Japan is a popular destination for Indian travelers. From strolling through the neon streets of Tokyo and visiting the serene temples of Kyoto to experiencing the cherry blossom season at its best, there is much to explore in Japan. Obtaining a Japan visa for Indians is the most important first step in achieving all these memorable moments.
The visa process can be intimidating for first-time applicants, but it is straightforward if you know what to expect. This guide will detail the whole process of getting a Japan tourist visa from India, including eligibility requirements, required documents, processing times, as well as some tips to help increase your chance of approval.
Key Understanding of Japan Tourist Visa
The Japan tourist visa, or short-term visa, is for Indian tourists who wish to visit Japan for leisure or personal reasons. It allows entry for:
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Visiting friends or family
- Participating in short cultural exchanges or other non-paid activities
When you receive your visa:
– It will be issued as a single-entry visa
– It will have a validity of 3 months from the date of issue
– It will allow a maximum stay of 90 days
This visa is an excellent option for travelers who are going for vacations, visiting family, or any cultural experiences, but who are not going to work or do business while abroad.
Where to Apply for a Japan Visa in India
Japan does not provide a visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Indian nationals. Applications may be submitted through:
- VFS Global Japan Visa Application Centers (in major Indian cities – for example, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata)
- Or at the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi or the Consulates General of Japan (in Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata – if you live in their jurisdiction).
For the overwhelming majority of travelers, VFS Global is the most convenient and popular option, because they check the paperwork, arrange biometrics (if required), and facilitate the submission.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Japan Tourist Visa from India
The process of getting a Japanese tourist visa for Indians is not complicated if you follow it step by step. Below is a breakdown:
Step 1: Find the Right Visa Type
If you are travelling for leisure or personal purposes, you will need to apply for the Temporary Visitor Visa type. Finding the right visa type will set you on the right path with the documents and requirements needed for the Embassy.
Step 2: Collect Your Documents
To facilitate the process and avoid any delays, it is important to prepare the following documents in advance:
Visa Application Form – Download the form from the Embassy of Japan’s website or the VFS portal. Complete the form in BLOCK letters and sign it before attaching a recent photograph of you.
Recent Photograph – 2×2 inches with a white background and taken in the past 6 months.
Passport – Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your trip, with at least two blank pages. Include a copy of the bio page of your passport and any prior visas.
Cover Letter – Clearly state the reason for travel, the dates of the trip, and who will be covering the costs for your trip.
Travel Itinerary – A day-by-day travel itinerary of the cities and sites you will be visiting during your trip.
Flight Reservations – Confirmed return itinerary for travel to Japan (a booking confirmation is sufficient, and you do not need to pay for the booking at this time).
Hotel Reservations – Reservations for accommodation for the full duration of the trip.
Proof of Funds – Bank statements for the past three to six months, income tax returns, salary slips, or any documentation that displays the amount of money available to sustain the trip.
Employment Proof – NOC from the employer, leave approval letter, or company ID. Self-employed applicants should include evidence of business registration.
Step 3: Complete the Visa Application Form
You can fill out the application form, ensuring that you have fully completed all fields, including all information and spelled everything correctly, to the best of your ability. Even small errors can delay your application or may lead to rejection, so be sure to check all information carefully before submission.
Step 4: Schedule an Appointment with VFS Global
You must go online and schedule an appointment at the VFS Japan Visa Application Center at your closest location. Some centers allow walk-ins, but to ensure a much more streamlined process, it’s better to have an appointment and avoid wasting time.
Step 5: Visa Fee
The Japan visa fee for Indian applicants, in 2025, consists of:
- Single-entry: Approximately ₹500-₹600 (which may vary slightly depending on the exchange rate)
- Multiple-entry: Somewhat higher, but completely based on eligibility
There is also an extra fee you have to pay VFS beyond the visa fee.
Step 6: Application Submission
On the day of the appointment, you will go to the VFS center with the following:
- Completed application form
- All documents needed (originals + photocopies)
- Visa fee and service charge receipt
Upon your arrival, VFS representatives check your documentation, collect biometrics if necessary, and then apply.
Japan Visa Processing Times
Generally, expect the tourist visa for Japan to be processed within 4-7 business days of submission.
Pro Tip: Consider applying at least an extra 3-4 weeks before your travel date to avoid unwanted stress.
Common Reasons for a Visa Denial or Rejection
When applying for a visa, you want the best possible chance for approval, so do not make the following mistakes:
- Submitting an incomplete or incorrect application
- Not having enough money to cover your travel costs
- Not having supporting documentation (hotel confirmations, flight bookings, cover letter)
- Travel dates do not relate to each other in the various documents
- The photo quality does not meet Japan’s requirements
Suggestions to Improve Your Chances for Approval
Demonstrate financial stability – Ensure you have money in your bank account.
- Write a detailed itinerary – Japan prefers travellers who clearly outline their entire trip with specific commencement and conclusion dates.
- Book refundable flights and hotels, or at least travel insurance – Should, for some reason, the visa be rejected, you will not lose money.
- Apply early – Should the visa request with documentation be returned with issues, you will have time to address them.
- Be consistent – Every single document should be consistent together, such as the cover letter, itinerary, hotel, and flight bookings.
Conclusion
Acquiring a Japanese tourist visa for Indians is significantly easier when you prepare well and submit the correct documents. By following this thorough guide, you can also mitigate delays and increase your chances of visa success.
Traveling in Japan is a unique experience — try fresh sushi at Tsukiji Market in Tokyo, or relax in a peaceful onsen in Hakone. By planning and getting your visa on time, you can travel to enjoy the efficiency of the Japanese way of life, along with their rich history, in the effortless way you dream of.
If you would like to make the process simpler and easier, you can always turn to OneVasco for easy and efficient help in receiving your Japan tourist visa on time.
