Stop KYOTO! I am proud to be Filipino.
Wonders of Osaka

If you have comments and suggestion please feel free to notify the author for the enhancement of the next stories.

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💬 Share this article with someone who’s been dreaming of Japan.
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🧳 And when you go, travel not just to see the world—but to discover the world inside you.