The visa application process was really simple, though it is a bit of a hassle if you don't live in London! Until earlier this year, they'd post your passport back to you, but now you need to go in again to collect it.
I filled out the visa application form in advance with my passport info, flight number, accommodation (Waseda University Student House South Wing ♡), etc.. Apparently for the 'employer' section, you put your home university, and for the guarantor/inviter you put your uni' in Japan, leaving the date of birth and gender blank.
I was worried about the photo size so paid extra to get one in 45x45 just in case, but they're actually not picky as long as it's a clear recent photo. A regular UK passport photo is fine! :)
Once I reached the Embassy of Japan (only about a 20 minute walk from Victoria Coach Station),
we had to show our passports/ID at the door then go through an airport-style security gate! It hadn't even occurred to me that security would be so high, so it was an interesting experience. The scanning machine flagged up my little nail scissors but the guard said they were fine once I showed him.
