As of October 2016, the Chinese embassy in Tokyo does not longer take direct applications. Instead, the whole process is commissioned to the China Visa Center located in Kamiyacho station on the Hibiya line (direction below).
Required Documents
- An application form download link
- Return flight tickets with your name on it
- Hotel reservation with your name on it (hostels and dormitory-styled accommodation are also acceptable)
- A passport-sized color picture: 3.5x 4 (background must be gray; other colors such as blue won't be accepted)
- Passport and a printed copy (the copy must include the page of your personal information and the following page)
- Resident Card and one printed copy (two sides of your card)
There are one photocopy machine and one photo booth inside the visa center but it takes time, so I advise that you prepare all documents above beforehand.
China Visa Center
- Application time: 9 AM to 3 PM; Pick up time: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Address: 8F, Kamiyacho Prime Place, 4-1-17 Toranomon, Minato-ku
- Direction: Kamiyacho Station (Nearest exit: 4B)
Procedure
Go to the Visa Center, and line up in front of the reception table. A staff at the reception table will check your documents and inform if you miss anything. If you have enough documents, you will be given a waiting-number. Take a seat and wait till your turn.
When a staff calls your number, submit your documents. If everything goes smoothly, you will be given a confirmation number for pick-up date. A regular process takes 3 business days and costs 9400yen (U.S. citizens pay a higher fee). If you urgently need your visa, expect to pay 20,000 yen. On pick-up date, bring a confirmation ticket and your residence card to pick up the visa.
I am not sure if the center has English-speaking staffs but the whole process is straightforward, so I hope that you will get your visa on time.
