The Japanese Embassy in the Philippines has officially opened the Japan Visa Application Center (JVAC) in Parañaque City to entice more Filipinos to visit the Land of the Rising Sun.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya led the opening of the JVAC, operated by VFS Service Philippines, Inc., which aims to provide visa applicants a more convenient process.

"Providing enhanced services and more convenient procedures, the JVAC is expected to welcome and encourage more Filipino friends to explore the wonders and beauty of Japan," the Embassy said.

Last month, the Japanese Embassy in Manila launched its online visa appointment system, which can be found at the VFS global website.

With the opening of the JVAC, applicants can now submit and receive their visas at five branches—Parañaque City, Makati City, Quezon City, Cebu City, and Davao City.

The JVAC is open from Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, visa applications will be accepted only until 2 p.m. in the Metro Manila branches and until 12 p.m. in Cebu and Davao.

Applicants must pay a visa fee and a center usage fee of P520 upon application, with fees varying based on nationality and type of visa.

With the opening of the JVAC, accredited travel agencies will no longer accept visa applications. However, those who applied through them before April 6 must still collect their passports from the same agency.