My Japan Visa Journey: From Single Entry to Multiple Entry

Japan wasn’t a one-time visa story for me. It happened in stages.

From my first application in Manila, to getting a multiple-entry visa the following year, and then applying again years later in Abu Dhabi — each one felt different depending on where I was in life at that time.

Looking at it now, it wasn’t about getting a visa once. It was about building that access over time.

First Application — Single Entry (May 2017)

My first Japan visa application was in May 2017.

I applied through Friendship Tours inside Dusit Thani Makati. That was the usual process in the Philippines — submit everything through an accredited agency, then they forward it to the embassy.

The requirements were standard.

Passport
Application form
Photo
Bank certificate
ITR
Employment certificate
Travel itinerary

After submitting everything, it was just waiting.

When I got my passport back, I saw that I was granted a single-entry visa valid for 30 days.

At that point, that was already enough. It was my first trip to Japan, and just getting approved felt like a big step.

Second Application — 5-Year Multiple Entry (May 2018)

After that first trip, I already knew I wanted to go back.

So in May 2018, I applied again through the same agency — Friendship Tours in Dusit Thani Makati.

This time felt different. I already had a Japan stamp in my passport, plus additional travel history.

When I picked up my passport, I opened it the same way — quickly flipping to the visa page.

Then I saw it.

Multiple entry. 5 years validity. 30 days per stay.

That jump from single-entry to 5-year multiple felt big.

It changed how I looked at Japan completely. It wasn’t just a one-time trip anymore. It became a place I could return to anytime.

Third Application — 3-Year Multiple Entry (January 2024)

Years later, I applied again — this time in Abu Dhabi.

The process was different. No agency. Direct submission to the Japan Embassy.

By this point, I already had previous Japan visas and a stronger travel history, so the application felt more routine.

When I received my passport, I saw that I was granted a 3-year multiple-entry visa, with 15 days allowed per stay.

Shorter stay compared to before, but still multiple entry.

And still enough.

What Stayed Consistent

Across all three applications, one thing became clear.

Japan visa approvals build over time.

You start somewhere — usually single entry. Then if your travel history grows, your chances for multiple entry improve.

It’s not guaranteed, but it’s possible.

Why This Visa Matters More Than Just Entry

Each visa wasn’t just approval.

It opened the door to another trip.

Japan became one of those countries I can return to without overthinking the process every time. And every visit feels different depending on the season, the city, and the pace.

From Tokyo to Sapporo, there’s always something new.

And it all started with that first application in Makati.