Travel Experiences in Japan and Applying for Independent Visas

Japan is an enticing destination for many travelers. If you plan to visit the land of cherry blossoms, obtaining a tourist visa is a prerequisite before arrival.

Travel Experiences in Japan and Applying for Independent Visas

Traveling to Japan is always among the most attractive destinations on the planet. From spring through summer, then into autumn or the chilly winter days, the Land of the Rising Sun is beautiful in every season. From December to April the following year, the number of tourists traveling to Japan is high to admire the snow and participate in cherry blossom festivals.

However, the issue of obtaining a Japanese travel visa independently can be daunting for many travelers. Knowing how to apply for a Japanese visa, you will find that the steps are straightforward.

Furthermore, many travelers face numerous difficulties in planning their itinerary for the trip without assistance from travel agencies. With just 7 days and 4 tourist spots, you can have an amazing journey in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Preparing Visa Application Documents

If you intend to travel to Japan independently, you need to thoroughly prepare your visa application documents to avoid rejection. Travelers submit visa applications for independent tourism to the Japanese Embassy.

If the visa is approved, you will pay a fee of 610,000 Vietnamese Dong. In case of visa refusal, the Embassy will only return the passport without providing reasons. The visa you receive will be valid for 3 months from the date of issue.

Passport (valid for over 6 months):

The passport includes the original and a photocopy. Additionally, you need to prepare 2 passport photos sized 4×6, with a white background, taken within the last 6 months. The visa application form should already have a 4.5×4.5 photo attached. Note that the last section of the form, the visa applicant must sign matching the signature on the passport, and the back of the photo must clearly state the full name. Applications will not be accepted if the photos are altered.

Documentation proving stable employment:

Documentation proving stable employment:

The more comprehensive the documents in this section, the higher the chances of a successful visa application. The dossier should include: Employment contract (notarized copy or company seal hanging), confirmation of current employment status (bilingual, with company seal hanging), the latest 3-month salary statement or cash salary confirmation from the company (original, bilingual), leave application for travel (original, bilingual).

Financial Proof:

Next, you must confirm the balance of your savings account. The savings book must have a minimum term of 3 months, with assets valued at over 100 million VND. Note that having too much money in your account is not favorable when applying for a Japanese visa. If the savings account balance differs significantly from the salary received, your application may also be rejected.

Accommodation Itinerary Information:

In the dossier, you must clearly state the planned activities, accommodation details, and contact information in as much detail as possible. It is mandatory to fill in the entry and exit dates. The itinerary must be written for each day. Not only should you mention vague city names like Tokyo, Kyoto, but you need to specify the actual location and details of planned activities, including specific accommodation details (clearly stating name, address, phone number). The itinerary must match the hotel booking information. You should be prepared in case of visa rejection by booking accommodations that allow cancellations to avoid waste.

Documentation proving the relationship of the travel group:

- Your group: Group photos taken at cafes or during travels together, accompanied by a completed form stating names, ages, and relationships.

- Family: Similar to above, with additional documentation such as marriage certificates, certified copies of household registrations.

Note:

- When answering questions from embassy staff, be honest to avoid suspicion or visa rejection due to confusion about intentions.

- Remember to bring your identification card to pass through security gates.

– Application submission hours are in the morning on weekdays.

7-Day Self-Guided Tour Experience in Japan

Day 1: Osaka – Kyoto

Travelers arrive at Kansai Airport (Osaka), complete procedures, and purchase Jr Pass tickets outside the hall (train tickets for international visitors in Japan), then board the Hikari train to Kyoto, which takes only about 50 minutes. The Jr Pass is an indispensable item, serving as a universal ticket throughout the journey, so be sure to keep it safe.

Upon arrival in Kyoto, you will feel the serene tranquility of the ancient capital. This place is famous for its many ancient temples and shrines. Fushimi Inari Shrine is a prominent destination in Kyoto, known for its iconic red gate often seen in tourists' check-in photos in Japan.

Day 2: Kyoto – Shirakawago (Gifu)

Departing from the ancient capital Kyoto, travelers will visit the historic village of Shirakawago, a fairy-tale-like village blanketed in snow during winter. Travelers depart from Kyoto to Nagoya station, which takes about 40 minutes on the Hikari or Kodama train. Japan's train system runs very punctually, so being just 1 minute late could result in missing the train.

From Nagoya, travelers will take a bus to Shirakawago village. It's advisable to purchase a round-trip bus ticket (approximately 7,000 yen, equivalent to 1.4 million dong) at the Meitetsu Bus Center. The village serves as a picturesque checkpoint in your Japanese journey.

Shirakawago village is beautiful in all four seasons. In winter, it hosts a lantern festival that attracts many tourists. Shirakawago was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 and is where the author Fujiko F. Fujio conceived the first volumes of Doraemon.

Days 3-5: Tokyo

After visiting the historic village, you can return to Nagoya station and travel to Tokyo. The capital city of Japan offers countless destinations and exciting tourist activities, so it's worth spending ample time here.

Simply strolling the streets of Tokyo is enough to deepen your love for Japan. For a panoramic view of the bustling crowds at Shibuya Crossing, visitors can stop by the Starbucks café to enjoy coffee and indulge in some people-watching and photo opportunities.

Tokyo is a shopper's paradise where visitors can spend days indulging in retail therapy without getting bored. Goods in Harajuku can be pricey, so it's wise to keep an eye on your finances when shopping there. For Japanese cosmetics, tourists can visit the market area in Segamo.

Navigating Tokyo's train system is not as daunting as you might think. Even if you don't speak Japanese or English, travelers need not worry. The Travel Japan and Google Maps apps are invaluable tools for overcoming language barriers.

Days 6-7: Osaka – Vietnam

If you haven't visited Osaka on the first day, you can do so on the last day before your flight back to Vietnam. You can easily plan a self-guided trip to Japan with plenty of experiences and significant cost savings compared to booking a guided tour.

Total Expenses

The total cost for the entire 7-day trip in Japan is approximately 35 million dong per person.

– Airfare: Approximately 6 million dong (including 20 kg of checked luggage each way).

– Jr Pass All Japan for 7 days: 5.8 million dong.

– Accommodation: Around 6 million dong for 6 days and 5 nights.

– Spending money: 18 million dong; tourists can allocate 8 million dong for souvenirs, incidentals, food, etc., to bring back to Vietnam.

According to Tran Le Ngoc Thang/Zing news

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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour