There were some very distinct fashion trends for young women in Tokyo this Spring. Denim jackets and skirts - Never worn together, but a short denim jacket would be worn over a dress or t-shirt with pants in a wide range of lengths from the very short to full length in either army green or camouflage.
If it's Harajuku's youth culture you want to see, don't even bother unless it's the weekend and preferably a Sunday. The bridge across the train tracks from Harajuku station to Yoyogi Park is full of Gothic Lolita or GothLoli. The costumes are very outstanding and you can't miss them. It is funny to see the surprise of the western tourists heading to Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu who clearly had not read their guide books fully on Harajuku. You can hear their comments that make it very clear they just don't understand what is going on. Essentially the youth who have dressed up are just hanging out with friends, many of them come with the hope of being snapped by one of the many magazine photographers who mingle in the crowd. Failing that there are lots of western tourist happy to take their pictures. See nearly 50 exclusive pictures of GothLoli in Harajuku. See also Harajuku Fashion and Harajuku Pictures
Japan Visa REQUIREMENTS- Who requires a visa? Depending on the length of stay and nationality, either a tourist or student visa may be required: Nationals of the following countries may not require visas for stays up to 6 months: Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Mexico
No visa may be required for stays of 90 days or less: Singapore, Canada, U.S.A., Argentina, Bahamas, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Rep., El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Suriname, Uruguay, Barbados, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Andorra, Czech Rep., Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Monaco, Poland, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Turkey, Lesotho, Mauritius, Tunisia
14 days or less: Brunei
Visas are highly recommended for nationals of Malaysia and Peru
Temporarily suspended: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran
Note: Nationals of countries that have concluded visa exemption arrangements with Japan for stays of up to six months in principle are granted permission to stay in Japan for 90 days at the time of landing. Nationals of these countries who wish to stay in Japan for more than 90 days must apply at their nearest immigration authority in Japan for an extension of their period of stay. Whether or not they hold a visa, visitors who do not possess visible means of support for their stay, onward or return tickets and other documents for their next destination may be refused entry. What documents will be required? The following documents must be submitted whatever the purpose of the visit: passport Two 45mm x 45mm passport-type photos taken within the previous six months (stateless persons must submit three photos) Two official visa application forms, available at the embassy or consulate documents certifying the purpose of the visit (see the accompanying table) A copy of a certificate of admission from the educational institution where the person concerned intends to study. documents certifying that the person concerned can defray all expenses incurred during the stay in Japan
Time required to issue visa: Usually 2-7 days
Note: In the case of applications that require inquiries to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for example, applications for work or study visas that are not accompanied by a Certificate of Eligibility), it usually takes two to three months or even longer, so in such cases please allow plenty of leeway
What is the cost of a visa? Single-entry: 3,000 yen / US$25 Double or multiple-entry: 6,000 yen / US$50
Note: Visa fees vary depending on nationality. Check with the nearest Consulate for further information
How long is the visa valid for? Depending on Nationality, students usually receive a 1 year visa. This is usually determined by the course duration. Extension for student visa's are usually possible.
Temporary Visitor visas for tourism purposes are normally valid for a stay of up to 3 months (extensions for another 3 months granted at the discretion of Immigration Department in Japan), and Employment/Working visas (including intra-company transfer visas) for a period of up to 3 years. Other information: Any foreigner wishing to enter or land in Japan must possess a valid passport and a student visa obtained from an embassy or consulate. A student visa cannot be acquired after arriving in Japan. It is not permitted to work in Japan under a student visa.
Nationals who are permitted to stay for 6 months will initially be granted a stay of up to 3 months and may then apply, while in Japan, to the local Immigration Department for an extension of a further 3 months. Such extensions are at the discretion of the immigration authorities in Japan and may not be granted. For further information contact the Consulate (or Consular Section at Embassy).
