Facts about Japan
Japan is an island nation which features dense cities, imperial palaces, mountainous national parks and a plethora of shrines and temples. Tokyo, which is the capital is a popular destination for skyscrapers, shopping, and pop culture. Other popular tourist sites in the country are Onsen – a hot spring resort which features mineral baths, ski resorts such as Niseko in Hokkaido, Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto and Himeji Castle. Shops in Japan are famous for having the latest fashion trends, kimono gowns, and electronics. Sumo-wrestling, Kabuki theater productions, and karaoke bars are the forms of entertainment which tourists can pass time with. Child tourists in the country look forward to visiting Tokyo Tower which is considered Tokyo Disneyland.
The 21 World Heritage Sites make Japan one of the most visited countries in the world. Since 2011, the number of foreigners visiting the country has steadily been on the rise, a total number of 28.69 million foreigners visited Japan in 2017. The Japanese government hopes to receive 40 million foreign tourists every year by 2020.
Foreigners should desist from engaging in drug-related crimes as there are sophisticated methods of detecting drugs in Japan. Huge fines and lengthy sentences are handed out to anyone caught in the act.
Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol, DUI will land you in jail for up to 5 years and attracts a $10,000 fine.
Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Japan
- Valid national passport. The passport should be valid for the duration of your stay in the country. The passport should have one blank page for entry stamp.
- One copy of completed application form which should carry the necessary signatures and stamp.
- One recent passport-size photograph taken with a white background.
- Bank statement which is not older than 3 months from the period of entry to the country. This is proof that you can cater for yourself during the period of your stay in the country.
- Valid travel insurance.
- Proof of accommodation for the duration of your stay in the country.
- Return and onward ticket.
- Copy of travel itinerary.
Types of Japan Visa
Types of Visa |
Processing Time |
Duration of Stay |
Tourist Visa |
2 working days |
90 days |
Business Visa |
2 working days |
90 days |
Engineer Visa |
2 working days |
3 years |
Engineer Visa |
2 working days |
3 years |
Engineer Visa |
2 working days |
3 years |
Engineer Visa |
2 working days |
3 years |
Engineer Visa |
2 working days |
1 year |
Engineer Visa |
2 working days |
1 year |
Visa |
|
|
Places in Visas of Japan Fees
Visa Type |
Sub Type |
Visa Fees |
Tourist Visa |
|
3000.00 (JPY)
|
Business Visa |
|
3000.00 (JPY)
|
Engineer Visa |
|
Not available
|
Engineer Visa |
|
6000.00 (JPY)
|
Engineer Visa |
|
6000.00 (JPY)
|
Engineer Visa |
|
6000.00 (JPY)
|
Engineer Visa |
|
6000.00 (JPY)
|
Engineer Visa |
|
6000.00 (JPY)
|
Visa |
|
Not available
|