Japan Tourist Visa
Short-term Stay Visa (Tourism) · For China citizens
Planning a trip to Japan as a Chinese citizen? This guide covers everything you need for your tourist visa application: required documents, current fees of ¥3,000 (approximately $20), processing time of 5-7 working days, and strategies to improve your chances. With an estimated 90% approval rate for Chinese applicants and Japan issuing over 5.24 million visas to Chinese nationals in 2024, proper preparation ensures a smooth application process.
Japan Tourist Visa for Chinese Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For China citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your current passport must have sufficient validity and blank pages
Complete the official visa application form available in English, Simplified Chinese, or Traditional Chinese
Recent passport-style photograph meeting Japanese specifications
Bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses
Documentation proving your employment status and income
Detailed plan of your visit including flights, accommodation, and activities
Copy of your household registration booklet
Copy of your Chinese resident identity card
Recommended (Optional)
Letter from your host in Japan inviting you to visit
Guarantee letter from a Japanese guarantor or approved travel agency
Application Process
Chinese citizens must apply for a Japan tourist visa through approved designated travel agencies.1 The process involves the following steps:
1. Choose an Approved Travel Agency
Select a travel agency that is designated by the Japanese government to process visa applications.1 For group tours, the agency must be on the approved list for group tourism. For individual tourism, specific designated agencies handle these applications.1
2. Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents including your valid passport, completed application form, passport photos, financial proof, employment certificate, and travel itinerary.1 Individual tourists must also meet income requirements set by the Japanese government.
3. Submit Through the Agency
Submit all documents to your chosen travel agency. They will review your application and submit it to the Japanese embassy or consulate on your behalf.1 You do not need to visit the embassy yourself in most cases.
4. Wait for Processing
Standard processing takes 5-7 working days.3 The agency will notify you when a decision has been made. Your passport with the visa will be returned to you through the agency.
5. eVisa Option
As of December 2025, Chinese nationals can also apply for a tourist eVisa through accredited agencies using the JAPAN eVISA system.4 This allows for stays of 15 or 30 days and may require an interview at a Japanese overseas establishment.
Fees
| Visa Type | Fee (JPY) | Fee (USD approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Entry Visa | ¥3,000 | $20 |
| Multiple-Entry Visa | ¥6,000 | $40 |
| Transit Visa | ¥700 | $5 |
Travel agency service fees are additional and vary by agency.2 Fees must be paid in local currency. If your visa is not issued, no fee is charged.2
Visa Types for Chinese Tourists
Japan offers several tourist visa options for Chinese citizens:
Group Tourism Visa
For travelers joining organized tour groups through approved Chinese travel agencies.1 Allows stays of up to 15 or 30 days. Travelers must remain with their tour group and escort throughout the trip.
Individual Tourism Visa (Single-Entry)
For independent travelers meeting income requirements.1 Allows stays of 15, 30, or 90 days depending on the specific visa granted. Travel itinerary and accommodations must be arranged through an approved travel agency.
Individual Tourism Visa (Multiple-Entry)
For applicants who meet higher income thresholds or have previous travel history to Japan.1 Allows multiple entries over the visa validity period with stays up to 30 or 90 days per visit. In January 2025, Japan introduced a new 10-year multiple-entry visa option for eligible Chinese tourists.1
Processing Times
The standard processing time is 5-7 working days after receipt of a complete application.3
Processing may take longer during:3
- Cherry blossom season (March-April)
- Golden Week (late April to early May)
- Summer holidays (July-August)
- Chinese New Year period
If additional documentation is required or if the application needs further review, processing can take over one month as it may be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo.3
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your visa will be placed in your passport. Check the following carefully:
- Validity period: The time window during which you can enter Japan (typically 3 months)
- Duration of stay: How long you can remain in Japan after entry (15, 30, or 90 days)
- Number of entries: Single or multiple
At the Japanese border, you may be asked to show:
- Return or onward flight tickets
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay
- Details of your travel plans
Immigration officers at the port of entry have final authority on granting landing permission, even with a valid visa.1
If Your Visa is Refused
If your visa is refused, you will receive notification but typically not detailed reasons for the decision. You can:
- Consult your travel agency: They may have insights into potential issues
- Review your documents: Check for missing information or inconsistencies
- Strengthen your application: Improve financial evidence or ties to home country
- Reapply: There is no mandatory waiting period, but address potential issues first
Common steps to improve your next application:
- Provide more comprehensive financial documentation
- Include stronger evidence of employment stability
- Add property ownership documents if available
- Ensure all information is consistent across documents
- Create a more detailed and realistic travel itinerary
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Missing required documents, errors in the application form, or documents that do not meet Japanese embassy specifications.
How to avoid: Carefully check all documents against the official checklist. Ensure your application form has no blank fields, all dates are consistent, and photos meet exact specifications. Have a native speaker review forms if unsure.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not show enough funds to cover the trip, or recent large unexplained deposits raise suspicion about the source of funds.
How to avoid: Show 3-6 months of bank statements with a consistent balance. The recommended amount is ¥50,000-100,000 per day of stay. Avoid large deposits right before application. Ensure salary credits match your employment certificate.
Unclear Travel Purpose or Unrealistic Itinerary
Vague travel plans, unrealistic schedules, or an itinerary that does not match the applicant's profile or visa duration.
How to avoid: Provide a detailed day-by-day itinerary with specific destinations. Ensure your travel dates are realistic and match your hotel and flight bookings. Explain the purpose of your visit clearly.
Weak Ties to Home Country
Unable to demonstrate strong reasons to return to China after the visit, such as stable employment, property ownership, or family obligations.
How to avoid: Include employment certificate with tenure details, property ownership documents if applicable, evidence of family members (especially dependents), and any ongoing business or education commitments.
Previous Immigration Violations
History of visa overstays, violations, or rejections in Japan or other countries raises concerns about compliance with immigration rules.
How to avoid: Be honest about previous issues on your application. If you have past violations, provide evidence of changed circumstances and include an explanation letter. Previous overstays significantly impact approval chances.
Fraudulent Documents or Information
Submitting fake hotel bookings, dummy flight tickets, forged employment letters, or providing false information on the application.
How to avoid: Never submit fake documents. Use refundable bookings from legitimate sources. Fraudulent applications can result in permanent bans from entering Japan. All information must be truthful and verifiable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Chinese citizens need a visa to visit Japan?
Yes, Chinese citizens require a visa to enter Japan for tourism purposes. Unlike citizens from 74 countries that enjoy visa-free entry, Chinese nationals must apply for a Short-term Stay Visa before travel.
How long can I stay in Japan on a tourist visa?
The length of stay depends on the visa type: group tourist visas allow up to 15 or 30 days, individual single-entry visas typically allow 15 or 30 days, and multiple-entry visas can allow stays up to 90 days per visit. In January 2025, Japan extended the maximum stay for group tours from 15 to 30 days.
How long does Japan visa processing take for Chinese citizens?
Standard processing takes 5-7 working days from submission. During peak seasons such as cherry blossom season (March-April) or Golden Week, processing may take longer due to high application volumes.
What is the Japan tourist visa fee for Chinese citizens in 2025?
The visa fee is ¥3,000 (approximately $20 USD) for a single-entry visa and ¥6,000 (approximately $40 USD) for a multiple-entry visa. Fees are paid in local currency through the application channel. Travel agency service fees are additional.
Can I apply for a Japan visa directly at the embassy?
For tourist visas, Chinese citizens must apply through approved designated travel agencies in China, not directly at the Japanese embassy or consulate. The travel agency handles the submission and collection of documents on your behalf.
What is the approval rate for Japan visas from China?
Japan has a high approval rate for Chinese tourists, estimated at approximately 90%. In 2024, Japan issued over 5.24 million visas to Chinese nationals, representing 70% of all visas issued, more than doubling the previous year's figures.
Can I get a multiple-entry Japan visa?
Yes, multiple-entry visas are available for Chinese citizens who meet certain income requirements or have traveled to Japan previously. In January 2025, Japan expanded the scope of multiple-entry visas, including a new 10-year multiple-entry option for eligible applicants.
Can I apply for a Japan eVisa?
Yes, as of December 2025, Chinese nationals residing in China can apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) for tourism purposes through accredited agencies. The eVisa allows for 15 or 30-day stays and must be applied for through the official JAPAN eVISA system.
What happens if my Japan visa is refused?
You will receive notification of the refusal, though Japan typically does not provide detailed reasons. You can reapply after addressing potential issues such as insufficient financial proof or incomplete documentation. There is no mandatory waiting period, but improving your application is essential.
Do I need hotel bookings before applying?
Yes, you need to provide accommodation details in your application. You can use refundable hotel reservations. If staying with friends or relatives, you should provide an invitation letter with their address and contact details.