Japan Visa from India (2026), Tourist Visa Guide

Japan is now one of the cheapest sticker visas in the world for Indian travellers, the Embassy of Japan dropped consulate fees to a flat ₹500 for both single and multi-entry tourist visas effective 1 April 2025. VFS adds ₹800 service charges. But Japan is still one of the most paperwork-heavy applications: a meticulously detailed day-by-day itinerary that proves you know exactly where you'll be each night. Processing: minimum 5 working days from embassy submission.

Japan visa types & fees (effective April 2025)

• Single-entry tourist visa, ₹500 consulate fee + ₹800 VFS = ₹1,300. Stay up to 90 days.
• Multiple-entry tourist visa, same ₹500 consulate fee + ₹800 VFS = ₹1,300 (Indians pay the same as single entry). Validity issued in 1, 3, 5 or 10-year tiers based on profile, 90 days max per visit.
• Transit visa, ₹50 consulate fee + ₹800 VFS = ₹850. For transit stops exceeding 72 hours.

Multi-entry eligibility

Multi-entry visas require one of: (a) prior Japan visit(s) in the last 3 years, (b) prior travel to Japan plus any G7 country (US/UK/Canada/Germany/France/Italy) in the last 3 years, or (c) sufficient financial capacity (high net-worth or executive salary). First-time tourists with no Japan history typically receive a single-entry visa.

Documents

• Valid passport (plus all previous passports if available)
• Completed and signed visa application form
• Passport photograph, 45×35mm, white background, taken within last 6 months, 70 to 80% face visibility, on good quality paper
• Detailed day-by-day itinerary, this is what Japan actually cares about
• Flight itinerary (inbound and outbound)
• Hotel bookings for every single night of the trip
• Last 3 to 6 months bank statements
• ITR last 2 to 3 years, Form 16
• Employment letter + leave approval
• Cover letter explaining purpose

Why the itinerary matters so much for Japan

Unlike other consulates, Japan evaluates the plausibility of your trip plan in fine detail. A generic 'Tokyo for 5 days, Kyoto for 3 days' is not enough. The itinerary should specify which temples, restaurants, museums, and train routes you'll use each day. This isn't bureaucratic overkill, it's how Japan assesses whether you're a genuine tourist.

Processing time

Japan consular processing is a minimum of 5 working days from embassy submission. Group submissions and peak season can extend this. Optional courier delivery: ₹550 in NCR cities. Centres available in Delhi, Gurugram, Chandigarh and Lucknow, jurisdiction varies by state.

Frequently asked questions