Embassy of Japan Review

im an american citizen just finished submitting my passport renewal application. i read the reviews here and i dunno whats up with all the negative reviews. it was smooth for me, not problem with staff or guards. americans and japanese are funneled through the same security check point and it feels good being able to cut in front of all the japanese as an american. so i duno whats up with the ppl shouting foul play. i took my photo there and it only takes 19 seconds. submit my appointment, got called, payed at cashier, got receipts and was done. the whole process only took me ten minutes, in and out.

The staff at the first security check was very bad.
The inside of the building is still better.

This Embassy should be embarrassed and ashamed of itself.
Located in the heart of the capital city of one of our most trusted and close allies, it is ridiculously difficult to get in and get anything done:

-They do not allow appointments to be made by phone, plus they only allow calls for two hours a day...
-You CANNOT go in for any reason unless you have an appointment.
-They require YOU to translate all official Japanese documents that they require from you for specific things like getting a SSN for your kid (even though THEY are the freakin' Embassy located in Tokyo... they should easily be able to deal with the local government official documents)
-They don't allow phones, cameras, usb drives, etc. and they check you rigorously even though you are a US citizen just to get in, but then turn around and wave at the delivery man with the unchecked package walking straight past the massive line for the security check, entering the building with whatever he wants... so much for safety first!!
-They have 19 windows to serve, but only 2-to-5 open at any given time; even when the line going outside the embassy is going all the way down the street.
-They block traffic (cars and foot) at all times of all days just because they don't want cars to drive by or people to walk by the massive concrete walls and metal gate and 5m thick entrance block... and there is a big anti-terrorism sign visible to all that really is there for no reason...
-The guards are super rude, don't speak English, and are en embarrassment to Japanese people in general; how they are allowed to be the ones guarding this embassy is beyond me.

Seriously, this embassy should be ashamed of how it is run and how it works . It is an embarrassment to both nations.

Wish I could give it a 0.

Getting a notary was super fast. The guards and staff were very nice and informative.

I don't know why others have low reviews. The baggage inspection at the entrance, the staff and the interviewer's response and attitude were good.

Since it is the US Embassy, it is better not to expect from the staff 's attitude, it was my first interview, so I wore suit, but there were quite a few private clothes too, it was better to practice interview in English, pressure interviewer now did.

I had to go here to get a notarized copy of my wife's Japan passport. While I did notice the massive line for visas, the US Citizens' Services window was fast and uber-efficient, with polite, friendly and professional staff. Read the website, as there is a lot of security and regulations about what you can and cannot bring with, but as long as you follow those rules, you'll have no trouble in a similar situation. Some people reviewing said they had trouble with the police outside, but, while they did stop me, I just said "embassy" and pointed, and they waved me through. The guy nearest the actual door asked to see my appointment sheet, is all. Same as anywhere in Japan, their English is not a strong suit, but, that is not surprising.

If it was possible I wouldn't give them one star because they are almost useless when it comes to providing services for Americans.

I made a reservation by email in Corona Whirlpool. We have cleared the security and changed the address of the Hawaii corporation. Hand washing, sanitization, social distance!

I am not generally a fan of going to Embassies so set off to the Embassy to renew my passport with much concern having seen some of the on-line reviews. Was very pleasantly surprised- yes the security line is never fun for anything but I was seen early, the consular employee who helped me could not have been more helpful and pleasant (not the norm for most embassies) and the process was very smooth. Got the passport renewed and collected it in person- again no problem at all - in and out in ten minutes. I wonder if some of these reviewers failed to check the web-site properly before going or went to a different embassy. Great experience and thanks to the consular staff who helped me submit the application and as I said, embassies for me are not my idea of something to look forward to.

Interviewer everyone Ira Tsuru appearance. I planned to go sightseeing to Guam about 3 days and went on that I needed an American visa. I judged the document through the first moment. I am sorry I can not give you a visa! go back! It was like a feeling. It seems to be difficult to take an American visa if the country where the birth was born is rich and it is rich ...
I thought how to judge people in a matter of seconds without having any intention of immigrating. However, it felt discriminated as if I paid the application fee.
I will never go there again!
ps: Because the resident card deposited in the returned file is not returned and it is a free country to go back one more time on the way home ... I do not care but work properly! ! I want to say.

I never go yet or visit embassy,but I have a plan to go and apply visitors visa...I wish I can visit USA for a week...anybody can tell or share?how can I get start to apply tourist visa???

I am not a resident of the United States but I am currently employed by a company in Japan and I have been living in Japan for couple of months. I went to school in the U.S and also did some volunteer work there, both times required two different visas. At the end of my stay for those programs, I returned home and did not violate any of the visa regulations. Since Japan is my new home from the past six months, I decided to go in to the Embassy and apply for a Visitor's Visa. I figured it would be nice to get a visa since it's more cheaper to go from Tokyo to the U.S rather than going from my country of birth. The consular visa officer told me at my interview that I need to established myself here in Japan before I could get a visa. I personally think it's a dumb suggestion, I don't think that establishing myself here in Japan has nothing to do with getting a visitor's visa to the U.S. and Plus, I'm here in Japan to work and I live here now. Long story short, I didn't get a visa and I am not satisfied with the consular's answer. Hopefully this will help anyone that will end up in the same situation. Keep that mind!!

Since the staff are almost Japanese speakers who speak English, I think that correspondence goes smoothly. There are some somewhat somewhat somewhat, so if you are expecting a kind and polite service like in Japan you may feel bad.

I will make a reservation and close as soon as I have the necessary documents. Let's carry out the confirmation in advance carefully.

It is forbidden to enter strollers, photographs and movies. Although internal use of the network is possible, let's keep rules.
You can use yen, dollar, credit card for payment.
There are facilities such as nursing room and multipurpose toilet so newborn passport newborns are safe as well. It is not written that it is good to bring it on the homepage, but essential items such as diapers can not be blamed naturally.

I'm told, "No photography allowed, please delete the image."

When I went there for the first time in 15 years, the security was remarkably strengthened, but once I went inside, it didn't matter. I was careful when I took a picture near the entrance (* _ *) The toilet was nostalgic in American (^_^)

Can anyone tell me how to apply tourist visa from tokyo to us

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Passport services are terrible and the hours they are open when you call are terriblie 10-2? really ? i called 3 times on 3 days and no one ever answered it just kept ringing and ringing

I WAS LOOKING FOR THE ADRESS, TO SEND A LETTER TO THE EMBASSADOR, BUT I DID NOT GET IT IN ENGLISH; IT IS IN JAPANESE. HOW CAN I GET IT ?

Very slow security checks made lots of people stand under the rain. But the interview process was very quick.

The embassy officers inside were helpful. But that is all negated by the treatment by guards. I know it is for maximum security. Still does not change the fact that the place made me feel depressed as hell. Do not know about others though

Very kind service. Extremely helpful with all the documents

Going to the face in the morning, faster than I thought, about an hour is over, I got the visa smoothly.

The response of US embassies is quite common compared to immigration staff in each country.
The worst is some of the security at the entrance (all Japanese) and we applicants. First of all, the old man at the entrance is arrogant and Tame. It is so unpleasant that I want you to remove it from immediate personal work. I'm mistaken for the severity of the security business and something else.
Next applicant. Although there are no articles that can be brought in on the US embassy's web page, about 10% carry bad things that are unlikely to be considered as careless, and it is not easy to proceed with the procession. After that, 30% of the people who have been able to enter the hall even if you bring an article of apparently useless size. You can bring in your cell phone. It is impossible in Canada. If you bring something other than a wallet and a document file, it is impossible except to bring it outside with friends or throw it away. Japan's poor security management is exposed.
As we can not carry out photography recording prohibition naturally in the hall, we are all teasing in the lobby as we can carry in. absurd.
Interruption or normal.
It is recommended to use the locker at the nearest station because everyone will want to carry luggage, but it is totally prohibited for two weeks at the summit. People who go to the embassy can read well and may be late because they are not listed on the web page.
Well, it's funny because things of unreasonable size are being brought in.
In short, I think that the situation that terrorists can carry bombs and let them burst at the entrance should be strictly improved.

The hydrangea blooming in front of the gate is very beautiful and worth seeing!
It is a hidden commemorative photo spot of Akasaka.

How to engage in VISA
It is only for telephone correspondence,
I was just tied up just asking a question.
It was extremely painful to think that information that I had never heard was thrown in frustrated from the beginning and I was throwing rough words over the telephone bill and time.
Is it better to hold as much as possible to drag the personal irritation to the next response as it is before work?

Either way, I understood well only that it is not a category of customer service in the first place.

The representative phone person is mechanical,
Because something sensitive was not applicable,
Result The same answer as poor audio guidance was obtained.

This voice guidance itself is so far outrageous and very hard to hear
It was a waste of time though I had no choice but to call because I was making it.
It will be a stressful job.

The gentleman of the guard looks great. Do not be proud of being unable to write English characters.

I felt the weight of history. Thank you for all the help you have given me.

If you re an American citizen with a Filipino wife or vis versa do not try to get a tourist visa home..twice I ve tried and denied for no reason. We both live and work in Tokyo and have strong ties here and we don t plan on leaving japan anytime soon. Wasted over 300$ and all we got is the US government spitting in my face. Guess I will never get to take my wife home for vacation unless we apply for the PR visa. More money!

Excellent experience. Very kind staff. Not very many people there when I went. There are several security checks, so if there are a lot of people that could make it go much slower.

You don't need an appointment to get inside, they were kind enough to help me, but you do have to go through several rounds of security checks. Most importantly, everything was fast! I was able to get an emergency passport on the spot and also take my passport picture there, you can also cut your pictures there as well.

The people here are friendly, helpful, and kind and process was very quick!

Too much security even on the streets that are NOT part of the embassy. The security guys are not friendly either.

went on a holiday, officers were very helpful and did the best they could.

went back on a reg day and staff solved my passport issues.

The attitude of the woman who got out on the phone. Although I say that the answer to the question is not on the site, I will tell you to come tomorrow. Very unprofessional. The lady who had a nasty attitude and toll back to tomorrow, even though my question was not answered on the website.

Went to the Embassy in Tokyo today to get something notarized and add pages to my passport. The process went back by quickly and smoothly. The lady helping me was great. She was super helpful and even when it was busy, she would still crack some jokes in there. The TV at the services area needs to be replaced. NBA was on and I couldn't even see the score of the game, and this TV was like 40 inches.

Bad experience. Reception was rude. Typical American government agency.

Embassy of the United States.
It's always a security guard.

I made an inquiry over the phone about the corona-related check that I received, but I was surprised at the arrogance of the woman who responded and the words from above.
Why does it look so great?

My friend lost his passport and we needed to make our next flight the following morning. The embassy/consulate staff was able to issue a new passport within 50m of us walking into security, and were very friendly throughout. I can t guarantee that timeline for everyone of course but we really appreciated their help and efficiency.

It was closed when I arrived (before 5pm). The guards were friendly, spoke English and told me it will be open tomorrow. I'm glad all I was doing was checking in and visiting; even though I had to travel a distance in the freezing rain. If it had been an emergency I don't know what I would've done. Aren't embassies supposed to be open 24/7 in case of emergencies? Guess I'll try again tomorrow

Edit:
Arrived next day (11 am) was allowed thru to the security check point where I was asked what my purpose was. They asked if I had an appointment or needed emergency passport services. I told them I didn't have an appointment, they checked my passport and called a supervisor. Once he arrived he told me I could check in online thru the website. He was kind enough to let me proceed thru security and use their computer to create an account and register my trip. Now I know in the future I don't have to go in person. All the staff was super friendly because I never gave anyone any attitude or came off as a typical American tourist.

I ll echo the sentiments of some other reviewers: security outside - both at gate and at security check - is not helpful and not friendly (though one guard was fairly friendly as we accessed the entrance on foot), but inside (u.s. citizen services area) was quick and efficient. Other positive - received our requested documents less than two weeks after our appointment and interview!

Notes: (1) you cannot park at the embassy. take the train or other public transportation. we were unaware of this (coming from over an hour away with no traffic), and were forced to use public pay parking in the area.
(2) you cannot bring a stroller into the embassy itself - even after going thru security with one. so be prepared if you have an infant and a lot of stuff
(3) no nursing or other area for infants though the handicap bathroom does have a changing table

I have dealt with the US Embassy staff twice. They are well-staffed and friendly despite being obviously extremely busy. Both times they have gone out of their way to help me.
Unlike many US government offices recently, I have only good things to say about the embassy in Tokyo.

The staff's response is too different from person to person.

To be honest I don t like roaming around Tokyo alone and was pretty nervous about going to the Embassy. I had no idea what to do or where to go. The guards outside were very nice when I asked them where I needed to go. They directed me to the normal security stuff and they had me take all electronics out of my bag. They had me keep my vapes behind which was fine. They even left it standing up after I asked them so it wouldn t leak in their storage boxes. Very find and helpful staff. It was my first time filling to get a passport and the whole process took me less than 45 minutes. Very pleased with my visit.

The attitude of the staff is huge, isn't it? Is America such a fucking country?

The staff at US Citizen Services is great. Very friendly and eager to give tips to save time. I've never had a bad experience in the 17 years I have been coming for passport services. I have never had any trouble with the security outside either. Just be sure to tell them you are a citizen and you can bypass the line. I wish the State Dept. could spare some extra money to build Tokyo a new US Embassy however. Very grim looking place. 4 stars for great service. Minus one star for feeling like I am entering the Death Star.

The staff members of the Metropolitan Police Department who are guarding and those at the gate were all very polite after entering.

I was assigned a time when I applied for a visa, but it was not called when the time came, and I was called 1 hour behind the specified time. It was like the order I went early and accepted.

For visa application, it is necessary to prepare necessary documents and make an appointment for an interview before going to the embassy. Please note that you cannot bring in a personal computer, tablet, smartphone, etc. during the interview. It seemed that only one smartphone or tablet could be kept. If you have more than one, may you not be able to enter the embassy?
By the way, when I showed the phone, I was told that "it's okay" and brought it in.

I went for the US Visa for a business trip to DC early this year. Overall, I had a nice experience. The officer was very nice and profesional. The waiting area is bit small, but has all necessary facilities. The security, as expected, is tight, but profesional. That is what you expect.

From speedy replies to my E-mails to filling out paperwork for passport renewal everyone was so helpful and patient. A huge thank you to everyone for their professionalism.

The Americans working at this place are so nice and lovely to everybody who comes there but the Japanese staffs are bullying and racist which the Embassy needs to watch them well because some foreign kids who were born in Japan thinks Americans and Japanese are the same which is not true. I went there for interview on December 28th 2015 and how those Japanese staffs bully me and my 2 little kids was so heart breaking, my kids thought I lied to them that Americans are supper nice and was so disappointed in me sending them to their father in US to experience the same bullying and racist they face in Japan. I think the US Embassy in Tokyo should wake up because Americans are not evils who will bully a single mother and her kids like that in front of 300 people because of their color.

If you call for information, make sure to speak to someone who knows what they're talking about.

There were people who were worried that Japan might become Cartago, but I'm always thinking that Japan will become "Greek". R2-2020 / 05/11 / Mon. / am0645.

I would like to extend my condolences to Las Vegas Sands Chairman Adelson. I will come back again Noshi Forget about the amateur radio companion I visited after the war with Mr. Ibuka Dai-san (No, No, No, No).

If you are getting your passport renewed and are planning on taking a photo here, you better bring a 1,000 yen bill!

The service was fast and the staff helpful. Lunch break finishes at 2pm, so you will have to wait for the gate to open and there are no laptops allowed. There is no nursing facilities on site so be advised if you have a baby. One of my credit cards was rejected (a Japanese one) so bring another form of payment just in case. Good experience overall.

If you have an appointment and all of your paperwork is complete and correct, then things are quick and easy. Our passports arrived in less than a week and we used the notary service yesterday without any problems. They now allow you to bring in your smartphone to use apps and the internet.

I don't think that this is not a easy to move to Usa i am from Nepal and I wanna go to Usa. What are main requirement to apply for it? Now, I am in Tokyo.

Another record, in and out for renewal of my passport in 5 minutes! And that was with and secondary scan of my beltbuckle.

I was told that it would not be easy to explain in security but put a basket behind me. I do not know how to do it for the first time, and I was told by a tone of voice that security guards were first meeting with me. I understand how frustrating is, but I think that it is better to change the attitude. I was impressed.

I want visit to USA how can I get visit visa? Can I know please?

Just a quick shout-out to the fine folks at the embassy who have, over the years, been consistently helpful, courteous, and professional. A recent passport crisis was handled with the same efficiency and attentiveness I have come to expect in my dealings with the embassy staff, and I much appreciate their commitment to providing excellent support and customer service. Thank you!

Very helpful and friendly staff at the counter. Waiting at the initial outdoor queue as a citizen with an infant could have been better. But that looked to be managed by a different service. Overall in and out very quickly. Good experience!

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Some of the staff inside was nice, so I apologize for what I'm about to say - but I have to describe my experience here as being in general, shameful.

It started with me having to renew my passport. I'm a resident here in Japan, and carry only my residence card, so I had dug it out from my files and put it in my bag. I called the embassy one afternoon and was told to call back between 10 and 12. The next day I was busy in the morning, so several days passed. Finally, I called in the morning and was rudely told to look for forms on the website and then hung up on. I don't have access to a printer, so I had to wait to buy a USB keychain so I could take the documents to a konbini to print.

I was busy, so some time passed, and in the interim, somehow my passport went missing amongst the papers in my bag. I searched my apartment for hours and wasn't able to find it. Deciding now it was best to just try and talk to someone face to face, I went to the embassy.

There are angry, bully Japanese police staffing the street leading to the gate, which is "Closed to prevent terrorism." An officer stopped me and asked for my passport. He spoke no English, so I was forced to use my best Japanese to explain I had lost it. He asked if I had an appointment. I said no. He said I must make an appointment and come back.

I called the embassy, explained the situation, and explained where I was. The woman practically laughed at me, and then told me I had to have my original birth certificate (which of course is in the states).

I decided to be a bit more forceful. The woman transferred me to her supervisor. Suddenly, I was magically granted permission to enter.

The rest of my visit was generally OK - apologized to the woman through the staff that waited on me for being forceful on the phone (but hey, I got my passport, didn't I?), however the emergency passport was going to cost me 150$. I didn't have enough money.

Left to go to the konbini. Made eye contact with the guards and explained with a smile that I would be returning, just so they wouldn't be suspicious. Went out, was gone for no longer than 5 minutes, and when I returned the bully guard wouldn't let me in again.

I showed him the documents - explained that I had just come from inside, showed him the receipt that I needed to pay - no go. He kept giving me excuses - "it's after 12", "it's soon soon after I entered previously". Clearly this guy knew it was OK - he just _wanted to make me wait_. The cashier had already explained that they were closing in 30 minutes (12:30, heh), so I told him I could wait until 12:20. He seemed to be OK with that.

At this point I'm just sitting there in front of the anti-terrorism sign, all big, at the front of the street, with 20 minutes to kill, so I think, I'm going take a pic of it to send to my dad, since we're all concerned about the effect that Trump's presidency is having on xenophobia around the world. The police guy starts getting in my face: "Dame, dame". Now look, I have no interest in escalating a conflict with this guy, but up to this point I've been civil with him. I explain to him that I know my rights, and outside the embassy, there is no law against taking pictures of a street sign. "Dame, dame". He's just not letting it go. Meanwhile people are freely streaming into the gap behind him while he's obsessed with me - the guy with a receipt from inside the embassy in my hand, who he just saw leave 5 minutes ago. At this point, I've just had enough of this guy. I call the embassy AGAIN, explain the situation. They tell me to hand the phone to him. Bam, I'm in again.

I know when you're an immigrant you are an unspoken second class, but I expected at least to be treated with some respect at the embassy, and not have to deal with people dodging me at every step, bully guards, and not being able to speak one on one in English with anyone, without having to press the issue to the limit and then have to apologize 3 times, just to be provided with the _services this embassy's duty is to provide to American citizens like myself_.

I went to VISA interviews many times. If you want to talk to a policeman

I needed to get my passport renewed and had some very simple questions. When I called I was informed they would only speak to me between the hours of 10-12 despite the fact that it would have taken less than five minutes to answer my questions. Because I work for a living those hours don't often work out for me, so I went to embassy in person to try and explain my situation and get some help at which point I was turned away by a guard who didn't even speak English. Very dissatisfied.

Everyone, including the guards, was kind. However, I got the impression that it was overly guarded, such as prohibiting photography of buildings.

Expedited line for foreigners. Real nice people. You can set up an appointment on their website and have everything filled out already or you can just go in during their open hours and fill out the necessary paperwork. I recommend completing it online though, that way you get in and out of there within ten minutes.

Friendly staff. Try to go in the morning to avoid lines.

When I went for the notarization, including the security guard at the entrance, it was quite normal. There is a limit to the amount of baggage that can be carried, but it is all written on the embassy site. Photography is prohibited, but you can use the Internet and the app freely (there was a sticker on the inside of that). The umbrella seems to be deposited outside, but the walking stick was fine. Food and drink can not be brought in, but there was a vending machine for drinks. I think there are no people going there, but please note that it is a reservation system.

There is a defect in the e-mail, and the response is also late. In the end, leave it to you.