A Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining a Japan Tourist Visa for Indian Citizens

Laura Amber, Senior Traveler, Italy

An image featuring the text

Japanese travel is the dream of numerous tourists who appreciate the blend of ancient traditions and modernist innovation. In case you are an Indian and intend to visit this interesting country, a Japanese visa is a starting point for your trip. This includes knowledge of the visa application process, how much the visa will cost, etc, and where to present your documents. With this, the preparation of the required documents, such as hotel bookings for visa application, dummy flight bookings, and travel insurance, would be a comprehensive and trustworthy application. By having the right preparation and good documentation, you will enjoy a hassle-free visa process, and you can expect to explore the cultural and modern magic of Japan.

What is a Japanese Tourist Visa?       

Yet, the Tourist visa in Japan is also known as a short-term stay Schengen visa. It is a legal permit issued by the Government of Japan. So, it is granted to Indians who wish to enter the country for tourism or time-out activities.

Hence, this visa allows its holders to stay in Japan for a specified period. Yet,  the period is up to 90 days per visit. 

So, it depends on the visa’s validity and conditions. Since Japan’s charm as a tourist destination is many-sided and captivating. Yet, this country offers a motley of experiences to meet every traveler’s interest.You can experience individuality from the Zen gardens of Kyoto to the streets of Tokyo.

Facts File of Japan 

So, here is a table highlighting key information about the country.

Category  Facts
Capital Tokyo
Language Japanes
Population Approximately 126.5 million (2022 estimate)
Currency Japanese Yen (JPY)
Area Approximately 377,975 square kilometers
Time Zone Japan Standard Time (JST), UTC +9
Religion So, Shintoism and Buddhism are the major religions, with a significant secular population
Cuisine Sushi, Sashimi, Ramen, Tempura, Matcha (green tea) 
Technology Leading in the robotics, electronics, and automotive industry   
Festivals Cherry Blossom Festivals (Hanami), Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, Tanabata Festival

What are the Types of Japanese Tourist Visas?

Yet, depending on the duration and purpose of the visit, it has the following types of visas.

Short-Term Stay Visa (Single Entry)

  • This visa is suitable for Indian tourists planning a single trip to Japan for up to 90 days.
  • It is issued for visiting friends or relatives as a visit visa. Even though you can partake in short-term, unpaid activities.

Multiple Entry Visa

  • This visa allows Indian travelers to enter Japan multiple times within a specific period. Yet, it is for a max of 5 years.
  • Yet, the multiple-entry visa is suitable for regular visitors planning multiple trips to Japan in a short period.

What are the Key Features of a Japanese Tourist Visa?

So, there are some key features of a Japanese tourist visa.

Purpose

Thus, the main purpose of a Japanese tourist visa is to promote tourism-related activities.

Validity

Yet, tourist visas are usually valid one or more times over some time.

Length of stay

Hence the ultimate stay allowed on a tourist visa is 90 days per visit. Yet, this period starts from the date of entry into Japan. Thus, it must be strictly observed by Japanese authorities.

Conditions

Japanese tourist visa holders are not allowed to take part in paid activities or long-term studies. So, the visa is tailored for temporary tourist purposes only.

Is It Necessary to Secure a Japanese Tourist Visa from India?

So, Yes! A Japanese visa is necessary for Indians who wish to visit the country. Thus, you need to apply for a Japanese tourist visa that suits your needs.

Besides, it must be applied before your planned date of visit. Yet, remember that Japan does not grant on-arrival visa services to Indians. 

What is the Visa Success Rate of the Japanese Tourist Visa?

So, below is the chart clarifying the success rate of Tourist visas in Japan. 

Visitors around the world, including India, prefer Japan as a tourist destination to other countries.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for a Japan Tourist Visa for Indians?

japan flag

The Indians planning to apply for a Japanese tourist visa must meet the following requirements for a visa.

Valid Passport

First of all, they must have a passport that is valid. Besides, it must meet the criteria for a visa, that is

  • It must have 6 months’ validity beyond your planned stay in Japan. Yet, a soon-to-be-expired passport may cause a visa rejection.
  • So, it should not have wear or tear or be altered.
  • Must have two blank pages among 54 total, for stamping a tourist visa.
  • It was issued in 10 years.

Passport-size Photographs

For a Japanese tourist visa for Indians, you must have two pictures. So, as per the requirements, pictures must be

  • Have a size of (2×2 inches).
  • Also, have a plain white background.
  • Moreover, your face should be clear in the photographs.
  • Besides, there should be no wear or tear in the picture.
  • It was captured in the last 3 to 6 months.

Proof of Travel Arrangements

Hotel Booking For Visa Application

Yet, get flight reservation for visa. Thus, it should be a flight ticket containing

  • Name of flight chosen
  • Number of flights
  • Reservation code
  • Also, contains dates of arrival & departure 
  • Codes of the airport IATA 
  • Besides, connecting flights (for multiple-entry visas)

Onward Flight Tickets: Moreover, include a return flight ticket from Japan (if applicable).

Proof of Hotel Reservation

Hotel Booking For Visa Application

Also, provide hotel booking for visa application​ in Japan. Yet, it may be the following details

  • Hotel booking reference no./ rental agreement
  • Name, address, and contact details of the hotel
  • Also, include entry and exit dates from the hotel
  • Invitation letter from the host

Ample Financial Means

Besides the above documents, you are asked to show your financial stability for a visa. So, it will prove that you have enough money to cover your expenses in Japan.

Yet, these proofs include the following documents.

  • Recent bank statements
  • Proof of employment
  • Sponsorship letter with a person’s details
  • Other supporting financial documents
  • Besides, a copy of the paid visa fee

Letter of Trip Explanation

letter and paper

Since it is also known as a cover letter for visa. Thus, include the following details in your cover letter. 

  • The purpose of your visit
  • Places you plan to visit
  • Also, include your planned itinerary

cover letter for visa

Health Insurance Policy

Get Dummy Travel Insurance For Schengen Visa Application

Since a travel insurance visa application to cover your entire duration is required for a Japan tourist visa. Yet, its purpose is to inform the authorities about your emergency protection. 

So, it is valid in the following fields.

  • Hospitalization
  • Loss of baggage
  • Flight cancellation

What is the amount of travel insurance for a Japanese tourist visa?

Yet, the criteria for an insurance policy are as follows. 

  1. So, the lowest cover is ¥1 million (approx. 6.5 lakhs or USD 850) per person.
  2. The insurance must be issued by a company that has a valid contract with the Japanese Embassy in India or the Consulate.
  3. The exchange rate used is approximately 1 JPY = 0.65 INR. So, it may vary depending on the current exchange rate.
  4. Besides, policy documents must be in English or Japanese. 

What are the Supplementary Documents Required for Japanese Tourist Visas?

Besides the above primary documents, you must provide some other evidence for a visa. Yet, these are 

  • NOC from the employer.
  • If Self-Employed, then provide a GST Copy
  • Police Clearance Certificate 
  • Proof of residency (electricity, telephone bills & voter ID card)

For Employed

So, you must submit an employment letter given by the company. Yet, it may state your position, salary, and approved leave duration.

Income Tax Return

Hence, an ITR is also required if the applicant is employed. If not, then provide the sponsor`s return.

What Documents Should Be Required for Minors?

Yet, if you are traveling with children under 18 years old, then provide the following documents

  • Birth certificate issued by the Indian government
  • Also, parents/guardians’ passport copies
  • NOC signed by a legal guardian or parents (if the minor is traveling alone)

Which Indians are Eligible for Securing a Japan Tourist Visa?

So, to be eligible to travel to Japan, you must meet the following criteria.

  1. You must be qualified and have good intentions to travel to the country.
  2. You must have strong ties to your home country. So, it will guarantee your return after you leave.
  3. Also, you must have a clean criminal record and be of good character. 
  4. Besides, you must meet the health requirements set by the Japanese authorities.
  5. Yet, you must be a true travel lover who wants to explore the country.
  6. You must have travel arrangements ready to prove your intention to visit. 

What is the Japanese Tourist Visa Fee for Indians?

So, here is a complete table showing Japanese visa fees from India. The fees can be changed according to the latest situation and time, so check before applying.

Visa Kind Duration Fee (INR) Visa fee (JPY)
Single-entry Up to 90 days 550 800
Double-entry Up to 90 days 1,100 1,600
Multiple-entry For 5 years 4,400 6,400
Transit Visa Up to 15 days 300 300
Visa Waiver Program Up to 90 days 0 0

Points to Remember 

So, below are some points you should keep in mind about visa fees.

  • Yet, the fees are subject to change. Thus, extra charges may apply for services such as visa application centers.
  • The exchange rate used is approximately 1 JPY = 0.65 INR. So, it may vary depending on the current exchange rate.
  • Under the Visa Waiver Program, visa fees are waived for Indian citizens visiting Japan for up to 90 days.
  • Besides, a multiple-entry visa is valid for 5 years. Yet, each stay is limited to 90 days.

Where is the Japanese Embassy in India?

Yet, here is the address of the Japanese embassy located in India. So, you can book an appointment before visiting it.

Address of Embassy Plot No.4&5, 50-G Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021. India. 
Telephone No 91-11-2687-6581, 2687-6564, 4610-4610
Fax No 91-11-2688-5587
E-mail jpembjic@nd.mofa.go.jp
Office Working Hours

09:00 – 13:00 & 14:00 – 17:30, from Monday – Friday 

Close on (Saturday & Sunday)

Apply Through VFS Global

Besides, if you want to apply for a visa through VFS Global, you can visit their website. As most of the visas are supported by them. 

  • So, their consulates are supporting visas globally. Moreover, you can also fill out the application form online for your visa.
  • Hence, for a step-by-step guide about visa application through VFS Global, you can read our article Norway visit visa form India.

What are the Steps to Apply for a Japanese Tourist Visa?

Apply for a Japanese Tourist Visa

So, to apply for a Japanese tourist visa from India, you can follow these steps. Yet, the Japanese government has outsourced the visa application process.

Thus, follow these steps for a smooth visa application process. 

Step 1: Identification of visa types

First of all, check whether you need a visa or not. Then, move toward the next step. Select the visa type you need to apply for. 

Select Bulgaria Visa Type

Step 2: Begin the Application

Then, download the visa application form for the selected visa kind. So, read the instructions provided in the application form.

  • After that, fill out the form without leaving any section.
  • Also, make sure you are providing accurate information in the form.
  • Moreover, attach all supporting documents to the application form.
  • Fill Out the Bulgaria Visa Application Form

Step 3: Book an Appointment

Hence, schedule an appointment at the Japanese consulates in India to apply. Thus, remember that booking an appointment is necessary for visa form submission.

scheduled an appointment at the Bulgarian VAC center

Step 4:Collecting Documents

Moreover, you need to compile the required visa documents. So, make sure no document is missing. Compile all the needed documents, like a passport, photos, a cover letter, etc.

Step 5: Visit a VAC

Yet, after filling out the application form, visit the selected Japanese visa center for form submission. 

Visit Bulgain VAC

Step 6: Attend an Interview

So, visit the selected Japanese VAC. Then, attend the interview, and provide your biometric data. 

After all the queries, submit your visa application form and pay visa fees.

Step 7: Wait for Visa Approval

Then return home and wait for the confirmation from the consulate about visa approval. 

Yet, they will inform you soon about the status of your visa application after the specific visa processing time. So, you can use this reference number to check your application status.

Step 8: Track your Application

Yet, if your visa has been approved, then you can track your application to check its status.

Track the application

So, for tracking the application, they will send you a tracker code via email.

What are the Steps to Track the Visa Application through VFS Global?

Meanwhile, applicants can track their application by following these steps

  • Step 1: Visit the official website of VFS Global.
  • Step 2: After that, click on the “Track Your Application” tab on the home page. Moreover, click on the “track your visa application online” link.
  • Step 3: After that, you will be taken to a page where you have to enter the required details and fill in a captcha. Then click the “Submit” button.
  • Step 4: So, the status of your application will be displayed on the screen.

Step 9: Collect your Passport

Finally, when your visa is ready, you can collect your passport from the Japanese consulates in India.

Collect Your Bulgaria Visa Passport

Besides, if you are unable to collect it, the VAC will deliver it to your given home address.

What is the Processing Time for a Japanese Tourist Visa Application?

Yet, the standard processing time mentioned by the Japanese Embassy is 4 working days. 

For this purpose, the applicants should submit the correct documents for visa approval. If your visa is refused, then ask the consulate about the reasons to reapply for a visa or ask for a refund policy. 

FAQs-Japan Tourist Visa for Indians

So, here are some questions that arise in applicants’ minds while applying for a visa.

1. How much bank balance is required to visit Japan?

So, if you are planning to travel to Japan for tourism, you must have a bank balance of at least ₹1 – ₹2  lakhs to cover your expenses.

2. Can I apply for a Japan tourist visa online?

No, you need to apply through the Japanese Embassy or consulate. Yet, online applications are not approved by them.

3. Can a tourist visa allow work in Japan?

No, the tourist visa does not permit its holders to work in Japan. So, you must apply for a work visa to work in Japan.

Conclusion:

Visiting Japan is something that many tourists dream about because they like its blend of ancient customs and modern technology. In case you are an Indian who wishes to visit this exciting nation, the process of acquiring a Japan visa is the initial step towards your tour. This will include learning the visa application procedures, the fee system, and where to place documents. With this, placing the necessary documents such as hotel booking, flight ticket reservation for visa, and travel insurance cover makes the application stand out from others. A successful visa process with a lot of preparation and proper documentation will enable you to witness a hassle-free trip to Japan and anticipate the Japanese culture and modern marvels.

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  • France Tourist visa from India → Step‑by‑step guide to applying for a French tourist visa from India, including documentation, fees, and appointment process.
  • Denmark Tourist visa from India → Detailed instructions and requirements for Indian applicants seeking a tourism visa for Denmark, with tips to ensure a smooth approval.

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