5 Things Indians should know before visiting Japan
Introduction
Japan is a country known for its adherence to rules and protocols. When planning a visit to Japan in the near future, there are specific formalities that must be addressed. The initial step in this process is applying for a Japanese visa in India. This visa issuance involves various facets. Depending on the type of visa, it grants the holder permission to travel to Japan for purposes such as tourism, business, visiting friends and family, or pursuing higher education or employment opportunities. The visa’s duration varies according to its type, as do the eligibility criteria and document prerequisites. It is essential to note that obtaining a visa for Japan from India is a compulsory requirement for all Indian nationals.
Visa
All Indians have to apply for a tourist visa before boarding the fight to Japan as this country doesnt allow VISA on arrival for Indian passport holders. This is an essential step to take beforehand as it needs ample amount of time for application and further process at the Embassy of Japan or Consulate general of Japan in India. The VISA process may take some time, so it is better to apply in advance as the Embassy or consulate general will review the documents submitted by you then later decide on whether the application comes under to the discussion to grant the visa or not. In some cases, candidates are even called for interview. Well, when it comes to fees it is necessary to pay in advance at the time of form submission. Lastly, travelers should know that all the visa requirements and travel guidance may change from time to time, so make sure to consult the authorities or professional guidance from travel agencies who may guide you into this.
If you are planning to go to japan soon, then identity familiarization is as important as boarding a flight to land in Japan. So, here is the list of important documents that will help them understand the authorized identification.


- A valid Indian passport with a minimum of 6 months validity from the date of travel.
- Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Japan.
- A clear letter where itinerary of your trip, including accommodation and many such details are mentioned clearly.
- No criminal record or history of being deported from Japan.
Required Documents
Gathering the correct documents is a vital step in the visa application process. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
For Tourist Visa:
- A duly filled and signed visa application form from the official website of the Japanese embassy. Be certain of all the categories are filled accurately.
- Recent passport-sized photographs with plain white background (as per the specifications laid down by the Japanese embassy).
- Original passport and a copy of the first and last page.
- Detailed day-to-day itinerary.
- proof of confirmed hotel reservations of where all places you are going to stay and for how many days.
- A proof of flight reservations for a round trip that displays your stay in Japan.
- Proof of financial stability: This will help you demonstrate that you have finances to cover this Japan trip for eg, bank statements for the last 6 months, income tax returns, or any such financial proof.
- Depending upon the circumstances, additional document is maybe applicable. If you are employed somewhere then employment letter from seniors stating your position, salary and leave duration approval is needed.
Ensure that all the documents are well organized and correct to avoid omissions, delay the process and rejections.
Besides what all documents to be submitted make sure of the fees for Indian visitors visiting Japan. The fees of the VISA tend to change, so make sure to be updated by visiting the official website of the Japan embassy to avoid any confusion.
The VISA fee for single entry Indian travelers cost around 1,700 rs. This allows visitors to enter this country for about 90 days. So be assure to follow protocols rigidly.
If you are trying to visit Japan more than one time, then you can apply for the multiple entry visa. The cost of this varies depending upon the times you are visiting. Though, it cost approx around 10,000 to 11,000 for Indian travelers.
In addition to VISA fees, there is a small amount to pay at time of filling the visa application form, which is a service fee charged by the processing center or agency whoever dealing and helping you out in the process. This fee is for administrative costs and services provided during the process. The application fees cost around 1,440 rs.
Make sure that the fees which is paid by the travelers is non-refundable despite whatever the outcome of your application is in any circumstances, whether you withdraw your applications or your VISA gets rejected. Note for the payment method is the accepted payment method depends upon the consultant or embassy, so be thorough with the updates on official website.
Being mindful of the visa fees and ensuring you have adequate funds to cover these costs is crucial for effective budget planning for your trip to Japan. Althogh it is an important factor in other travel expenditures, including accommodation, transport, and daily living costs, to ensure a seamless and delightful travel experience.
To apply for a VISA, you need to follow a step by step process. However, please note the steps here are very generic and it may turn around depending upon the type of VISA you are applying to. Here we go:
- Gathering documents: Make a note of documents required as there is a whole list of documents which gets messy to find before the process starts.
- Online application: For filling the application, go to the official site of the Embassy of Japan, download the form and start filling accurately in block letters. Ensure that the information correctly matches with the supporting documents.
- Submission of the documents: Once the form is done filling, submit it to the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate of Japan in India. Make sure some visa centers make need prior appointment for application submission and some may allow walk ins.
- Paying and verification: Py the required fee along with the application form. After that, the process takes time as it undergoes various departments for fact checks. Applying for visa way before the travel dates is generally advisable to avoid delay. Though in some cases, applicant may be called for an interview for verification and knowing additional information for the authenticity.
- Collecting the VISA: After waiting for 5-6 days, you’ll get an update via text or mail whether your visa has been processed and approved or not. Later, collect your visa on the mentioned date and timing, or it may receive to you on door step by courier facility.
Here are the simple steps but do visit on the official website for detailed guideline and process.
Furthermore, if you are planning to do all this process by yourself, then it will cost around 1700 + your travelling expense as you have to visit the office by yourself. If your visa process is managed by some agent then it will cost you 3,500 – 5,000 but the only perk of this is you can lay back with relaxation as you dont have to visit any office.
To ensure a smooth and efficient entry into the country, understanding the immigration and custom process is vital. Recent advancements, like the Japan Web Portal, have made these processes more streamlined than ever. Here’s an in-depth look.
In efforts to expedite the entry process, Japan has introduced an online portal where travelers can fill in the immigration and declaration form in prior.
Before your trip, visit the Japan web portal. This will allow you to check- in all the information for immigration and custom declaration form before arrival. This process will lead to easy immigration and custom clearance. Once everything is submitted online, you will receive a QR code, so upon arrival in Japan simply scan this code at a dedicated counter in the immigration area. This online submission not only saves your time but also helps you for hassle free entry into the country and no stress of handling physical documents. No worries if you forgot to do this online there is always an option of physical immigration:
- Documentation: If you haven’t used the Web Portal, fill out the Disembarkation Card provided during your flight or available at the airport. This card asks for basic personal information and your address in Japan.
- Biometric Data Collection: Japan collects fingerprints and photographs from most foreign visitors aged 16 and above as part of its security measures.
- Immigration Clearance: After document verification and biometric data collection, the officer will issue an entry stamp in your passport, indicating your visa status and permitted length of stay.
If you have any items to declare or are unsure, use the red channel. If you have nothing to declare then use green channel. If you have already filled the custom form online then you just have to scan the code. Your luggage might be scanned or manually checked. Japan is particularly strict about certain substances, including some over-the-counter medications from other countries.
Navigating the immigration and customs procedures in Japan is a critical part of your journey. With the introduction of the Japan Web Portal, these processes have become more streamlined, allowing you to start your Japanese adventure with ease and efficiency. Remember, a well prepared traveler is a stress-free traveler.
Web Immigration
Web immigration is a service which has eased up the process on or before arrival for immigration, tax-free shopping services and customs. This process can be used both ways when entering the country and leaving the country. As you know, lots and lots of tourism is welcomed each season due to that it gets very chaotic and because of that you have to spend hours to clear immigration process. So, travelers Japan web is the app for you.
- The account registration on Japan web is effortless and free of cost and the process is straightforward which can be managed by anyone. Create your account with your accurate email and password. You’ll need to verify your email, which is done by 6 digit code sent by the Japan web on your phone number which you have to put it as an important information.
- Once you have finished the process of the setup of your account then log into with your password. Then provide with your details and personal information in the ‘My details’ section. Make sure that all the information and passport number you are providing should be correct as it should be matched when entering Japan.
- You can also register for your a trip to Japan on the Japan web. You need to register on ‘+ New registration’. Make sure you put different title for every trip if you are planning to visit Japan more than once for easy planning every time.
- Well this step is not for residents of Japan but for visitors. This step includes filling in another form of disembarkation card for immigration clearance. This is the process which has always worked in this way even before covid but now it is easier to type rather then write it on paper manually. After completing all of it, you will receive a QR code which is scanned at the time of immigration while standing in a dedicated line for it. You’ll still receive a stamp on your passport like you get every time.
- The Last step would be custom declaration, here you can follow a similar process like clearing immigration by filling a disembarkation form. Because custom also takes a lot of time to get cleared, so you can just breeze out if done before.
- After clearing immigration, you’ll see a machine at a baggage carousel area where you have to scan your passport and QR which you have received. This machine will also scan your face, which will help you exit the airport using the same face ID.
There are other things which you should know about. If you are travelling with your family member and is not 18 yet then he can be added under one of the family member in Japan web account. Put all the details under ‘details of the family member travelling with you’. You need to provide all the details like passport number and other personal details. After this is done, you’ll be able to select the name of your child when register for a trip plan. So, make sure they are selected as a family member and are showing up on the confirmation page at the end.
Currency Exchange

The official currency of Japan is the Japanese Yen. After the US dollar and euro, the Yen is the third most traded currency in the foreign exchange market in the world. Also, it is used a reserved currency. In terms of currency exchange, you can exchange the currency in your home country or abroad. Whichever is suitable for you. Exchanging currency at the airport is the easiest way to do. Well in Japan there are a lot of options to exchange your currency, like:
- There are a lot of machines in public areas to exchange the currency, train stations(Shinagawa, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro), departmental stores are also the easiest way. Also, there are smart exchange currency machines which are available at Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Akihabara. Lastly, hotels and banks are the oldest source of exchange. But the major drawback here is there are only 12 currency available and INR is not of these.
- Another option when travelling abroad is to use a travel money car. These are designed specially to carry the money of the country you are travelling to. It is the most convenient way to carry foreign currency. When using the card, it’s important to keep in mind that transferring money to the travel money card may require a few days for processing, and there is also a charge for local ATM withdrawals.
- ATM’s is the most un-renowned sources of exchanging currency because most of the ATMs doesnt accept foreign card. There are many less options so if you are relying on ATMs then you have to be specific. It’s a good idea to plan ahead because ATMs in Japan, including postal ATMs, are frequently unavailable on Sundays and public holidays. The service fee can vary between different banks, and if you intend to withdraw money from a foreign ATM, it’s recommended to inquire in advance about any overseas transaction fees.
Language Barrier
The language is a big harsh barrier in Japan for many people and but obviously Indians as we belong with the Hindi language but in recent years English has become the most commonly spoken language. However, English is common around the globe but Japanese are stuck to their original route. There are rarely any people who speak basic English. Sometimes there are such kind of miss-communication which leads traveler to pay more or they don’t get what they have asked for.
Learning basic Japanese is the most important task to accomplish before visiting. Keep wondering and notice local Japanese people with social behavior so that you can learn. They are very quite and patient when walking or travelling on public transportation. Japanese people are gentle and respectful that you can ask for any kind of help and they can help you. Buy a pre-paid data sim card in prior so that It’ll help you out in maps and a google translator. This will help you communicate better. Lastly, in recent times things have changed a bit as people have started making English a prime language which is good for tourism. In most of the places, menus are well written in English.
Food
Every year, millions of tourists visit Japan, but not everyone is a meat lover. Because if you are a meat lover then you can keep up high expectations from every food stall in Japan. Although, if vegetarians are visiting then there is a double hassle of communicating and finding the food that suits you. This is a country famous for Kobe beef and vegan/vegetarian is hard to come in your way. Now times have changed as things have started evolving, still it is hard to find eggless food because Japanese people consider egg as a vegetarian. So probably you might want to search for mention and mention some food items to not to be included in your meal, like fish flakes, broth and fish oil. So, be well prepared with the basic Japanese terms which will help you out and before coming list down the restaurants of every place you are planning to visit. You can easily find veg food in Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo. Dishes like Tempura, gyoza, onigiri, sushi, donburi and Zaru Soba, also a lot more other items can be prepared in veg. There is also a fact that Kyoto is the main Buddhist sect of Japan, which means here there are many veg options.
Vegan/vegetarian restaurants in Tokyo,Kyoto, and Osaka
Gonpachi, this restaurant serves avocado sushi, vegan sushi and a lot more but be cautious while ordering sauces as in that it contains fish. Also, they serve some fantastic vegan tempura.
Naki Shokudo is a restaurant that serves pure plant based meat. They serve Japanese curry and everything served there is authentic. There specialty is soy meat karaage.
Tenya is also a very popular chain of restaurant in Japan, they serve some amazing vegan donburi with lots of sauted vegetables. But the sauce here is again not veg as it contains fish. All these restaurants are very famous in Tokyo and are located in famous areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya etc.
Tosuiro will blow your mind as this is the where they serve elevated version of Tofu in an art form. Even non-vegetarians find this restaurant’s food fantastic and delicious.
Omen is a restaurant which serves the best authentic Udon ramen in Kyoto and the several of their dishes here are pure vegetarian. Though their noodle broth is made p of bonito flakes.
Shigetsu is a very famous restaurant which serves traditional authentic Buddhist cuisine, Shyojin ryori. All these restaurants are located on famous streets and location in Kyoto.
Green Earth is a vegetarian restaurant which serves some delicious vegan food and the specialty here is okra and soy meat curry, pumpkin cake is also award-winning here. This restaurant recently turned fully veg in 2019.
Rocca is known for its set meal which contains tea, rice, miso soup, pickles, three vegetable sides, and a main dish of delicious fried balls in a house sauce. The place is basic and has a minimalist place.
Matsuri is a halal restaurant which is famous for vegetarian options. They serve ramen, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, yaki soba and more.They known for the best ramen in Osaka. All these restaurants are in famous locations in Osaka.