what's the best way of travelling to japan? get a travel package with a tour agency or get the tickets myself and go with a group of friends?

i would prefer not to go with a tour agency but it seems like that's the only available option else i won't be able to get my visa. say i'm not with an agency, i hv to get a invitation letter from a japanese and salary statement as well.

any advice on this guys?

can i say it's basically not hard to obtain a japanese visa? the docs i need are:

1. A valid passport
2. One(1) visa aplication form
3. One(1) Malaysian passport size photo
4. Confirmed flight itinerary (issued by the travel agency/airline) or a flight schedule in detail
5. A letter (using the company letter-head) from your company stating your position in the company, your period of service in the company, your purpose of journey and period of stay and how expenses will be borne.
6. Material showing your capacity to bear staying expenses in Japan (e.g. Bank statement)
7. Itinerary in Japan
8. Hotel voucher or other documents showing your accomodation in Japan.

i'm planning to take advantage of matta fair n buy a return ticket to Japan before applying for a visa. i hope everything goes well