Complete English Version: Short-Term Stay Visa (Tourist Visa) Full Guide

Japan Entry Requirements, Required Documents, and Application Process [2026 Latest Edition | Supervised by Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation, Kumamoto Prefecture]

Japan’s Short-Term Stay Visa (commonly known as the Tourist Visa) is the first choice for many foreigners planning short visits to Japan. This visa accommodates various purposes such as tourism, business meetings, family visits, and conference attendance, allowing stays of up to 90 days.

As of 2026, demand for entry into Japan remains high due to globalization, with visa exemption measures covering over 70 countries and regions (stay durations vary by country: 15, 30, or 90 days). Meanwhile, the expansion of online applications via JAPAN eVISA and stricter reviews emphasize the need for precise preparation. The digital nomad “Specified Activities” visa, introduced in recent years, further requires careful selection of the appropriate status of residence even for short stays.

This article is supervised by experts at Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation, drawing from extensive practical experience. It covers everything from visa overviews and application flows to required documents, screening points, refusal cases, and countermeasures, incorporating the latest 2026 information. Based in Kumamoto, our firm provides nationwide support for visa document preparation, review, and even reapplication assistance for past refusals. Initial consultations are free—contact us at 096-385-9002 for smooth entry into Japan.

1. What Is the Short-Term Stay Visa?

The Short-Term Stay Visa (Status of Residence: “Short-Term Stay” under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act) allows foreigners to stay in Japan temporarily for non-remunerative activities. It prohibits paid employment or long-term residence, focusing on short-term exchanges and visits. In 2026, millions use it annually, supporting tourism and international relations.

Stay durations are determined at entry review based on purpose and nationality (no Residence Card issued; only a passport stamp or eVISA notice).

Duration	Examples	Notes
Within 15 days	Some visa-exempt countries (e.g., Indonesia, Thailand)	Ideal for short tourism; simpler review.
Within 30 days	Brunei, Qatar, etc.	Suitable for business meetings.
Within 90 days	Most countries/regions (standard)	Optimal for family visits or cultural exchanges. Extensions generally not permitted.

Main Purposes of Stay

Purposes are strictly defined under the Immigration Act; applications must specify activities with proof of legitimacy.

Category	Details	Examples
Tourism	Sightseeing, cultural/natural experiences for leisure.	Kyoto temple tours, Mt. Fuji hikes, Tokyo Disneyland, Aso Volcano, Suizenji Park, Kumamoto Castle.
Business	Meetings, negotiations, contract signings, trade fairs (no remuneration).	International expo booths, partner consultations.
Family/Acquaintance Visits	Meetings with family or friends residing in Japan.	Wedding attendance, accompanying family medical checkups.
Academic/Cultural Exchange	Lectures, research presentations, conferences (non-profit).	University symposia, museum viewings.
Arts/Sports	Performances, exhibitions, competitions (pro/amateur).	Concerts, Olympic viewing.
Training/Inspection	Skill training, factory tours, business inspections.	Corporate tours, medical facility visits.
Others	Medical treatment, weddings/funerals, etc.	Short-term care, funeral attendance.

Restrictions

No Employment: Paid activities (e.g., part-time work, honoraria) are strictly prohibited; violations risk deportation and re-entry bans.
No Extensions: Generally not allowed; exceptions (illness, disasters) via regional Immigration Bureau.
No Status Change: Cannot switch to work or long-term visas; select appropriately in advance.
2026 Update: Remote work during short stays is limited to “Specified Activities” for digital nomads, with remuneration only from overseas sources.

2. Visa Exemption Countries and Conditions

Japan offers visa exemptions for short-term stays with over 70 countries/regions under mutual agreements. Eligible passport holders can enter without a visa for tourism/business/family visits within limits.

Region	Key Countries/Regions (Excerpt)	Max Stay
Asia	South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia	90 days (some 15 days)
Europe	All 27 EU countries (post-Brexit), UK, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein	90 days
North America	USA, Canada	90 days
Oceania	Australia, New Zealand	90 days
Latin America	Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Peru	90 days
Middle East/Africa	UAE, Qatar, Turkey, South Africa	90 days (some 30 days)

Full list on MOFA website. Note: Peru extended to 90 days from July 2025.

Visa-required countries include China, India, Philippines, Vietnam, etc., with stricter reviews for developing nations.

Exemption Conditions:

Purpose limited to tourism/business/family visits (no work/study).
Within 90 days (cumulative; past stays considered).
Round-trip ticket required (e-ticket OK).
Proof of funds (e.g., ¥10,000/day equivalent bank statement).
Passport valid 3+ months; no health/criminal issues. Additional questions possible at entry.

3. Application Process

3-1. Application Location and Jurisdiction

Primarily at the Japanese embassy/consulate in the applicant’s home country.
Some countries use agents (e.g., VFS Global in China); extra fees apply.
Jurisdiction by residence (e.g., Beijing residents to Beijing Embassy). eVISA limited to eligible countries.

3-2. Flow from Application to Entry (1-3 Months Total)

eVISA shortens reviews to 5-10 business days in 2026.

Step	Details	Timeframe	Notes
① Preparation (1-2 Months Prior)	Clarify purpose, plan itinerary, check MOFA requirements.	1-2 Weeks	eVISA pre-registration for eligible countries (UK, US, etc.).
② Document Prep (2-4 Weeks Prior)	Gather/translate docs; coordinate with inviter.	2-4 Weeks	Notarization/translation needed; consult experts.
③ Submission	Submit to embassy (mail/in-person); interviews (10-20 min) common.	Same Day	Increasing reservations (e.g., India).
④ Review	MOFA-Immigration coordination; respond to requests.	5-10 Business Days (eVISA faster)	Refusal rate ~10-20%.
⑤ Issuance	Visa affixed to passport or eVISA notice.	1-3 Days	Use within 3 months.
⑥ Entry	Airport review (passport/funds proof).	Same Day	Overtourism crowds; prepare.

4. Required Documents by Purpose

All originals/copies with English/Japanese translations. eVISA prefers digital uploads in 2026.

Common Documents:

Passport (6+ months validity, sufficient pages).
Visa application form (MOFA format; online OK).
Photo (4.5×3.5cm, white background, no hat, recent).
Round-trip ticket confirmation.
Itinerary (A4: detailed schedule, accommodations, sites).

Tourism: Bank statements (3 months, ¥100,000+), employment/income proof, hotel bookings, detailed daily plan.

Business: Inviter provides reason letter, itinerary, company registry/profit-loss (2 years); applicant: employment proof, activity details.

Family Visits: Inviter: reason/guarantee letters, residence proof, tax certificate (¥3M+ income); applicant: relationship proof, funds.

5. Screening Points and Refusal Countermeasures

Key checks: purpose legitimacy, financial stability (¥10,000/day+), intent to return, inviter reliability, clean record.

Common Refusal Reason	Rate	Countermeasures
Unclear Purpose	30%	Detailed itinerary with maps/reservations.
Insufficient Funds	25%	Multiple bank/asset proofs; family guarantees.
Doubts on Return Intent	20%	Home ties (property/family/job proofs).
Weak Inviter	15%	Inviter’s tax/employment docs.
Document Issues	10%	Checklists; scrivener review (recommended).

6. In-Stay Precautions

No work (except unpaid volunteering); 5-year re-entry ban possible.
No overstays (fines/detention/blacklist).
Entry reviews may require funds/itinerary (30% cases); health declarations ongoing post-COVID.
2026: eTA prep for visa-exempt; pre-registration planned.

7. Special Cases: Multiple-Entry, Extensions, Changes

Multiple-Entry (1-5 Years): For frequent travelers; 90 days/entry; requires strong finances/past compliance. Asia expansions in 2026.

Extensions (Rare): Illness/disasters; apply at regional bureau (30-90 days).

Status Changes (Limited): To “Long-Term Resident” or “Specified Activities”; low success (~10%).

8. Refusal Handling

Analyze notice (e.g., funds); wait 6 months typically. Strengthen docs/explain in reapply. Free diagnosis at our firm.

9. 2026 Latest Trends

eVISA Expansion: Online for UK/Australia/Canada/etc. tourists; 5-day reviews, no paper docs.
JAPAN eVISA Portal: Reservations/uploads; avg. 1 week.
Simplifications: Multiple-entry easing in SE Asia; digital certs. Peru exemption; digital nomad links; eTA for 71+ countries by 2028.

The Short-Term Stay Visa supports key short visits, but screenings focus on purpose, funds, and return intent. Digital shifts in 2026 demand precise docs. For concerns or past refusals, consult visa specialists. Free initial diagnosis available.

Shionaga Administrative Scrivener Corporation
〒862-0950 Kumamoto City Chuo-ku Suizenji 1-9-6
Tel: 096-385-9002 (Weekdays 9:00-18:00, Sat consults OK)
Email: info@shionagaoffice.jp
Website: https://shionagaoffice.jp/ (Latest cases on blog)

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