A visa run to Japan is the most common type of visa run, the quick trip one takes while leaving the country to obtain a visa to legally work in Korea. Nearly all visa runs to Japan take place in Osaka. The consulate is able to process a visa the same day if a teacher arrives before 1:30 pm. The hours on the site state that the consulate is closed during the noon hours, but exceptions are made for E-2 visa applicants as they are aware that the first plane from Seoul to Osaka leaves around 10:00 am and that it is logistically impossible to arrive before noon.
If the E-2 visa applicant arrives before 1:30, the visa will be ready at 4:00(4:30?) pm.
Usually the prospective teacher will obtain a Certificate of Confirmation of Visa Issuance, which must be brought on the visa run. A passport-size photo is also necessary. Upon arrival at the consulate (indentifiable by 2 huge Korean flags on either side of the door) one takes a number from the little machine and waits for it to be called. While waiting, fill out one of the Visa Application forms, which is still necessary in spite of the Confirmation form. The waiting time will depend on how many people are applying for visas (which takes about 10 min per person) and how many people are coming back to pick up their visas (which takes about 1 minute per person) When the number is called the form will be checked and they will inform the teacher how much they will have to pay (around 5,000 yen - 50,000 won). Be advised that only yen is accepted. Afterwards they give a strip of paper and (probably) instructions to return the next day. The next day one will have to wait in line again and pick up your passport with the new visa pasted in it.
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