Japan Travel Visa - 6 Types Of Japanese Visas For Foreigners

The immigration departments of most companies around the world today require that foreign visitors apply for a visa in order to enter the country. Of course, there are exceptions: many countries have special arrangements with certain other countries which allow their citizens to travel domestically without a visa. However, usually such arrangements are valid for short stays only: longer visits require visas. Japan is no exception.

If you are looking for a Japan travel visa, you should educate yourself about the 6 types of Japanese visas. Depending upon the reason for your trip to Japan, you will need one of these types of visas in order to enter, visit/stay, and carry out certain activities legally while in the country.

The 6 types of visas are: temporary visitor's visa, working visa, general visa, specified visa, diplomatic visa, and an official visa.

The first type is the visa-free stay. This is technically called a temporary visitor's visa as the name implies. However, do not let the name fool you: the visa-free stay has a number of restrictions associated with it. In order to qualify for a visa-free stay in Japan, you need to be prepared to leave the country within 90 days after entering. Also, upon entry you must be carrying a passport that will be valid throughout your entire stay, and you must have in your possession a ticket back out of the country. This visa is valid for 90, 30 or 15 days.

If you plan to work while in Japan - which means earning money in any manner while you are there - you will need to apply for a working visa before you enter the country. According to the Immigration Bureau of Japan, the working visa is good for either 1 or 3 years. You must apply for your Japanese working visa before you enter Japan. This means that you cannot enter Japan on a visa-free stay and then convert to a working visa without leaving the country first.

Official categories for the working visa for Japan include: professor, artist, religious activities, journalist, investor/business manager, legal/accounting services, medical services, researcher, instructor, engineer, specialist in humanities, intracompany transferee, entertainer, and skilled labor.

It may be that your trip to Japan will have you staying there longer than 90 days but you do not plan to be earning money while you are there. Instead, maybe you plan to study or become involved in certain cultural activities while in Japan. Or, maybe you will be staying with friends, family members, or in a home-stay situation for longer than 90 days. If this describes your situation, you will need to apply for a general visa for your visit to Japan. This is good for either 1 year or 6 months (cultural activities), 2 years or 1 year (college student), 1 year or 6 months (precollege student), 1 year or 6 months (trainee), or 3/2/1 years or 6/3 months (dependent).

On the other hand, maybe you are married to a Japanese citizen, you are the spouse of a permanent resident in Japan, or you are a long-term resident. In this case, you will need to apply for a specified visa in order to stay legally in Japan. This is valid for 3 years, 1 year or 6 months.

Finally, if you are a diplomat or a diplomatic courier to Japan you will require a diplomatic visa upon entry into Japan. According to the Immigration Bureau of Japan, the diplomatic visa is only valid for the duration of the mission. The visa is valid for the duration of the mission. Similarly, if you work in a way that supports diplomatic endeavors in general, such as working as a technical or administrative employee who supports a diplomat, you will need to apply for what is termed an official visa. Like the diplomatic visa, this visa, too, is only valid for the duration of the mission.

A cautionary note: if at present your particular plans for your trip to Japan are not yet clear, you may be tempted to enter Japan using a visa-free stay as you keep your options open. This is fine, provided that you actually do leave the country within the specified 90 days and that you do not try to earn money while in Japan. However, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days or plan to work, do the wise thing and apply now for the appropriate type of visa. It could save you a lot of trouble later.

Consider applying for one of these 6 types of Japanese visas as you plan your upcoming trip and/or stay in Japan. For more information, visit the Embassy of Japan of Washington, D.C. website.

Traveling to Japan for pleasure or business? Make the most of your trip with tips and recommendations from: Japan Travel Tips.

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Travel Costs For Japan - Estimates For 7 Types Of Japan Travel Costs

Planning a trip to Japan? You have probably already started thinking about the types of things you will do once you arrive. You no doubt also have an approximate idea of how long you will stay in Japan, as well as whether you will return straight home afterward or travel through to another destination first. At this point, you have probably started thinking about travel costs in Japan, as well.

It is very important to properly estimate the costs of your trip to Japan before you embark. It is no secret that travel to and within Japan is not cheap. However, you can manage making a Japan trip on a shoestring budget - if needed - and still have an excellent time. Whether your travel budget is fairly generous or a bit constrained, smart cost planning will greatly increase your chances of having an amazing trip. Doing so will also help you avoid surprises.

If you are curious about travel costs for Japan, here are some rough estimates for 7 types of Japan travel costs (all estimates are provided in U.S. dollars):

1. Airfare prices:

This is going to be the largest - and also most variable - of your Japan trip costs. The factors that influence how much or little you end up paying for your flight to and from Japan include the time of year you plan to travel, your choice of air carrier, and of course your departure city. If you live near a major city, you should be able to find a direct flight to Japan without having to transfer plans en route.

In terms of costs, they really vary. For example, you should expect to pay as little as $350 (if traveling from Korea or parts of China) to $1,000 to $2,000 or more if traveling from Europe, Australia or the Americas. If your travel dates are flexible, be sure to plug in different dates into an online travel planner to see how the rates vary by travel date.

2. Transportation from the airport to your place of lodging:

If you will be landing in Osaka or Tokyo (most people do), you will need to arrange ground transportation from the airport to your place of lodging. From both Narita International Airport and Kansai International Airport, you can find train service into the city for about $25. Also, a popular choice for travelers flying into Narita is to take an express bus into Tokyo for around $40. The bus will take you directly to a major train station in the heart of Tokyo.

3. Hotel, inn, and bed & breakfast rates:

Rates for a 3- or 4-star Western style hotel in a big city will usually start at around $150 or $200 per night. If your budget is more limited and/or if you want to have a more authentic Japan travel experience, trying staying in a ryokan (inn) or minshuku (bed and breakfast) for around $40-$60 per night. Hostels will cost even less.

4. Eating out:

High-end meals in Tokyo can run $100/plate or higher, but there are food options to match just about any budget. At the low end of things, you can find convenience stores on just about every major street corner that offer healthy snacks and meals for under $5.

5. Snacks:

Again, convenience stores are a great way to keep yourself fed if you are traveling in Japan on a budget. $5 per meal is a reasonable budget when you go this route. You can find tuna sandwiches, pre-made salads, onigiri (rice balls with meat or vegetable filling), chips, and even hot soup (o-den) during the winter months.

6. Sightseeing and special attractions:

Japan offers a huge range of sightseeing options and special attractions. For example, entrance to Tokyo Disneyland will cost you under $70 per person, while entrance fees into Yokohama's Hakkejima Sea Paradise and other aquariums usually run around $30-$50.

7. Souvenirs:

Want to travel home with a bagful of souvenirs for friends and family? Be sure to plan to spend $10 - $50/person to bring something special home for everyone on your list.

Of course, prices are always changing. But, you can use the prices listed above as rough guidelines as you plan your Japanese dream vacation. Then, be sure to go through a travel agent or visit the various attractions' or hotels' websites in order to get more exact pricing as your trip draws near.

Traveling to Japan for pleasure or business? Make the most of your trip with tips and recommendations from: Learn About Japan.

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