Fortunately, Japan is relatively straightforward when it comes to the documents required to enter as a tourist for periods shorter than 90 days. While the following information may vary slightly depending on your country of origin, as Japan has different regulations for different nationalities, most travelers will find these requirements applicable. If you need specific information for your country, I will link to the official Japanese government website at the end of this article.
Required Documents
The necessary documents
Italian citizens traveling to Japan for tourism or personal reasons (e.g., visiting relatives or friends) for a period of fewer than 90 days do not require a visa. There is an agreement between Italy and Japan that exempts Italian citizens from obtaining a visa. However, for all other foreign citizens whose countries of origin do not have visa exemption agreements, it is necessary to obtain a visa regardless of the purpose of the visit or the duration of the stay.
To enter Japan, it is sufficient to bring a valid passport that remains valid until the date of departure from the country, as well as the return airline ticket.

Stay longer than 90 days
Italian citizens are required to obtain a visa for stays longer than 90 days (for pleasure, study, or work). The visa can be obtained at the Consulate-General of Japan in Milan or at the Embassy of Japan in Rome by submitting the following documents:
- Valid passport
- Visa application form
- Personal photo
- Certificate of Eligibility (CoE): This is a document issued by the Japanese Immigration Authorities upon request from a Japanese employer or educational institution, once the compatibility between the declared activity of the foreign citizen and the visa requirements has been verified. The CoE has the advantage of reducing the visa issuance time at Embassies or Consulates, completing the immigration procedures for those entering Japan for paid work, study, or pleasure. The issuance of the CoE takes a considerable amount of time (approximately 60-90 days), so it is advisable to submit the request well in advance.

Japan visa documents types
A detailed list of Japan visa documents types:
- Work visa (1 to 5 years):
- Professor (university professors, assistants, etc.)
- Artist (singer-songwriters, craftsmen, photographers, etc.)
- Entertainer (musicians, actors, singers, athletes, models, etc.)
- Religious activities (monks, missionaries, etc.)
- Journalist (newspaper or magazine journalists, publishers, etc.)
- Teacher (elementary, middle, and high school teachers)
- Humanities specialist/International Services (foreign language teachers, interpreters, etc.)
- Investor/managerial positions (company presidents, officials, etc.)
- Legal/accounting services (lawyers, judicial auditors, clerks, certified public accountants, etc. with accreditation in Japan)
- Medical services (doctors, dentists, nurses, etc. with accreditation in Japan)
- Researcher (doctoral students, researchers in research institutions, etc.)
- Engineer (mechanical, industrial engineers, etc.)
- Intra-company transferees (e.g., individuals transferred to the Japanese branch)
- Skilled labor (specialized foreign cuisine cooks, pilots, etc.)
- Highly skilled foreign professional
- General visa (1 year and 6 months):
- Cultural activities (unpaid internships, people studying tea ceremonies, ikebana, etc.)
- Student (university, high school students, etc.)
- Training (e.g., trainees in a local public institution)
- Technical internships
- Family reunion (spouse of a long-term visa holder)
- Specific visa (1 to 5 years):
- Spouse/family member of a permanent resident
- Spouse/family member of a Japanese citizen
- Long-term resident (people of Japanese origin, spouse or children of Japanese citizens born in China, etc.)
- Specific activities (e.g., foreign citizens wishing to enter Japan as private personal assistants to diplomats)
- Official visa (15 days to 3 years):
- Administrative employees, technical staff of diplomatic offices, etc.
- Diplomatic visa (for the duration of the assignment):
- Ambassadors, consuls, etc.
For detailed information about japan visa documents for your nationality please refere to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan official website.
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