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, 70–80% 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 3–6 months bank statements
• ITR last 2–3 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