I am planning eight nights split between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka in October, with a rail pass and refundable hotels, and I am nervous that my application will look vague. I want to line up my passport, application form, day-by-day route, leave approval, bank statements and transport evidence before the appointment, while allowing time to replace any document the local mission requests.
The decision logic is local: the responsible Japanese embassy or consulate, place of residence, purpose, and application channel determine the checklist, so a generic online list is not enough. Build one folder containing the passport, form, realistic itinerary, accommodation, funds, employment or study evidence, and transport details only as the mission requests; check names and dates against every booking. Next, confirm the appointment route, scan copies, and leave time for a clarification request before committing to non-refundable plans. Requirements, fees and handling can change, and a document list is not an approval promise: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html.