No it's not hard to apply. As long as you submit all the required documents and have the recommended rm6k or whatever in your bank, I've never heard of anyone getting the visa rejected. Once you get your visa approved, it is only valid for 3 months. So if you going around Christmas you can apply anytime in October onwards.

For my case, i apply visa through JTB agency opposite Berjaya Times Square. I submitted true-certified bank statements, company letter stating my salary & position and fill up all the form downloaded from the japan embassy website.

I suggest u to book airasia flight as early as possible to get cheapest price. I bought tickets to Tokyo and back to KL for RM775. Add on meals and bagages is around RM1k. Now, i'm already in Tokyo and its hard to communicate here. If u know how to read Chinese words, it will be a bit easier for you. The taxi fare here is super expensive and even travel by bus and train is also quite expensive. Be prepare to get sandwiched by in crowded Tokyo major area like Shinjuku

I'm staying 16 days in my friend's house in Tokyo. How many of u going to Tokyo? Staying in Tokyo for 2 week will be very costly. And its going to be very cold at year-end and you won't feel comfortable to go out.

RM1.8k per person u better take MAS