Getting a visa for Japan can feel like a big task. The cover letter plays a key role in your application, showing why you want to visit and proving you have good reasons to return home after your stay.
This article gives you 15 sample cover letters for different visa types. Each one follows the right format and highlights what matters most to Japanese immigration officials. Use these as guides to create your own strong letter that stands out.
Sample Visa Cover Letters for Japan
These sample cover letters will help guide your Japan visa application process.
1. Tourist Visa Cover Letter
Dear Visa Officer,
I am writing to apply for a tourist visa to visit Japan for 14 days from May 15 to May 29, 2025. The purpose of my visit is to explore the cultural heritage sites of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
I have attached my complete itinerary, including confirmed hotel reservations at Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku in Tokyo (May 15-20), Kyoto Century Hotel (May 20-25), and Hotel Nikko Osaka (May 25-29). My return flight has been booked with Japan Airlines (JL741) departing from Osaka on May 29, 2025.
I currently work as a Senior Marketing Manager at ABC Corporation, where I have been employed for the past five years. My annual salary is $75,000, and I have been granted approved leave for this trip. I will resume my duties upon my return on June 1, 2025.
My trip will be fully self-funded, and I have attached bank statements showing sufficient funds to cover all travel expenses.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to experiencing the beauty and culture of Japan.
Sincerely,
John Smith
123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 United States
Phone: (555) 123-4567 Email: johnsmith@email.com
2. Business Visa Cover Letter
Dear Visa Officer,
This letter supports my application for a business visa to Japan for a period of 7 days from June 10 to June 17, 2025. I will be attending the annual Technology Summit in Tokyo as a representative of XYZ Technologies.
The summit will take place at the Tokyo International Forum from June 11-16, 2025. During this trip, I will meet with potential business partners and attend various networking events to establish relationships that will benefit our company’s expansion into the Asian market.
I have been employed as the Chief Technology Officer at XYZ Technologies for 8 years. My company will cover all expenses related to this business trip, including airfare, accommodation at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo, and daily expenses. I have attached a letter from my CEO confirming this arrangement.
I have also included our company registration documents, my employment contract, and recent bank statements showing the financial stability of our organization.
My return flight has been booked on ANA Airlines (NH207) departing Tokyo on June 17, 2025. I will resume my duties at XYZ Technologies immediately upon my return.
Thank you for considering my application.
Respectfully,
Sarah Johnson Chief Technology Officer
XYZ Technologies 456 Tech Avenue San Francisco, CA 94107 United States
Phone: (555) 987-6543 Email: sarah.johnson@xyztechnologies.com
3. Student Visa Cover Letter
Dear Visa Officer,
I am writing to apply for a student visa to study at Tokyo University for one academic year starting September 1, 2025. I have been accepted into the Master’s program in International Relations, as confirmed by the attached admission letter.
My academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Stanford University, where I maintained a 3.8 GPA. The opportunity to study in Japan aligns perfectly with my career goal of working in diplomatic relations between the United States and Asian countries.
My parents will financially support my studies and living expenses in Japan. I have attached their bank statements, affidavit of support, and proof of their income. Additionally, I have received a partial scholarship from Tokyo University, which will cover 30% of my tuition fees.
I have secured housing at the university dormitory for the duration of my studies. After completing my program, I plan to return to the United States to pursue job opportunities in the diplomatic service.
Thank you for reviewing my application. I am excited about this opportunity to study in Japan and contribute to the academic community at Tokyo University.
Respectfully,
Michael Chen
789 University Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 United States
Phone: (555) 234-5678 Email: mchen@stanford.edu
4. Work Visa Cover Letter
Dear Visa Officer,
I am applying for a work visa to Japan as I have been offered a position as Senior Software Engineer at ABC Technology Company in Tokyo. The contract will begin on August 1, 2025, for an initial period of three years.
ABC Technology has submitted a Certificate of Eligibility on my behalf, which is attached to this application. The company has confirmed that my annual salary will be 7,500,000 yen, well above the minimum requirement for this visa category.
I hold a Master’s degree in Computer Science from MIT and have eight years of experience in software development. My skills in artificial intelligence and machine learning match the requirements for this position, as detailed in the job offer letter also attached to this application.
My spouse will accompany me to Japan, and she has submitted a separate dependent visa application. We plan to rent an apartment in the Minato ward of Tokyo, and ABC Technology will assist with our relocation.
Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to contributing my skills to Japan’s technology sector and experiencing life in your beautiful country.
Sincerely,
David Lee
246 Tech Circle Boston, MA 02116 United States
Phone: (555) 345-6789 Email: david.lee@gmail.com
5. Family Reunion Visa Cover Letter
Dear Visa Officer,
I am writing to apply for a family reunion visa to join my husband, Takashi Yamamoto, who is a Japanese citizen residing in Yokohama. We have been married for three years, as documented by our marriage certificate attached to this application.
My husband works as a professor at Yokohama National University and has provided all necessary documents proving his Japanese citizenship, employment status, and financial ability to support me. I have also included our recent photographs together and copies of our communication history.
I plan to move to Japan permanently to live with my husband at his apartment in Yokohama. The address details are included in the attached housing documentation. Once in Japan, I intend to study the Japanese language and culture before seeking employment opportunities.
Thank you for reviewing my application. I am eager to reunite with my husband and start our life together in Japan.
Sincerely,
Maria Yamamoto
357 Oak Street Portland, OR 97205 United States
Phone: (555) 456-7890 Email: maria.yamamoto@email.com
6. Working Holiday Visa Cover Letter
Dear Visa Officer,
I am applying for a Working Holiday Visa to spend one year in Japan starting from October 1, 2025. As a 24-year-old Canadian citizen, I am eligible for this program according to the Japan-Canada Working Holiday agreement.
My main purpose is to experience Japanese culture while supporting myself through temporary work. I plan to spend time in different regions of Japan, starting with three months in Tokyo, followed by stays in Osaka, Hokkaido, and Okinawa.
I have saved CAD 7,500 for this trip, as shown in my attached bank statements. This amount exceeds the minimum financial requirement and will support me until I find temporary employment. I also have a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one at the end of my stay.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and have worked in customer service for three years. These skills will help me find temporary positions in Japan’s tourism and service industries. I also have basic Japanese language skills (JLPT N4 level) and plan to continue my studies while in Japan.
Thank you for considering my application. This working holiday will be an invaluable experience for my personal and professional growth.
Sincerely,
Emma Wilson
468 Maple Road Vancouver, BC V6B 2N2 Canada
Phone: (604) 567-8901 Email: emma.wilson@email.ca
7. Cultural Activities Visa Cover Letter
Dear Visa Officer,
I am applying for a Cultural Activities Visa to study traditional Japanese pottery in Kyoto for a period of six months starting from July 1, 2025. I have been accepted as an apprentice by Master Kenji Tanaka at his pottery studio, as confirmed in the attached invitation letter.
For the past ten years, I have been practicing pottery in Australia and have exhibited my work in several galleries. This opportunity to learn from Master Tanaka will greatly enhance my understanding of Japanese ceramic traditions and techniques.
My accommodation in Kyoto has been arranged by Master Tanaka, who has provided me with a room at his studio’s guesthouse. The address and details are included in the supporting documents.
I have saved AUD 15,000 for this trip, which will cover my living expenses during the six-month period. I have also attached my return flight booking for December 30, 2025, confirming my intention to return to Australia after completing my apprenticeship.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about this opportunity to deepen my knowledge of Japanese pottery and cultural heritage.
Respectfully,
Thomas Brown
579 Beach Road Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
Phone: +61 2 678 9012 Email: thomas.brown@ceramics.com
8. Medical Treatment Visa Cover Letter
Dear Visa Officer,
I am writing to apply for a Medical Treatment Visa to undergo specialized cardiac surgery at Tokyo Medical University Hospital. My treatment is scheduled for September 5, 2025, and my planned stay in Japan is from September 1 to October 15, 2025.
I have attached a detailed medical report from my doctor in the United Kingdom explaining my condition and why this specific treatment in Japan is necessary. Also included is an official letter from Tokyo Medical University Hospital confirming my appointment and estimated treatment costs.
My treatment and stay will be fully funded by my health insurance policy with Global Health Insurance, as confirmed in the attached coverage letter. I have also included my bank statements showing additional funds of £20,000 to cover any extra expenses.
My daughter will accompany me as my caretaker and has submitted a separate visa application. We have booked accommodation at the patient family housing provided by the hospital for the duration of our stay.
Thank you for considering my application. I am grateful for the opportunity to receive this life-improving medical treatment in Japan.
Sincerely,
Robert Williams
680 High Street London, SW1A 1AA United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 789 0123 Email: robert.williams@email.co.uk
9. Dependent Visa Cover Letter
Dear Visa Officer,
I am applying for a Dependent Visa to join my wife, Emily Taylor, who has recently been granted a Professor Visa to teach at Waseda University in Tokyo. Our marriage certificate and her visa documentation are attached to this application.
My wife will begin her three-year teaching contract on November 1, 2025, and I plan to join her for the entire duration of her assignment. We will be living together in university-provided housing in the Shinjuku area of Tokyo.
As a dependent, I understand that I may engage in part-time work up to 28 hours per week. With my background in English education, I hope to find opportunities to teach English while also supporting my wife in her academic career.
All our living expenses will primarily be covered by my wife’s salary of 8,000,000 yen per year. I have also attached our joint bank statements showing savings of USD 35,000 as additional financial support.
Thank you for reviewing my application. I look forward to experiencing life in Japan alongside my wife as she contributes to the academic community at Waseda University.
Respectfully,
Daniel Taylor
791 College Street Chicago, IL 60637 United States
Phone: (555) 890-1234 Email: daniel.taylor@email.com
10. Researcher Visa Cover Letter
Dear Visa Officer,
I am writing to apply for a Researcher Visa to conduct marine biology research at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology for a period of two years starting January 15, 2026.
The research project focuses on coral reef conservation and is funded by a grant from the International Marine Conservation Fund. The project details and funding confirmation are included in the attached documents, along with my letter of invitation from Professor Hiroshi Nakamura, the principal investigator.
I hold a Ph.D. in Marine Biology from the University of California, San Diego, and have published several peer-reviewed papers on coral reef ecosystems. This research opportunity in Japan will allow me to study unique coral species found only in the waters around Okinawa.
The Okinawa Institute will provide me with on-campus housing for the duration of my stay. My monthly stipend of 300,000 yen will cover all living expenses, as detailed in the attached financial support letter.
Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about contributing to marine conservation efforts through this research collaboration in Japan.
Sincerely,
Amanda Garcia
802 Ocean View Drive La Jolla, CA 92037 United States
Phone: (555) 901-2345 Email: amanda.garcia@ucsd.edu
11. Highly Skilled Professional Visa Cover Letter
Dear Visa Officer,
I am applying for a Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSP) based on my qualifications and job offer from Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in Tokyo. I have calculated my points according to the HSP point system and have scored 80 points, as detailed in the attached point calculation sheet.
My qualifications include a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from ETH Zurich, ten years of experience in industrial automation, and four granted patents in the field. I also hold JLPT N2 certification in Japanese language proficiency. My annual salary at Mitsubishi Electric will be 12,000,000 yen.
Mitsubishi Electric has submitted a Certificate of Eligibility application on my behalf, which is pending approval. They have also provided a detailed job description outlining my role as Head of Robotics Research, which aligns with Japan’s strategic growth areas.
My family (spouse and two children) will accompany me to Japan, and we plan to rent a house in the Setagaya ward of Tokyo. Our relocation is scheduled for March 1, 2026, pending visa approval.
Thank you for reviewing my application. I look forward to contributing to Japan’s technological advancement through my work at Mitsubishi Electric.
Respectfully,
Dr. Klaus Mueller
913 Technology Park Zurich, 8092 Switzerland
Phone: +41 44 012 3456 Email: klaus.mueller@eth.ch
12. Journalist Visa Cover Letter
Dear Visa Officer,
I am applying for a Journalist Visa to work as a foreign correspondent for The Global Times newspaper in Tokyo. My assignment will begin on April 1, 2026, and is initially planned for a two-year period.
The Global Times has officially appointed me as their Japan correspondent, as confirmed in the attached letter from the Editor-in-Chief. I will be reporting on Japanese politics, economics, and cultural affairs for our international readership.
I have been a journalist for 15 years, with previous foreign assignments in Seoul, Beijing, and Singapore. My journalism credentials, press card, and sample published articles are included with this application.
The newspaper will provide me with a monthly salary of 600,000 yen and will cover my housing expenses in Tokyo. I have attached bank statements showing that The Global Times has transferred initial funds to cover my relocation costs.
Thank you for considering my application. I am committed to accurate and fair reporting about Japan to international audiences.
Sincerely,
James Wilson
024 Press Avenue New York, NY 10001 United States
Phone: (555) 012-3456 Email: james.wilson@globaltimes.com
13. Entertainer Visa Cover Letter
Dear Visa Officer,
I am applying for an Entertainer Visa to perform as a classical pianist with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra for their 2026 Spring Season. My engagement will run from April 1 to June 30, 2026.
The Tokyo Symphony Orchestra has extended an official invitation to me, which is attached to this application. I will be performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor for twelve scheduled concerts across major cities in Japan.
I have been a professional pianist for 20 years and have performed with major orchestras worldwide. My biography, performance history, and reviews from music critics are included in the supporting documents.
My contract with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra guarantees a fee of 500,000 yen per performance plus accommodation at the Okura Hotel in Tokyo. The total compensation package exceeds the minimum financial requirements for this visa category.
Thank you for reviewing my application. I am looking forward to sharing my music with Japanese audiences and collaborating with the talented musicians of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra.
Respectfully,
Elena Petrova
135 Music Hall Road Vienna, 1010 Austria
Phone: +43 1 234 5678 Email: elena.petrova@viennapiano.com
14. Religious Activities Visa Cover Letter
Dear Visa Officer,
I am applying for a Religious Activities Visa to serve as a visiting priest at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Yokohama for a period of one year starting from July 1, 2026.
The Catholic Diocese of Yokohama has formally invited me to serve their congregation, as documented in the attached official invitation letter signed by Bishop Tani Daiji. My responsibilities will include conducting weekly masses, providing spiritual guidance, and participating in community outreach programs.
I have been an ordained priest for 12 years and have served in parishes in Ireland and the United States. My ordination certificate and letter of good standing from my home diocese are included with this application.
The Catholic Diocese of Yokohama will provide me with accommodation at the church rectory and a monthly stipend of 150,000 yen for personal expenses. The financial guarantee letter from the diocese is attached to this application.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to serving the Catholic community in Yokohama and learning more about Japanese culture during my stay.
Sincerely,
Father Patrick O’Connor
246 Church Lane Dublin, D08 TK71 Ireland
Phone: +353 1 234 5678 Email: fr.patrick@dublindiocese.ie
15. Trainee Visa Cover Letter
Dear Visa Officer,
I am writing to apply for a Trainee Visa to participate in a culinary training program at the Tokyo Culinary Academy from September 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027.
The Tokyo Culinary Academy has accepted me into their Advanced Japanese Cuisine program, focusing on traditional kaiseki techniques. The official acceptance letter and program curriculum are attached to this application.
I currently work as a sous chef at Le Bistro restaurant in Paris, where I have been employed for five years. My employer has granted me a one-year leave of absence to pursue this training opportunity, with a guarantee that my position will be available upon my return to France.
The training program includes a monthly stipend of 150,000 yen and dormitory accommodation near the academy. I have also saved EUR 10,000 for additional living expenses, as shown in my attached bank statements.
Thank you for considering my application. This training opportunity will greatly enhance my culinary skills and allow me to bring authentic Japanese cooking techniques back to France.
Respectfully,
Sophie Martin
357 Rue de la Gastronomie Paris, 75007 France
Phone: +33 1 23 45 67 89 Email: sophie.martin@lebistro.fr
Wrap-up: Effective Cover Letters for Japanese Visas
Creating a strong cover letter is a crucial step in your Japan visa application process. Each letter should clearly state your purpose for visiting Japan, provide complete details about your trip or stay, and show strong ties to your home country that will ensure your return.
The key points to include in any Japan visa cover letter are your specific travel dates, detailed itinerary or purpose, accommodation arrangements, financial capacity, and your current employment or education status. Always maintain a respectful and formal tone, provide accurate information, and include all relevant supporting documents.
By following these examples and customizing them to your specific situation, you can create a professional cover letter that strengthens your visa application and increases your chances of approval. Good luck with your journey to Japan!