Japan belongs to the continent of Asia and is very unique when it comes to its distinctive culture and traditions. It is a country situated on an isolated island-nation, which is probably what makes it so different from the rest of the world.

Japan is famous for its distinctive cherry blossom gardens, sculptures, and poetry. It has over ten popular tourist destinations, including Mount Fuji as one of its top attractions.

To visit the country, you will need to apply for Japan Visa from India. In this article, you can explore the different types of Japan visa, required documents, eligibility and application process for Japan visa for Indians. Let’s begin!

Yes, it is compulsory for all Indian passport holders to get a visa to visit Japan.

No, unfortunately there’s no visa on arrival available for Indian passport holders traveling to Japan. Keep in mind that, you should have about 60-90 days in hand from when you apply for your Japan visa to your planned dates of departure.

No, travel insurance for a Japan visa is not mandatory. However, it's always recommended. 

Reason? Unexpected medical emergencies or travel disruptions can be financially draining. Travel insurance provides peace of mind and can cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, and more. So, having one will always help you under any such circumstances.

The eligibility criteria for a Japan visa for Indian nationals vary based on the type of visa being applied for. Here are the general eligibility requirements: 

• Valid passport with at least two blank pages. 

• Completed visa application form with recent passport-size photographs.    

• A "Certificate of Eligibility" obtained by a proxy in Japan is mandatory for long term visa.  

• Indians are eligible for single-entry short-term e-visa for tourism for Japan.

• Proof of travel itinerary (flight bookings, accommodation details). 

• Financial proof, such as bank statements for the last six months. 

• Invitation letter from Japan (if applicable).  

• Proof of employment (employment certificate, leave approval letter, etc.). 

• For business visas, a letter of guarantee and a business invitation letter from Japan are required.

Off lately, Japan has become one of the most popular tourist destinations amongst Indians. Earlier, it wasn’t very easy to acquire a tourist visa for Japan. But then, later the Japanese Embassy made some relaxation in the rules for the visa. You need to submit the following documents before you apply for the tourist visa for Japan.

1. Passport

Must be valid with at least two blank pages and validity beyond the intended stay in Japan.

2. Visa Application Form

Completed and signed, accompanied by a recent passport-size photograph.

3. Photograph

Recent, passport-size (45x45mm) with a white background.

4. Flight Itinerary

Confirmed round-trip or transit flight bookings.

5. Financial Proof

Bank statements for the last 6 months, income tax returns, or salary slips demonstrating financial stability.

6. Accommodation Proof

7. Cover Letter

A detailed letter explaining the purpose of your trip, your itinerary, and dates of travel. Below are the points must be present in your cover letter:

• The purpose of your trip

• When and where you intend to travel

• How your trip is going to be funded

• The status of your employment

• A complete itinerary for your trip

• Total duration of the trip 

• Reasons if any of the required documents were not submitted with your application.

8. For Tourist Visa

• Itinerary in Japan: Detailed travel plan showing places to visit and stay duration.

• Invitation Letter: Required if staying with family or friends.

9. Business Visa

• Invitation Letter: From the Japanese company detailing the purpose of the visit.

• Letter of Guarantee: From the company in Japan, guaranteeing expenses and responsibility during the stay.

• Company Letter: No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer or a business registration certificate if self-employed.

10. Work Visa

• Certificate of Eligibility: Issued by the Japanese Immigration Bureau and must be obtained before visa application.

• Employment Contract: Showing terms of employment, job role, and salary details.

• Academic Certificates: Proof of qualifications relevant to the job in Japan.

11. For Student Visa

• Certificate of Eligibility: Issued by Japanese Immigration and essential for visa processing. 

• Admission Letter: From the educational institution in Japan confirming enrollment. 

• Financial Support Documents: Proof of funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses, such as scholarship certificates or sponsor’s financial documents.

12. For Transit Visa

• Visa for Final Destination: Proof of a valid visa for the country of final destination if required.

• Confirmed Transit Flight Itinerary: Showing onward travel from Japan.

There are about 16 Visa Application Centres in major cities across India. The procedure to apply for the Japanese tourist visa is simple to follow.

Determine the Type of Japan Visa You Require

Before starting your application, determine the type of visa you need. Japan offers various visa categories, including tourist, business, student, work, and transit visas.

Fill Out the Application Form for Japan Visa for Indians

Complete the visa application form accurately with all required details. Ensure that your photograph meets the specified requirements. 

Submit Your Japan Visa Application along with Documents at the VFS Centre

Submit your completed application form along with all required documents to the nearest VFS Global visa application center. It is recommended to make an appointment in advance to avoid long waiting times, though it is not mandatory. Applications can be accepted from 3 months prior to the travel date.

Pay the Japan Visa Fee

Pay the applicable visa fee at the time of submission. The fee varies depending on the type of visa and is usually paid in cash. Make sure to keep the payment receipt as it will be needed to collect your passport.

Track Your Application for Japan Visa from India

After submitting your application, you can track its status online through the VFS Global website using your reference number. This will help you stay updated on the progress of your visa application.

Collect Your Visa

Once your visa is approved, you will receive your passport with the visa stamped. Collect it from the VFS Global Center or the Consulate where you submitted your application. Make sure to check all the details on your visa, including the validity and allowed duration of stay.

The Embassy of Japan usually takes 5 working days to process the visa. It will exclude the day on which you deposit the application.

• Processing times can vary, so plan accordingly. It's best to apply well in advance of your trip.

• Ensure all your documents are valid, complete, and translated into English if necessary.

• There can be scams related to visa applications. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, calls, or messages promising to expedite your visa process or guarantee approval for a fee.

• Trustworthy sources won't pressure you or ask for unusual payments.

• Ensure the accuracy and authenticity of all documents submitted with your application.

• Make copies of all documents before submitting them.

• Consider certified copies for important documents if required.

If your Japanese visa application is rejected, the embassy will provide a reason for rejection in your application package. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, insufficient financial proof, or unclear travel purposes. 

It can be frustrating, but don't lose hope! 🙂 

Review the rejection notice carefully, address the issue, and reapply if needed.

Here are some tips to increase your chances of Japan visa approval:

• Double-check all your documents for accuracy and completeness.

• Provide clear and concise information about your travel plans and purpose of visit.

• Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses.

• Maintain a professional and organized application package.

Yes, in most cases, you can extend your Japan visa while you're already in the country. You need to apply for the extension at a Regional Immigration Bureau in Japan before your current visa expires.

Getting a travel insurance to Japan is highly recommended. This will help curbing medical costs in case the insured requires medical treatment or hospitalization abroad. Other benefits you can avail through your travel insurance are: 

• Medical Emergencies: It is essential to show your insurance policy to the medical practitioner if you happen to need any medical assistance during your trip. Having a travel insurance with comprehensive medical covers in such cases can prevent you from spending beyond your predetermined travel budget.

• Evacuation Coverage: In case of emergencies when you need medical evacuation to your homeland in India, the cost could be huge! Your insurance policy could provide you with coverage for such unexpected expenses when you are abroad.

• Lost or Stolen Luggage: We don’t know when an act of theft can happen. But when we travel we make our minds to be prepared for the worst. Your insurance policy will cover you for in case of loss of money, loss of checked-in luggage or worst - your passport!

• Loss of Passport: If you happen to lose your passport while you’re traveling in Japan, your travel insurance could cover for you in helping you with the process of getting a new one, as soon as possible.  

• Sports Activity Coverage: When in Japan, if you plan on trying adventure sports such as skiing, rock climbing, mountain climbing, scuba diving, etc. Sometimes, travellers get hurt while they are engaged in any of these sports activities. Your insurance policy provides you adventure activities coverage for any accidental injuries.

While picking a travel insurance, go through all your covers and benefits to ensure your travel policy covers for everything you may need. 

There are quite a few reasons which make Digit a prime choice as a Japan travel insurance provider.

• High Cover Amount at low premium - With premiums beginning at ₹595 (excl. 18% GST) for 4 days trip for 1 adult, Digit offers a high sum insured of $50,000 (JPY 78,24,650) under its Japan travel insurance.

• Flight Delay Compensation - Digit takes wastage of time and the ensuing harassment due to flight delay very seriously, offering reimbursement immediately.

• Trip Cancellation - If any emergency circumstance necessitates you to cancel your trip and get back home, Digit also offers compensation for it.

• Fast Paperless Claim - Digit offers a smartphone-enabled process which makes the whole method of filing a claim easy and fast. Additionally, Digit also offers the option for 24x7 missed call facility for claim settlement.

Disclaimer - 

Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions mentioned in your policy schedule and policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.

The information mentioned here about the countries, visa fees and others is taken from different sources. Digit Insurance is not promoting or recommending anything here. Please verify the same before you book your tickets, apply for a visa, buy a travel policy or make any other decision.