^^ hi, sis. i have company-sponsored visa so no experience at all on how to get tourist visa. but according to a friend who applied, it`s much easier to get tourist visa in japan than in the US. easier because you just have to prove na you can afford to travel (bank statements, proof of assets, employment, etc) while in the US, medyo subjective, di ba? depende sa mood ng consul.
just see to it that all your documents are in order at walang discrepancies.
nowadays, all tourist visa applications are coursed through accredited agencies. sis jappsie before recommended PIASI. 850 lang ata if they`ll pick up your documents.