After South Korea, Japan is the second most visited country in Asia with more than 13 million visitors a year. A nation with innovative cities, natural parks, temples and imperial palaces, which make it an exotic and fascinating destination.
But what do you need to travel to Japan?
Requirements to travel to Japan from Mexico
As long as it is a tourist visit, Mexicans do not need a special visa to enter Japan. Of course, the passport must be valid and in order.
The traveler must have economic solvency that allows him to pay the expenses of stay and lodging. If someone will receive and host him, he must have a letter of invitation from the person. In case of staying in a hotel, you are obliged to show the reservation.
How much money is needed to travel to Japan?
Traveling to Japan from Mexico is not expensive. It could actually be an accessible flight.
Take advantage of cheap low season flights and if you choose good and convenient accommodations, you could have a trip at quite reasonable costs.
From Mexico City there are flights with stops to Japan at very affordable prices. You can also take the option of traveling “for free”, a way of flying on your own, covering your expenses. It is a kind of backpacker but without so much informality.
For a 15-day vacation you must have no less than $2,700.
- Accommodation: $1,300.
- Transportation: $410.
- Food: $630.
This budget will be much lower if you travel freestyle.
What is the best date to travel to Japan?
Although November is a good month for cheap flight offers from Mexico, it is not the only one.
To go to Japan there are two good seasons in the year. The first is between April and May and the second is from October to November.
These four months are our best recommendation for a trip to Japan from Mexico, because they are not seasons with extreme weather. It doesn’t usually rain on those days.
What can you do in Japan?
Before traveling, prepare an itinerary that will be required by the immigration authorities.
Among the most outstanding places is Tokyo, its capital, a unique and fascinating city that preserves traces of Japan’s history in its buildings.
Climbing Mount Fuji, the highest peak in the country at 3,776 meters high, should also be on your itinerary, as should a visit to Hiroshima, the first of the two cities where the atomic bombs dropped by the United States were detonated.
Hiroshima has the Peace Park, designed by the famous Japanese architect, Kenzo Tange. It also has a bay with the island of Miyajima, a place that has a striking and unique floating tori.
Some tips you need to travel to Japan
Plan your trip well, especially regarding the cost of tickets.
You must be very kind, as this is a characteristic of the Japanese people. The Japanese are cordial and respectful, therefore, excellent hosts.
“Hai” means yes; “iie” means no. Other important words to learn are ohayou: good morning; konnichiwa: good afternoon; sumimasen: a way to apologize before asking something; arigato: thank you.
Japan’s vending machines offer everything. From soft drinks, food and candy, to cleaning products, t-shirts and magazines.
Use the “japan rail pass”, a ticket for foreigners to travel on all trains, except some high-speed lines.
Live the experience of traveling on the “Bullet Train”, a high-speed train with exact punctuality. In it you can make up to 13 trips in just one hour. It mobilizes 200 thousand passengers a day between Osaka and Tokyo.
Try to get accommodation at low and supportive prices so that you save money. If you search early, you can avoid shopping at expensive hotels.
Menus in restaurants are in both Japanese and English.
Countries that need a visa for Japan
In South America, Venezuelans, Peruvians, Colombians, Chileans and Brazilians must process their visa in advance to travel to Japan.
Citizens of China, the Philippines, Russia, Georgia, Vietnam and those of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), need to consult the specific requirements for these countries.
Documentation to travel to Japan
Japan has a visa waiver system with many countries around the world. If you live in one of those that do not require a visa, you only need to have your valid passport for the time of stay and a round trip ticket.
If you are from one of the countries that require a visa, you must go to the Japanese Embassy or the corresponding consulate with the following documentation:
- Passport.
- Two recent photos.
- Two entry forms (available at the embassy or consulate).
- Document specifying the reasons for the visit to the country.
Japanese Consulate in Mexico
The Embassy of Japan in Mexico City is at Paseo de la Reforma 243. Torre Mapfre, ninth floor. Colonia Cuauhtemoc. 06500.
Telephone: (+52) 55 5211 0028.
Website: www.mex.emb-japan.go.jp
Hours: from 9:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
Head of Mission: mr. Yasushi Takase, ambassador.
In Tijuana and Monterrey there are consulates.
Japanese passport. Requirements
For persons under 19 years of age, a passport valid for 5 years is issued; people over 20 years old can choose one valid for 10 years or continue to get the one valid for 5 years.
The requirements to apply for a Japanese passport are:
- One (1) recent photo.
- One (1) 5 or 10 year passport application form, depending on the applicant.
- Valid passport requested only when the applicant already has this document.
- Identity documents (identity card, driver’s license, student card, etc., preferably with a photo), originals.
- Civil registration of the family (Koseki-Tohon or recent Shohon, not more than 6 months old).
- Traveling from Japan to Mexico will be one of the most fascinating adventures of your life and, at the same time, simple.
japanese attractions
In addition to its sanctuaries, Buddhist temples, cities and palaces, Japan has traditions and a rich and ancient culture that justifies the trip to discover it.
Gastronomy is also an attraction that seduces, because in Japanese lands you will taste an authentic sushi accompanied by sake and rice liquor. Japanese technological advances are equally an invitation.
All these characteristics have excited Mexicans, who have made Japan their second most visited tourist destination, to have unforgettable vacations.
We invite you to share this article with your friends on social networks so that they also know what it takes to travel to Japan.
See also:
- Read our guide on what to see in Japan in 15 days
- Check out our guide to the 16 weirdest and most beautiful places in Japan
- We leave you our complete guide on the 35 typical Japanese foods that you have to try sometime
