The Different Visas for Tourism in Japan
- Published on : 15/07/2026
- by : Clément
- Youtube
Passports
@Global Residence Index on Unsplash
As with any country, the entry requirements for visiting Japan as a tourist largely depend on the nationality of the traveler's passport. However, there are several visa options available depending on the purpose and length of stay. Discover everything you need to know with Japan Experience.
The Tourist Visa
For a tourist stay, most travelers enter Japan under the Temporary Visitor status, commonly referred to as a tourist visa. This status is granted to nationals of countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Japan. It allows for a short-term stay but does not permit any paid employment while in Japan. The maximum length of stay depends on the traveler's nationality.
- As a general guideline, nationals of the following countries (among others) are granted a maximum stay of 90 days:
France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Tunisia, and Türkiye.
- Nationals of the following countries are also granted a 90-day Temporary Visitor status upon entry, but may apply to extend their stay to 180 days through the relevant Japanese immigration authorities:
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Mexico.
For nationals of countries that are not eligible for visa exemption, it is necessary to apply for a tourist visa through the appropriate Japanese consular authorities before traveling. Starting in 2028, travelers will also be required to obtain a Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA) before entering Japan, regardless of their country of origin.
Good to know: Prepare for your arrival in advance with the Visit Japan Web service to speed up immigration and customs procedures at the airport!
The Working Holiday Visa
The Working Holiday Visa is available to young nationals of countries that have a Working Holiday agreement with Japan. It allows holders to stay in Japan for an extended period—typically up to one year—while also being authorized to work.
This visa enables travelers to combine travel and temporary employment, with many taking jobs in fields such as hospitality, food service, agriculture, or language education.
Applications must be submitted a few months before departure through the Japanese consular authorities in the applicant's country of residence. In most cases, the maximum eligible age is 30, meaning that applications must be submitted no later than the day before the applicant's 31st birthday.
Applicants are generally required to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves at the beginning of their stay and must not be accompanied by dependent children.
The full list of eligible countries is available here.
Shibuya crossing
@Timo Voltz on Unsplash
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Student Visas
The Student Visa is intended for individuals wishing to pursue long-term studies in Japan, whether at a university, a Japanese language school, or a vocational school (senmon gakkō). This visa is issued for a period ranging from six months to four years, depending on the course of study. Holders may also apply for a work permit allowing them to work up to 28 hours per week during their studies. For students planning an extended stay, this visa also provides plenty of opportunities to explore Japan in their free time.
Similarly, the Cultural Activities Visa is intended for individuals wishing to stay in Japan to study or practice an artistic, cultural, or traditional discipline.
This visa may be granted to people undertaking training in martial arts, the tea ceremony, ikebana (flower arrangement), calligraphy, traditional theater, traditional crafts, and other cultural pursuits. To obtain this visa, applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves throughout their stay, as the Cultural Activities Visa does not authorize paid employment.
Example of Japanese calligraphy
Wikimedia Commons, Ayu Nabila, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.fr
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