As of October 2021, there were nearly 430,000 citizens of Japan living in the United States. Even permanent residents (such as Green Card holders) need to keep their passports up to date. Getting a passport photo in America for an American passport is easy—but getting a passport picture in America for a Japanese passport can be more difficult.
This is because the Japanese passport photo size is not the same as the American one, and American drugstores and photo studios are mostly set up to accommodate American passport pictures.
This article will help you find US locations near you that take passport pictures for Japanese passports. It will also provide information for online solutions to this problem, so keep reading!
Japanese passport photo specifications
The size of your new passport photo for Japan must be exactly 35 x 45 mm (wide x high). This is somewhat smaller than the American passport photo, which is 50 x 50 mm (or 2” x 2” inch square). If you just order “a passport picture” at an American drugstore, you will probably get 50 x 50 mm American passport photos.
Japanese passport applications must be printed on paper, which means that the accompanying photos must be printed on photo-quality paper as well. You cannot apply online, so you cannot submit a digital photograph. Applications accompanied by wrong-sized printed photos might not be accepted at the Japanese consulate.
Below, we will look at the two best locations in America for Japanese passport photo services.
Where can I get a Japanese passport picture in America?
As we said, American drugstores and photo studios are mostly set up to accommodate American passport pictures–but there are a couple of exceptions. You can get Japanese passport photos made at Walgreens Pharmacies and at Staples office supply stores.
Here are some pros and cons of each location.
Walgreens Pharmacies: pros
The Number 1 best place for getting a Japanese passport photo made in person is Walgreens Pharmacies. This is because they have the most locations. They are widely available in all the top ten US metropolitan areas by Japanese population. No appointments are required. And in addition to Japan’s 35 x 45 mm passport photo size, they have many other international sizes available as well.
Walgreens Pharmacies: cons
On the downside, Walgreens’ price, $16.99, is at the high end of the scale. Passport photos should not cost this much! And a common customer complaint is that Walgreens’ passport photo services often feel rushed, without the care required to get a good-looking photo; this is especially true when there are children or infants needing photos.
Staples: pros
Our Number 2 choice for Japanese passport photo services is Staples office supply stores. Besides Japanese photos as an available option, they offer even more different sizes of passport photos than Walgreens does. Also their price, $14.99, is better than at Walgreens. Finally, their customer service is rated highly in online reviews such as Yelp.
Staples: cons
But Staples does not have nearly as many locations as Walgreens. At this time they have no locations in Honolulu at all. Depending on your location, you might find it challenging to locate a nearby Staples store.
However, if you’re looking for convenient passport photo services, you can easily find a reliable option by searching for “passport photo near me” on your preferred search engine.
Walgreens and Staples are the only two large chains in America that state they make passport photos suitable for a Japanese passport. If neither of these two brands works for you, look for an independent “mom & pop” photo studio. Alternately, you might want to go for an online option.
Passport Photo Online for a Japanese passport photo
Passport Photo Online is a powerful app downloaded by over 1 million users that turns your smartphone into a portable photo booth. Japanese citizens simply upload their photographs, and the app’s Artificial Intelligence takes care of the rest.
The A.I. automatically checks for any flaws, and if it finds a problem it notifies you to try again. Take as many photo shots as you need in order to get the perfect picture—no extra charge! You can be 100% sure that the photos meet the biometric photo standards of Japan.
Get your final photo emailed to you as a JPG for $13.95. Print it at CVS for just 39 cents more or at Walgreens for 38 cents.
Need a CVS passport photo? We’ve got you covered.
If you like, Passport Photo Online offers printing and shipping for an additional 3 (three) dollars, so you don’t even need to leave your house. Your photos are guaranteed to meet Japanese government standards for a biometric document—or double your money back.
Japanese passport picture: FAQ
Before we wrap up, here are some common questions our readers often ask.
Does the USPS do Japanese passport photos?
No, the United States Post Office (USPS) only makes 2×2-inch American-style photos.
Does AAA take Japanese passport photos?
No, the American Automobile Association (AAA) works in partnership with RushMyPassport to provide expedited services for US passports only.
Does Costco have a passport photo for Japanese passports?
No, Costco no longer offers photo services.
Can I use an American photo for a Japanese passport?
Yes, you can bring in uncut US passport photos, but you must be very careful of the head size. In a US passport photo, the size of the head may be between 25 and 35 mm. In a Japanese passport photo, the head size must be between 32 and 36 mm. If the image of your head, measured from the crown to the chin, is too small or too big, it will not be accepted at the Japanese consulate.
The best way to make sure that your head size is correct is to use an online app powered by artificial intelligence such as Passport Photo Online.
Does the Japanese consulate take passport photos?
No. The Japanese consulate where you will turn in your passport application does not take photographs at all, in any size. You must have the appropriate photos already made before your appointment at the consulate or embassy.
What is the photo passport size for the Japanese embassy?
The embassy and consulates prefer 35 x 45 mm (wide x high) photos, but they may accept 50 x 50 mm American-size photos provided the head size is correct and everything else is compliant with Japanese passport photo specifications.
Where can I take Japanese visa/passport photos in New York City?
You have a choice of over 60 Walgreens and 11 Staples locations in New York City. Close to Grand Central Station is Doi Camera at 51 East 46 Street, New York, NY 10017; they will make Japanese-size photos for $16.95. Additionally, there are many photo studios available in the Chinatown neighborhood.
Where can I get a Japanese passport photo in Los Angeles?
In addition to 17 Walgreens and 6 Staples locations, Los Angeles offers plenty of independent photo studios, many of them within Little Tokyo. A little further away, in Koreatown, you might try the Thomas Kitrell Studios at 3978 West 6th Street, Suite A, Los Angles, CA 90020-4210. They handle passport and visa photos for all countries.
Where can I make a Japanese passport photo in Seattle?
Seattle has 1 Staples and 18 Walgreens to choose from. As for independent studios, one highly-rated location is Adonis Photography; they only accept appointments (no walk-ins) and the cost is $49. Contact Adonis online at https://www.adonisphoto.com.
Getting a Japanese passport photo in the USA—summing it up
If you, like most Japanese citizens residing in America, live in a major city such as San Francisco, Sacramento, or Chicago, you should have no problem finding a place to get your passport photos for Japan taken. In fact, the hardest part will probably be fighting the traffic through the city to get to your destination!
You can get your biometric photo conveniently taken at home through the miracle of modern technology: your smartphone. Use Passport Photo Online to create the perfect biometric photo, and have it printed at your favorite drugstore. This is not only a great way to save money, but you also save yourself the aggravation of driving in Los Angeles or Seattle!
Bryan is a writer and filmmaker originally from Texas who has sailed around the world. Thanks to his experience in the cruise industry and customer service, he understands what customers feel and needs, and as a result of numerous travels he has specialized in passport photography. Bryan is the author of FOG WATCH published on Amazon.
