Japan, a long-time favorite destination for travelers, is tightening its visa application process for Filipino tourists as the number of visitors from the Philippines reaches new heights. The rise in Filipino travelers has been driven by the weakened yen, making Japan more affordable and accessible.
To manage the growing number of visitors, the Japanese embassy in the Philippines has reduced the number of daily visa applications it processes, cutting available slots by almost 50%. With demand at an all-time high, Filipino tourists are now advised to apply for visas at least two months ahead of their planned trips. As most applications go through accredited travel agencies, these stricter rules are also impacting their operations.
The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) reports that 818,700 Filipino tourists visited Japan in 2024, a 31.6% increase from the previous year. This marks the second consecutive year of record-breaking Filipino arrivals. Among Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines ranked second after Thailand in terms of visitor numbers but had the highest growth rate.
Experts say several factors are behind the increase, including the favorable exchange rate, which boosts spending power, and the growth of budget-friendly flight routes by low-cost airlines. Japan’s wide appeal—from busy cities and cherry blossom festivals to historic temples and vibrant pop culture—continues to draw tourists eager to explore.
