pan pacific japan tour

• Japan “Nagoya / Osaka” 6 Days Tour

Via: Philippine Airlines or All Nippon Airways

• 5 Nights Hotel Deluxe Accommodation
• Tours & Admission Fees as per Itinerary
• Transfers as per Itinerary
• Meals as per itinerary
• English Speaking Guide
• Airline Tax / F-Tax
• PH Tax: Php1,620.00
• Tip to Driver & Guide: (Adult & Child Rate)
• Japan Visa Fee
• Other services not mentioned in the itinerary

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War in the Pacific Tour with Iwo Jima Reunion of Honor

The tour has far exceeded our expectations. We have loved getting to know you and to share this wonderful experience with you.

– Gary and Joy Peck

War in the Pacific Tour is a transformative experience!

Travel with our historians to the islands where the battles raged during the War in the Pacific, where “uncommon valor was a common virtue.” Our experts in WWII history will discuss the American and Japanese strategies and how these strategies actually played out on the Pacific islands of Hawaii, Saipan, Tinian, Guam, and Iwo Jima.

Our tour is the most comprehensive War in the Pacific Tour. We visit Battleship Row at Pearl Harbor where the Japanese attacked on December 7, 1941 and the remains of the sunken USS Arizona rests. We explore the invasion beaches of Saipan where hundreds of Japanese jumped to their deaths. We travel to Tinian, which is where the departure airfield for the Enola Gay and the atomic bomb was located. We learn about the battle sites on Guam, key in the story of the Navajo Indian code talkers role, and also the site of the War Dog Memorial. We experience the emotion of climbing Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima, where the American flag was raised to symbolize victory on Iwo Jima, an iconic image forever etched in our minds.

Iwo Jima Reunion of Honor Memorial Service

SAHT is proud to partner with the Iwo Jima Association of America (IJAA) to bring Iwo Jima Veterans, family members, historians, educators, and those who need to walk the “Black Sands of Iwo Jima” to the island where the most iconic battle of the Pacific Theater occurred. The IJAA, in coordination with the Japanese Government, the Iwo Jima Association of Japan, and military commands from both countries, will conduct a joint “Reunion of Honor” ceremony on Iwo Jima. 

With its three airfields, Iwo Jima was ideally located as a fighter-escort station. It was also an ideal sanctuary for crippled bombers returning from Japan.

• The U.S. Air Force fought in the longest sustained aerial offensive of the war.
• More Marines were sent to Iwo Jima than to any other battle.
• More medals for heroism were awarded for action on Iwo Jima than any battle in the history of the U.S.

This is only an inkling of the history you will learn as you island-hop through the War in the Pacific.

All guests going to Iwo Jima must attend the full tour. However, guests can sign up for the the tour without the day trip to Iwo Jima. Because entry on Iwo Jima is limited to American passport holders, our international guests will have a free day on Guam during the day visit to Iwo.

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• Reunion of Honor Memorial Service: Attend the day-long Memorial Tour and Observance on Iwo Jima
• Hawaii: Visit Battleship Row in Hawaii where the remains of the sunken USS Arizona rests
• Saipan: Walk the invasion beaches of Saipan, Harakiri Gulch, and Marpi Point, where hundreds of Japanese jumped to their deaths
• Tinian: Visit the launching field for the Enola Gay and atomic bomb
• Guam: See the key battle sites on Guam and the War Dog Memorial
• Mt. Suribachi: Climb Mt. Suribachi, where the American flag was raised on Iwo Jima

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Our tour will begin at the Welcome Reception and Dinner at the Honolulu hotel. You will meet the Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours staff and your fellow travelers.

Ford Island is the centerpiece of the Pearl Harbor National Historic Landmark District and adjacent to Battleship Row. The original airfield, air tower, WWII hangars, a collection of bungalows and officers’ housing remain on the site.

Battleship Row, home to the USS Arizona Memorial, is built over the remains of the sunken battleship USS Arizona, the final resting place for many of the 1,177 crewmen killed on December 7, 1941. The loss of life on this “Day of Infamy” became the focal point for a nation that was previously divided over the issue of involvement in the war.

The group will visit the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and the Honolulu Memorial, referred to as the Punchbowl. Located in Puowaina Crater, roughly translated, “Puowaina” means “Hill of Sacrifice.” Here you will hear an overview of the entire Pacific War.

Saipan and Tinian

The capture of Saipan was one of the turning points of the war in the Pacific. Following Japan’s surrender in 1945, Vice Admiral Shigeyoshi Miwa of the Japanese Navy said, “Our war was lost with the loss of Saipan.”

In Saipan, you will visit the Invasion Beaches and battle sites of Operation Forager. Our historians will discuss the combat between the Americans and the Japanese during the 24 days it took to secure the island. Names that testified to the bitter fighting were given, such as Death Valley, Purple Heart Ridge and Harakiri Gulch, where the last major battle of the island occurred.

You will visit Aslito Airfield, as well as Mount Topotchau, and Marpi Point. It was at Marpi Point that hundreds of Japanese civilian families jumped to their deaths. Droves of Japanese soldiers also committed suicide at the many cliffs around Saipan, either jumping to their death, or by grenade.

Tinian is perhaps most famous for being the departure site for atomic bomb. The USS Indianapolis, prior to its departure for the Philippines, delivered this secret cargo to Tinian. Our historians will talk about the USS Indianapolis, the sinking of the ship and survival of the crew in the shark-infested waters. While in Tinian, we will spend some time focusing on the Tinian airport, which in 1945, was perhaps the busiest and largest in the world. At North Field, look for the plaques that mark the location of the bomb loading pits for the “Enola Gay” and “Bocks Car.”

Our study of Guam will begin with the Invasion Beaches, Asan and Agat beaches. These two invasion beaches, separated by the Orote Peninsula, are located six miles apart, on the west central coast of Guam.

Asan Point is a primary visitor area where the overall story of the Pacific War is told by means of museum exhibits. Historic sites, including a number of gun emplacements, caves, foxholes and pillboxes are located within the Asan Beach Unit. Gaan Point, at the center of Agat Beach, is another place of interest, which also contains many WWII sites and structures. The beach and offshore area here are relatively unspoiled and provides a good impression of how they looked in 1944.

One interesting aspect of the recapture of Guam was the role played by the Navajo Indian servicemen, who operated the radios openly conversing in their native tongue, unknown to the Japanese. This successful tactic completely baffled the Japanese, who expected to hear coded English. Another interesting place to visit in Guam is The War Dog Memorial. Located on the Naval Facility, it honors the Dobermans that served with the Marines in 1944 and who were killed in action performing duties such as leading scouting parties, exploring caves and serving as sentries.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will take a charter flight to Iwo Jima. Iwo Jima, with its three airfields, was ideally located as a fighter-escort station; it was also an ideal sanctuary for crippled bombers returning from Japan. The U.S. Air Force fought in the longest sustained aerial offensive of the war, and more Marines were sent to Iwo Jima than to any other battle. More medals for heroism were awarded for action on Iwo Jima than any battle in the history of the U.S. Our historians will discuss the American and Japanese strategies and the bloody battle that ensued for 36 days as we tour Iwo Jima. It is atop Mt. Suribachi that the flag was raised, indicating victory on Iwo Jima. It is this picture that is etched in our minds as we remember Iwo Jima, “Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue.”

Farewell Day

Our last day in Guam will be a free morning to recover and reflect from yesterday’s trip to Iwo Jima. Our tour will conclude that evening at a Farewell Dinner, hosted by the 3rd Marine Corps Division Association Guam.

• 2025 Tour - March 2025
• 2025 Koror & Peleliu Extension - March 2025
• 2025 Japanese Extension - March 2025

Recommended Reading and Viewing

• Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley
• Strong Men Armed by Robert Leckie
• With the Old Breed by Eugene Sledge
• A Tomb Called Iwo Jima by Dan King
• Iwo Jima: The Dramatic Account of the Epic Battle that Turned the Tide of World War II by Richard F. Newcomb
• Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)
• From Here to Eternity (1953)
• The Final Countdown (1980)

Tour Includes

• Group flights: Hawaii – Saipan – Tinian – Guam – Iwo Jima – Hawaii
• Access to Iwo Jima and the Reunion of Honor Memorial Service
• Full-time historian and tour manager
• Educational road book full of maps and historical information
• First-class accommodations in four or five-star hotels, all taxes, porterage (where available), and service charges
• Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motor coach
• A Welcome Reception, daily breakfasts, and several lunches and dinners 
• All entrance fees to museums and attractions

Physical Demands

There is a lot of flying on this tour. If you have issues with blood clots, please speak to your doctor. Iwo Jima is a tropical, volcanic island that is covered with low vegetation and heat-radiating sand. There is no native population on the island, only Japanese military personnel. As a result, creature comforts are few or non-existent. Since it does not offer the most hospitable conditions for visitors, expect to deal with the elements while on the island, whether it is sunny and hot or windy and rainy. There is some transportation provided by the Japanese government, but veterans and their families are given priority. Some guests will have the opportunity to use this transportation, but there may be long wait periods. Walking is always an option and can be strenuous at times, such as when we ascend Mt. Suribachi.

Photo Gallery

• Chris Anderson
• Don Farrell
• Martin K.A. Morgan
• Mark Waycaster

Tour Price Format: Land + Flights

The SAHT War in the Pacific Tour cost is broken down to the Reunion of Honor ceremony on Iwo Jima, the land-based cost of the tour, and flights. The land-based cost includes hotels, buses, admission, and staff, but excludes commercially available flights between Honolulu, Guam, Saipan, and Tinian. United will calculate each party's flight costs individually based on when they are booking flights, where your flights start/end, and upgraded seats.

2024 Iwo Jima Reunion of Honor Memorial Service

$3,045 per person. All guests going to Iwo Jima must attend the full tour. However, guests can sign up for the tour without the day trip to Iwo Jima. Because entry on Iwo Jima is limited to American passport holders, our international guests will have a free day on Guam during the day visit to Iwo.

2024 War in the Pacific tour

The tour-only, land-based price is $7,745 per person based on double occupancy. If rooming alone, there will be a single occupancy supplement of $1,700. Flight costs will be calculated separately and added to each statement.

(Tour plus Iwo Jima Reunion of Honor equals $10,790 per person in the case of double occupancy.)

2024 Peleliu & Koror Extension

The Peleliu and Koror extension cost is $2,410 per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement of $600 if rooming alone. There is limited room on the extension. Not all requests are guaranteed a seat.

2024 Japanese Extension

The Japanese extension cost is $3,500 per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement of $600 if rooming alone.

2025 Tour and Extensions

Dates and prices for the 2025 War in the Pacific Tour with the Renuinon of Honor, as well as the optional extensions, will be announced. However, we are taking $500 per person deposits for first refusal when we do announce the 2025 dates and prices.

Our Guests’ Reviews

There are 8 reviews for ' War in the Pacific Tour with Iwo Jima Reunion of Honor '. Add your review

Iwo Jima Tour 2023

What a great time and a great group of people. It was 3 years of waiting after COVID canceled the 2020 75th Anniversary Tour.

The wait was worth it, I got to go with my son, Alden, who is 13 years old. He got to have a blast and maybe he doesn’t realize it yet, but he got to meet the WWII veterans that were part of our trip. When he gets older and the last of them are gone, this will be a special moment for me and for him. We are forever grateful for them and for the heroes that never made it home.

It has been about a month since we got back and I am still recovering from all the stuff we saw and got to absorb. From abandoned air raid bunkers left by the Japanese Military, to tanks and LST’s in the water from the numerous D-Day type of invasions on Saipan, Guam and of course Iwo Jima.

Overall, the historians had unimaginable knowledge of not only the battles themselves, but who was in charge, who was relieved of command, and a host of other knowledge that put us in a place that we could imagine what it was like, of course without bullets flying at us.

I can only imagine what the other trips to Normandy and other historical sites might be like, but Iwo Jima in particular had significant meaning for my family and I want to thank all that went and made this trip of a lifetime possible.

Thanks SAHT for a great trip.

War in the Pacific - 2014

My son Ryan and I were on this tour in 2014. This was my first experience with SAHT, both of us were immensely impressed. If fact I have enjoyed 3 additional tours since then. Starting on Oahu we viewed all of the key sights associated with the Japanese raid on Dec 7. Many of these were behind the scenes and not accessible to the average tourist. From there we proceeded to Saipan. Tinian and Guam. All were very interesting and our guide Mr. Ron Drez was able to paint a picture of the fighting and historical significance that took place in every place we stopped. Driving across Tinian on what was in reality a ghost town compared to the frenzy of 1944 allowed you to transport yourself back to that time. The high point of this trip was the time spent on Iwo Jima. Standing on top of Mount Surabaci accompanied by a handful of veterans was a humbling experience. Ryan and I watched as these men raised a flag exactly on the spot where the well known picture was taken. I was honored to be in the company of these heroes, sharing that experience with my son was priceless. Moments that neither of us will ever forget. Like all SAHT tours all accommodations and arrangements were first class and amazingly organized.

2018 War in the Pacific and Iwo Jima Tour

I had been thinking about this Tour for five years and finally made a commitment to plan my calendar around this Extraordinary Opportunity this year. It so vastly exceeded my expectations on every level. Ron Drez and his wife, Judy, were both exceptional Guides and Hosts every step of the way. I thought I knew most everything about Pearl Harbor, but Ron’s connections and knowledge took us to places and stories that were all new, and added immensely to my historical body of knowledge. Amazing trips followed to Guam, Saipan and Tinian – places where my father had been during his service in WWII aboard the US Navy Attack Transport USS Oconto. The opportunity to retrace his journey was priceless.

The Crown Jewel Highlight, however was the Reunion of Honor flight and visit to Iwo Jima. Standing atop Mount Suribachi and walking along the Black Sand Invasion Beaches was a Lifetime Dream come true. The experience of being on Iwo Jima with the few remaining WWII Veterans who were there, along with young Marines serving today who hosted us on the island, made for one of the Best Days of my Life. Worth every penny and every day invested to get there! Thanks to Ron, Judy and Ambrose Tours for organizing and orchestrating an unforgettable Tour experience. I would do it again someday, without thinking twice about the decision.

Iwo Jima Tour: War in the Pacific

My wife and I made the tour in 2016 and the post tour to Peleliu. This trip was incredible with access to normally closed areas on Ford Island and Hickam Field. Seeing the loading pits for the Enola Gay and Bockscar on Tinian and the enormity of North Field really helped to bring the size of the US commitment into perspective. Climbing the black sand beaches of Iwo Jima and then Mt Suribachi was followed by the opportunity to talk with survivors of the battle. On to Peleliu with its coral caves filled with Japanese saki bottles and seeing the relatively undisturbed leftovers of war was amazing. Ron Drez provided a lot of information and insight into the various sites. Highly recommend both the main trip as well as the Peleliu post tour. Only downside was heat and humidity on Peleliu, but that only helped to further elucidate the difficulties of that miserable battle. Thanks to Mark Lettow (earlier review) for bringing the flag for pictures atop Mt. Suribachi.

War in the Pacific Tour

We took the Pacific Tour in 2016 and we still can’t stop thinking about it! It was the best travel experience of our lifetime. Saipan, Tinian, Guam, and Iwo Jima all provide lasting memories of the sites we saw and the things we learned. It was an adventure with moving experiences. We felt safe and comfortable the entire time. Our tour guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and gave us time to explore a little on our own as well. I was able to pay honor to my uncle who was a veteran of several Pacific battles before being killed on Saipan. I will be forever thankful that I was able to do that for our family. Pack smart and make room for a flag in your daypack!

Deeply moving and exceptional

Iwo Jima was deeply moving and exceptional. The historian’s observations and comments truly enhanced the struggles and memories of the is battle, which can never be over emphasized.

Amazing, inspiring and challenging experience

Ultimately PEOPLE made the trip. Our group was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, friendly and positive….Being able to converse and rub shoulders with the old gentlemen vets was one of the highlight. Our brief time on Iwo was historic, mythic, eerie, prayerful and extremely moving. Suribachi looming ominously over the killing fields and cold surf washing up on the iconic black sand beaches, it was an amazing, inspiring and challenging experience.

Such an honor

We enjoyed all of the tour, but in particular Iwo Jima, the island itself, and Tinian. It was such an honor to get to see it and especially to visit with the veterans about what it means to them.

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JAPAN VISA: LIST OF TRAVEL AGENCIES Accredited by the Embassy

Because of the sheer volume of applications, the Japanese Embassy doesn’t accept direct or walk-in applications, except in rare special cases. Instead, tourist and visit visa applications must be coursed through an officially designated travel agency, which will then compile and submit the applications in bulk.

The downside of this system, of course, is the service fee. The embassy’s processing of the visa is FREE-OF-CHARGE. But the travel agency will collect a service charge per application. But this system has ensured a fast, efficient way to process visa applications. In fact, the Korean Embassy has followed suit and employed a similar model recently. The fee varies from agency to agency, so if budget is a concern, contact them before showing up at their office.

Here’s how to apply for a Japan visa:

✅ tourist visa requirements, ✅ visit visa requirements.

Below is the list of all travel agencies that are accredited by the Japanese Embassy. Of these, we were able to try Attic Tours (Roxas Blvd), Reli Tours (SM Megamall), and Friendship Tours (Dusit Thani), and we didn’t encounter any problem with any of them.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Attic Tours Phils., Inc

Manila Main Office Unit 202 Coko Building 1, Patio Madrigal Compound, 2550 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Telephone Nos.: (02) 556-6301, (02) 556-6302, (02) 556-6303, (02) 556-6304, (02) 556-6305

Hotel Jen Branch Ground Floor, Hotel Jen Manila, 3001 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City Telephone Nos.: (02) 984-0566, (02) 668-9845, (02) 516-0699

SM North EDSA Branch Ground Floor, The Block, SM North EDSA, Quezon City Telephone Nos.: (02) 372-3254, (02) 373-2594 Mobile No.: 0917-898-0905

SM City Fairview Branch Upper Ground Flr. Annex 3 Bldg. SM City Fairview, Quirino Highway cor. Regalado Ave. Brgy. Greater Lagro, Novaliches, Quezon City Telephone Nos.: (02) 829-0761 Mobile No.: 0917-189-1228

SM Cebu City Branch 2F, SM CITY CEBU, North Reclamation Area, Mabolo Cebu City Telephone Nos.: (032) 239-8435

Cebu Waterfront Branch Waterfront Airport Hotel, 1 Airport Road, Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island, Cebu Telephone Nos.: (032) 341-2011, (032) 341-2012

Davao Branch Level 3, SM City Davao, Quimpo Boulevard, Talomo, Davao City Telephone No.: (082) 225-8920 Mobile No.: 0917-321-1328

Discovery Tour

Makati Main Office Unit301, Ground Floor, Sagittarius Building, H.V. Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City Telephone Nos.: (02) 892-2849, (02) 843-5832, (02) 843-5083 Mobile Nos.: 0915-320-0780, 0999-943-5231

Cebu Branch Door No. 203-A1, 2nd Floor, Northgate Center, Don Manuel Gotianuy Complex, Gov.Cuenco Avenue, Banilad City, Cebu Telephone Nos.: (032) 340-1822, (032) 340-1824 Mobile Nos.: 0916-958-3489, 0999-420-5556, 0922-769-8369

Davao Branch Door 109, Ground Floor, Court View Inn Building, Quimpo Boulevard corner Sandawa Road, Davao City Telephone Nos.: (082) 285-7188, (082) 284-4114, (082) 321-1315 Mobile Nos.: 0915-326-0111, 0920-210-4677, 0923-423-2207

Friendship Tours and Resorts Corporation

Makati Main Office 3rd Floor, Dusit Thani Manila, Ayala Center, Makati City Telephone Nos.: (02) 810-9622, (02) 893-8180 Mobile No.: 0917-548-1810

Cebu Branch Unit 2-508, 5th Floor, OITC 2 Building, Oakridge Business Park, A.S. Fortune Street, Banilad, Mandaue City, Cebu Telephone Nos.: (032) 345-3459, (032) 344-4825 Mobile No.: 0917-724-3373

Rajah Travel Corporation

Makati Branch 3rd Floor, 331 Building, 331 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City Telephone No.: (02) 894-0886 Mobile No.: 0917-529-6774

Manila Branch Ground Floor, GLC Building, Mabini corner T.M. Kalaw Streets, Ermita, Manila Telephone Nos.: (02) 523-8801, (02) 523-8802, (02) 523-8803, (02) 523-8804, (02) 523-8805, (02) 523-8806, (02) 523-8807 Mobile No.: 0917-854-3614

Reli Tours and Travel Company

Makati Main Office 3rd Floor Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City, Telephone Nos.: (02) 894-1210, (02) 893-7259, (02) 893-9226

SM Mall of Asia Branch Bay City, Pasay City Telephone Nos.: (02) 556-1445, (02) 556-1446, (02) 556-1447

SM Megamall Branch Ground Floor, SM Megamall Building A, EDSA, Mandaluyong City Telephone Nos.: (02) 637-4694, (02) 637-4695, (02) 637-5020

Binondo Branch 4th Floor Lucky Chinatown Reina Regonte corner Dela Reina Streets, Binondo, Manila Telephone No.: (02) 242-0640 Mobile No.: 0906-492-1000

SM Southmall Branch Alabang-Zapote Road, Las-Pinas City Telephone Nos.: (02) 800-4948, (02) 800-4949, (02) 800-4950

Pan Pacific Travel Corporation

Note: Pan Pacific only accepts applications WITHOUT documents written or printed in Japanese.

Binondo Head Office 353 E.T. Yuchengco Street, Binondo, Manila, Philippines Telephone No.: (02) 243-6666 Email: [email protected]

Cebu Branch Diplomat Hotel. Suite No. 6, 90 F. Ramos Street. Cebu City Email: [email protected] Telephone Nos.: (032) 254-0343, (032) 254-0345, (032) 254-0347, (032) 254-0349

Ermita Branch G/F Pacific Place Apartelle Suites. 539 Arquiza St. Ermita, Manila Email: [email protected] Telephone Nos.: (02) 523-1990, (02) 526-6427

Makati Branch Unit LG-1 Herrera Tower Condominium. # 98 V.A. Rufino St corner Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati City. Email: [email protected] Telephone Nos.: (02) 810-8551, (02) 810-8552, (02) 810-8553, (02) 810-8554, (02) 810-8555, (02) 810-8556

Universal Holidays, Inc.

Makati Main Office Ground Floor, Dusit Thani Manila Hotel, Ayala Center, 1223 Makati City Telephone Nos.: (02) 859-3857, (02) 859-3858, (02) 859-3859, (02) 859-3860, (02) 618-2359 Mobile Nos.:　0917-634-8280, 0917-530-2998

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I was just wondering if you were able to verify Universal Holiday’s Cebu branch ‘coz I am seeing a Cebu branch in their site but it is not listed in your page nor in the official site. I have tried this branch before and would really like to use their service again.

Hi Mat, I think legit naman sya kasi yung accreditation ng Japan Embassy yata ay per company, hindi per branch. So since accredited yung Universal Holiday, most likely kasama lahat ng branches nila.

Update! I applied for multiple entry at the Cebu branch and thankfully na.approve naman. I asked them why they were not listed and I think it has something to do with limitation of what type of visa they were allowed to apply. Nakalimutan ko ano exactly yun. Hehehe. Yung inaply ko tourist visa w/o sponsor which is pwd nila i.process.

Thanks for the reply.

Hello! Do I really need to apply a Japan visa in an accredited travel agency?

All applications will go through an accredited agency. But you can apply at other non-accredited agencies, but they will still course it through an accredited agency rin so mas mahal sya.

Hi For the visa application, since I just had my passport renewed, and of course it is all empty though i had made multiple travels in the past 5 years and it is all in the old passport. What can you advise for such? Would it matter if my new passport is empty? or should i send in also the copy of my old one? just to show that i have record of my old trips?

Hi Nel, I can’t say for sure because I had a different experience each time I applied. There was a time when the agency also took my old passport too. There were also times when they did not. So I’m not sure what the protocol is.

My advice is to just bring your old passport when you visit the agency and ask them for their reco. :D

Hi is canadian tours accredited? thank you.

Wala po sya sa official list as of Oct 2018

I am a Ghanaian and wanted to visit Japan with my team (its an agriculture company) for an AGRO Tour. How can I do with ease and through which agency can I do this?

Hi! Unfortunately, I’m not familiar with the policy for Ghanaians. :(

Hi! Just want to ask if you have an idea how to get accreditation in Japan. Thank you

Hello Sir! My mom is a retiree (no income) and I want to sponsor her trip to Japan. I will accompany her and sponsor all her expenses during the trip. Kindly advise me as to how to go about my mom’s visa application. Thanks in advance.

This should help: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2013/11/japan-visa-requirements-manila-philippines/

Take note yung WITH GUARANTOR na additional requirements

Is there an ordinary way of applying Japan visa or there are embassy’s that are only created for refusal especially qingdao in china? most people have never say anything good about them before

any agencies near dasmarinas city,cavite?

Hi. Can I apply from Liberia, Africa? If yes what are the requirements?

Is there agency in baguio city for tousirt japan visa?Thank you

Hi! I think so far, wala pang designated na agency sa Baguio. But you can still apply sa ibang travel agencies. Ico-course din nila yan sa designated agency.

Hi..I am a FILIPINO.I would like to inquire a tourist visa requirements…I am working in Singapore…I want to go to japan as tourist any agency that i could talk to here in Singapore? Thanks

Hi! Im on my graduate study program have my research conference presentation at Osaka Japan by January 2020.Do I need to apply a tourist visa Japan?Thank you for the reply.

I just wanted know po if it is possible that the applicant, being a student, his guarantor will not be his parents? His girlfriend will have to support and shoulder his travel expenses as a graduation gift for him. Would this be acceptable? Thank you in advance po.

Hi Charmaine, I haven’t tried something like this, so I don’t know for sure. But the biggest challenge here is proving the relationship.

According to the travel agency we consulted before, it’s still better if the sponsor is a close relative because you can easily prove the relationship using birth certificates.

Best to consult the travel agency where you will lodge your application.

Hello good evening i apply japanese visa to traveland here in Sagay city…. Many documents needed from my japanese guarantor …and i comply it all but im waiting the original documents from japan because traveland ask me to bring along with me original documents from my guarantor or the person who invites me ..im hoping you will answer me about my few questions …it is needed to have an interview in japanese embassy? Can i do interview in cebu City only?

Hi Maji, if you’re visiting Japan for a short stay only, usually there is no interview.

How much rate the travel agency charge for the processing of visa.

May plan po kami ng family ko na mag tourist visit sa Japan this year at ako po yung representative applicant. ask ko lang po sana apart po sa akin if kailangan din po ba yung wife ko at nung anak ko na adult ( 19y/o) na mag provide requirements such, employment cert., bank cert and ITR? Thanks

Hi ian, ang alam ko po, if kayo ung sasagot ng gastos, no need na for your wife and child. Basta same time kayo mag-apply.

Yung experience ko po kasi nung sinagot ko ung trip ng nanay ko and pamangkin ko, documents ko lang po ung sinubmit.

Pero tawag na lang din po kayo sa agency kung saan kayo mag-apply to be safe.

Depends on agency and type of visa. Tourist visas usually range P700-1000, Visit visas P1500-P2000. Call the agency where you plan to apply to be certain.

Hi, I am a bit confused because there is actually another list in the Japan embassy website specifying the accredited agencies. I think there were only 7 listed (UHI, friendship, Panpacific, Reli, etc.). For the list you specified here, ang nakalagay sa embassy site is List of Registered Agencies. May difference ba ang dalawa?

Hi Karmela,

Thanks for raising this. We emailed the embassy to clarify. Hopefully they’d respond soon. :D

Perhaps di lang naupdate ni Japan Embassy yung website nila? When I checked din kasi sa website ng Japan Embassy, sa lower part, it shows na parang 2014 pa yata yung last update nila dun sa site.

Not sure. Let’s wait for the confirmation from the embassy.

I just received feedback from the embassy. Here’s their reply:

Accredited agencies are agencies that directly submit visa application to our office. Registered agencies are those allowed to handle package tours for Japan and they need to submit the applications to any of our accredited agencies.

Thanks, Karmela.

Nagreply na rin sila sa amin pero di nila nasagot ung question exactly. Anyway, we updated the post na rin. Thanks for sharing this. :)

Been to Japan twice (with guarantor) planning to go there next year January pero without guarantor na. I can provide bank certificates, COE and ITR but I am a minimum wage earner sa province. Makaka apekto kaya ito sa pag apply ko? Salamat.

Lahat naman ay pwedeng makaapekto. Pero hard to say without much information.

hello good evening , pwede po ba mag apply sa attic tour dito sa davao ng working visa para japan po ? were japanese decendant .

Please how can I get Japan visa

hello po i am plqnning po to apply tourist visa for japan.the same po ba yung mga requirements ?

Pls let me know visit visa requirements thanks a lot.

Hello po sir. I plan to apply for a Japan Work Visa. May idea ho ba kayo kung ano mga mga documents aside sa COE po na kinakailangan para ma ready ko po. I plan to process it with Discovery Tour Branch dito sa Cebu. Hopefully merong expedite. Salamat.

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Tokyo 2023: Draws, dates, prize money and everything you need to know

Courtney Nguyen - WTA Insider

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The Hologic WTA Tour heads to Asia next week as a star-studded field descends on the Toray Pan Pacific Open. World No.2 Iga Swiatek and No.4 Jessica Pegula are the top seeds, with both set to play their first tournaments since the US Open. 

Here's what you need to know about Tokyo:

When does the tournament start?

The Toray Pan Pacific Open is a WTA 500 event played on outdoor hard courts at the Ariake Tennis Coliseum in Tokyo, Japan. The tournament features a 26-player singles draw and 16-team doubles draw. The Yonex Tour ball will be used.

Main-draw play begins on Monday, Sept. 25.

When are the finals? 

The singles final will be played on Sunday, Oct.1 at 12 p.m.

The doubles final will be played on Saturday, Sept. 30, not before 4 p.m.

Who are the defending champions?

Last year, Liudmila Samsonova captured her third title of the season by defeating Zheng Qinwen 7-5, 7-5 in the final. 

In doubles, Gabriela Dabrowski and Giuliana Olmos defeated Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Ellen Perez 6-4, 6-4 in the final. 

イガ・シフィオンテク選手、東京に到着！早速、練習開始です💕皆さん有明コロシアムに応援しに来てくださいね。 東レPPOテニス2023🎾チケット好評発売中です。詳しくは公式サイト https://t.co/8HSUYGqjSe #東レPPOテニス2023 #torayppo2023 #東レPPO #PPO #TORAYPANPACIFICOPENTENNIS2023 #WTA … pic.twitter.com/AJvOBWjAWS — 東レPPOテニス (@torayppo) September 21, 2023

Who are the top seeds?

This year's Toray Pan Pacific Open feature the strongest field it has had in years. Six of the Hologic WTA Tour's Top have entered the field. The top four to six seeds (pending performance byes based on Guadalajara results) will receive first-round byes.

Projected top eight seeds:

1. Iga Swiatek 2. Jessica Pegula 3. Elena Rybakina 4. Marketa Vondrousva 5. Maria Sakkari 6. Barbora Krejcikova 7. Caroline Garcia 8. Daria Kasatkina

Update: Marketa Vondrousova and Barbora Krejcikova withdrew from the tournament ahead of the draw.

What does the draw look like?

Main draw in Tokyo (WTA 500), where Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, Elena Rybakina and Maria Sakkari are the top seeds. Tokyo is trialing performance byes. Two were allocated to Guadalajara semifinalists Caroline Garcia and Maria Sakkari, after their seeded positions were drawn. pic.twitter.com/FvwjSM96tM — WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) September 23, 2023

What is the prize money and ranking points on offer?

First Round: 1 point/$8,310 Round of 16: 55 points/$11,500 Quarterfinals: 100 points/$21,075 Semifinal: 185 points/$43,323 Final: 305 points/$74,161 Champion: 470 points/$120,150

Other events this week:

The Ningbo Open will also commence on Monday, Sept. 25 in Ningbo, China. Petra Kvitova and Jennnifer Brady are the top seeds at the WTA-250 level event.

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Pan Pacific to open 2 hotels in one skyscraper in Tokyo

Pan Pacific Hotels Group has signed two new properties in partnership with Tokyu Hotels.

Scheduled to open in the first half of 2023, the Bellustar Tokyo, a Pan Pacific Hotel and Hotel Groove Shinjuku, a Parkroyal Hotel will both be housed within the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, Shinjuku’s new landmark skyscraper complex by architectural firm Kume Sekkei, designer of the Yayoi Kusama Museum in Tokyo.

Choe Peng Sum, Chief Executive Officer, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, said, “We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Tokyu Hotels. This will add another two hotels to the success of Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, a Pan Pacific Partner Hotel, established in 2019. Our two new hotels are situated right in the heart of Shinjuku, which will be a major draw for international travelers and a prime location for us to capture the global tourism demand.”

The Bellustar Tokyo, a Pan Pacific Hotel will be situated on the uppermost 39th to 47th floors and will have 97 keys.

Each room will range in size between 42 square meters and 277 square meters, with windows spanning seven meters in width for sweeping views of the horizon.

At the peak of the tower will be five ultra-luxurious suites, ranging in size from 114 square meters to 277 square meters.

The 45th floor will offer guests a “sky dining” experience, with three-story high, floor to-ceiling windows in the main restaurant. This will be accompanied by teppanyaki, sushi, bar and lounge offerings.

On the topmost 47th floor, facilities will include a spa overlooking the Tokyo cityscape, and a 138 square meters private sky lounge reserved for guests of the Penthouse suites.

The hotel will also feature a dedicated lift and check-in counter, option for in-room check-in, and a private gym with direct elevator access to Bellustar Tokyo, A Pan Pacific Hotel

The Hotel Groove Shinjuku, a Parkroyal Hotel will occupy the 18th to 38th floors of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower.

The hotel's 538 rooms will range in size from 21 square meters to 61 square meters.

The 17th floor will offer guests a medley of cuisines at the hotel’s main dining restaurant, seating 130 diners, and a bar.

Also on the 17th floor are private event rooms and an open-air East Terrace, featuring an outdoor LED screen for movie events, media showcases and more.

The hotel also provides access to Tokyu Kabukicho Tower’s unique entertainment facilities such as live performance venue Zepp Shinjuku (Tokyo), Theater Milano-Za, and 109 Cinemas Premium Shinjuku.

Jun Murai, President and Representative Director, Tokyu Hotels, said, “Managed by Tokyu Hotels, Bellustar Tokyo and Hotel Groove Shinjuku will carry our strong service experience in Japanese hospitality, combined with Pan Pacific Hotels Group’s powerful global platforms. We are poised to welcome guests from around the world, providing them with a unique stay experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku Japan."

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2 Comments Login to comment

tora Aug. 29, 2022 03:36 pm JST

Will have to let foreign tourists in then, won't they.

Wakarimasen Aug. 29, 2022 04:39 pm JST

Goodbye Kabukicho as we know it.....

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Pan-Pacific Festival returns after 5-year hiatus. Here's what to expect

The Pan-Pacific Festival returns in June after a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The nonprofit Pan-Pacific Festival Foundation is organizing the celebration of the bond between Hawai‘i and Japan for its 41st year.

“Our theme is to reconnect with the local community,” said Francis Arakaki, vice president of the foundation.

The three-day event in Waikīkī will have bon dancers, performing arts, Pan-Pacific hula dancers, a parade, a block party and more.

The festival, formally called the Matsuri, meaning festival in Japanese, started in 1980 to foster a bond between Hawai‘i and Japanese visitors, which was growing during that time. It was renamed to the Pan-Pacific Festival in 1996 to be inclusive of other cultures.

The event annually attracts up to 100,000 visitors locally, from Japan and the continental U.S., according to foundation President Yuske Komoriya.

Visitors can enjoy performances at the Ala Moana Centerstage, International Marketplace, the Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound and other performances on Kalākaua Avenue.

The festival will be held from June 7 to 9.

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Okinawa prefecture discourages US military flights to pair of islands near Taiwan

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel visits Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, on Jan. 19, 2024. (Jennessa Davey/Stars and Stripes)

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — Okinawa prefecture has objected to the U.S. ambassador’s upcoming visit to two islands east of Taiwan because he is planning to travel on U.S. military aircraft, according to official and media accounts.

The U.S. military asked the prefecture for clearance to use the Ishigaki and Yonaguni airports on May 17 for “transportation of personnel,” a spokeswoman for the prefecture’s Military Base Affairs Division told Stars and Stripes by phone Wednesday.

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel is expected to visit Japan Ground-Self Defense Force bases and meet city officials on both islands, according to a May 1 report by public broadcaster NHK that cited unnamed government officials.

The islands’ proximity to Taiwan and the Senkaku islets, a Japanese possession, puts them center stage as regional tensions simmer between China and the United States.

A Camp Ishigaki spokesman confirmed by phone Wednesday that the base had been notified of the ambassador’s visit, but he declined to provide further details.

U.S. Embassy Tokyo, U.S. Forces Japan and the Okinawa Defense Bureau did not immediately respond to phone and email requests for comment Thursday.

The prefecture’s Airport Division approved the Yonaguni stop but rejected the one at Ishigaki because “it is not possible to park the aircraft during the requested time,” a division spokesman said by phone Wednesday.

The base affairs spokeswoman said the prefecture discourages U.S. military aircraft from visiting the islands.

“Civilian airports were built for civilian aircraft; our policy is that the U.S. military should refrain from using the airport except in case of emergency,” the spokeswoman said. “We are requesting it to assure a safe and smooth operation of those aircraft.”

The prefecture appealed Wednesday to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Okinawa Liaison Office and Okinawa Defense Bureau to ask the U.S. military to refrain from using both airports.

“This request does not have a legal binding power, and the U.S. military can use the airport if there is an open spot during the requested time,” the base affairs spokeswoman said.

It is customary in Japan for some government officials to speak to reporters on condition of anonymity.

In March, the prefecture similarly asked the U.S. Navy to cancel a three-day port call at Ishigaki, a popular tourist destination, by the USS Rafael Peralta.

The guided-missile destroyer made its rest stop, but local dockworkers went on strike in protest during its stay.

Yonaguni and Ishigaki are approximately 70 miles and 160 miles east of Taiwan, respectively.

Camp Ishigaki opened with anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles in March 2023. Japan plans to install an upgraded version of its Type-12 surface-to-ship missile there and on two other islands by 2026 to counter perceived threats from China and North Korea.

The Ground Self-Defense Force established a surveillance station at Camp Yonaguni and held a training exercise with U.S. Marines on the island in February, The Washington Post reported in March.

Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada in April 2023 ordered a Patriot missile-defense system deployed there following reports that North Korea planned a satellite launch.

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Xi uses Europe visit to slow continent’s ‘de-risking’ from China

Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded an “all-weather” strategic partnership agreement with Hungary on Thursday, capping off a three-nation diplomatic tour of Europe aimed at solidifying Beijing’s footprint on the continent and countering growing European “de-risking” efforts and national security-based restrictions.

Hungary, which has become an important investment and trading partner for China, was the final stop of the Chinese leader’s first European tour in five years — part of a six-day diplomatic offensive that also saw him visit France and Serbia.

Budapest’s China-friendly stance is in stark contrast with that of the European Union leadership and several of the bloc’s member states, which are considering becoming less dependent on what they view as a “systemic rival” and "strategic competitor" — factors that have gradually worsened Beijing's trade and investment relations with the 27-member bloc.

However, the right-leaning Orban, whose country was the first in Europe to join China’s Belt and Road initiative, has been proactive in fostering deeper ties with Beijing, noting in a news conference Thursday that three-quarters of investments into Hungary last year had come from China.

Orban, who gave Xi a red-carpet welcome, also pointed to China’s growing role in international politics, praising the country for being “one of the main pillars” of a new multilateral world order.

From Beijing’s perspective, Hungary represents an important Chinese foothold inside the EU, so much so that Xi expressed hope that Budapest, which will take over the Council of the European Union’s rotating presidency from July, will “promote the steady and sound development of China-EU relations.”

Hungary’s role in hindering Brussels’ efforts to de-risk from China cannot be understated, said Chase Blazek, Asia-Pacific analyst at U.S.-based geopolitics and intelligence firm RANE.

“Budapest helps maintain proxy veto power for China against EU initiatives that go against Beijing's interests, such as human rights complaints, sanctions or tech restrictions,” he said.

One of 18 other deals and memorandums of understanding signed Thursday, the upgraded Sino-Hungarian partnership comes at a time when the two sides are preparing to ramp up cooperation in several areas, including energy, connectivity, technology and infrastructure.

For instance, the two sides pledged to work together in the nuclear industry and announced the beginning of discussions on developing a freight train line. This will come on top of the 342-kilometer railway project that China has been working on to link Budapest with the Serbian capital of Belgrade.

The two sides have also agreed on setting up electric vehicle battery plants and a solar energy storage facility in Hungary, while Chinese carmaker BYD announced in December that it plans to open its first European EV factory in the country — a move that could pose a serious challenge to European car manufacturers.

Xi’s efforts to forge closer ties with Eastern Europe had already been on full display the previous day when he and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic proclaimed an “ironclad friendship” and agreed to follow a “shared future.”

Although not yet a EU member, Serbia also plays an important role in Beijing’s push to maintain its clout on the continent, especially as Belgrade sees China as a standard bearer for nations dissatisfied with the West or with the U.S.-led global order.

The Chinese leader had landed in the country late Tuesday, commemorating the 25th anniversary of a deadly U.S. airstrike during the 1999 Kosovo war that destroyed China’s Embassy in Belgrade.

In an editorial published that same day, Xi warned that the Chinese people would “never forget” the bombing and “never allow such tragic history to repeat itself,” remarks that were widely viewed as directed at NATO and the West.

“The timing of the visit was crucial in this context,” said Alicja Bachulska, a policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

“By visiting Belgrade during the 25th anniversary of the NATO bombing of the city, Xi portrayed NATO, and by extension the United States, as destabilizing actors,” she said.

Bachulska said that Xi’s main goal in both Hungary and Serbia was to send a “clear signal” that placing a strategic bet on cooperation with China can pay off, particularly for countries that are discontented with Western-led formats of cooperation and what they perceive as double standards.

Blazek agreed, noting that Belgrade and Budapest “play a crucial role in China’s greater architecture of ties to Europe,” not just politically but also economically as they help sustain Beijing’s waning trade and infrastructure footprint in the region.

“China doesn’t necessarily need to have stellar relations with all of Europe to partly protect its interests therein,” he said, explaining that “even one or two ‘spoilers’ can help prevent, or at least blunt, Europe’s more hawkish actions against China.”

However, Xi’s talks of enhanced cooperation with Orban and Vucic stood somewhat in contrast with his discussions Monday in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.

During a meeting at the Elysee Palace the two leaders pressed Xi to curtail Beijing’s support for Russia, warning of possible consequences for Sino-EU ties and pointing to Europe’s plans to de-risk economic ties with China.

While Xi reiterated Beijing’s commitment not to sell arms to Moscow, he bristled at the criticism , rejecting any Western attempts to use the crisis “to scapegoat or smear a third country or to stoke a new cold war.”

Macron and von der Leyen also pushed Xi to make bilateral trade relations more balanced, although little immediate progress was made on the issue.

Nonetheless, there was progress in other areas, with Paris and Beijing signing almost 20 bilateral cooperation agreements in fields such as aerospace, agriculture, green energy and people-to-people exchanges.

Xi’s main political goal in France, said Bachulska, was to show Paris that EU-wide concerns regarding China’s industrial overcapacity and Sino-Russian cooperation on the Ukraine war, among other things, can be resolved bilaterally.

“This was partially achieved,” she said.

At the same time, by also inviting von der Leyen to Paris, Macron managed to show Beijing that while he wants to advance vital French economic interests, he’s still backing the EU’s China agenda.

So how successful was Xi’s latest Europe trip?

Despite the praise from Budapest and Belgrade, analysts say such visits are rarely rousing successes or utter failures, especially when it comes to Western meetings with China.

While Xi apparently failed to persuade Macron to help Beijing combat growing European protectionism, the Chinese leader managed to “crack the door open for more diplomatic meetings with Europe, which is better than diplomatic isolation,” Blazek said.

This is important as Beijing will, in all likelihood, continue to seek cooperation with individual European countries as part of what some view as a “divide-and-conquer strategy.”

“China will try to exploit weaknesses in European unity and in Western Europe’s ties to the United States to prevent a wider anti-China economic and military coalition from materializing,” Blazek said.

If there is one key takeaway from Xi’s Europe tour, he noted, it is that China "will not go down without a fight," diplomatically speaking, when it comes to facing Western economic and technological restrictions.

Nonetheless, all signs point to a steadily, albeit slowly, deteriorating trade and investment relationship for the foreseeable future, especially as Beijing shows no willingness to change its industrial, economic, tech or military policies to allay European security concerns.

“This means that Xi will continue to be limited in his tool set of ways to decelerate the slide in Europe-China relations,” Blazek said.

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