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Japan Visa For Indians: Documents, Fees & First Timer’s Guide To Cherry Blossom Season

WHAT'S THE STORY?

The cherry blossom season in Japan, best known as sakura, draws millions of visitors to witness the brief but breathtaking spectacle of pink and white blooms. And between cherry-blossom travel, easy visas,

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cultural tourism, and Instagram-friendly cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan has quietly but surely become one of the fastest-growing international destinations for Indians. Add bullet trains, world-class food, ancient temples, neon-lit streets and views of Mount Fuji, and it’s easy to see why searches for Japan visa for Indians and best time to visit Japan keep climbing.

Before booking flights or hotels, though, there’s one crucial step: understanding the Japan tourist visa for Indians.

Indian passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to Japan

Do Indians need a visa to visit Japan?

Yes. Indian passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to Japan.

The good news is that Japan has made the process smoother in recent years. Eligible Indian travellers can now apply for a Japan tourist eVisa, designed for short-term leisure travel such as sightseeing, cherry-blossom trips, and cultural holidays.

Japan tourist visa is generally issued for single entry and allows a stay of up to 90 days.

Can Indians apply for a Japan visa online?

Partially. While Japan offers an eVisa facility, Indian applicants cannot apply independently without an authorised channel.

Applications must be submitted through the Japanese Embassy, or authorised visa partners such as VFS Global. This applies even for the Japan tourist eVisa for Indians.

Documents required for Japan tourist visa from India

This is one of the most searched queries, and also where most delays happen. Preparing a complete file is key.

Documents checklist for Japan visa (Indians):

  • Completed and signed Japan visa application form
  • Valid passport with at least two blank pages
  • Passport validity of minimum six months beyond the return date
  • Recent passport-size photographs (2×2 inches)
  • Cover letter (self-written or employer-issued)
  • Employment proof:
  • Salary slips (last 6 months), or
  • ITR for the last 2 years
  • GST certificate (if self-employed)
  • Leave approval or NOC from employer (if applicable)
  • Confirmed hotel bookings and day-wise travel itinerary
  • Planned flight tickets showing entry and exit from Japan
  • Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements or sponsorship letter)
  • Travel insurance covering the Japan trip
While Japan offers an eVisa facility, Indian applicants cannot apply independently without an authorised channel.

How to apply for Japan eVisa from India: step-by-step

If you’re searching for how to apply for a Japan visa from India, here’s the simplified process:

Visit the official VFS Global Japan visa page

Select Japan Tourist Visa / eVisa

Download and carefully fill out the application form

Prepare scanned copies of all required documents

Submit the application via VFS or an authorised agent

Pay the visa fee and service charges

Receive your Japan eVisa approval by email

Show the visa issuance notice on your phone at the airport

Where to apply for Japan visa in India?

Japan visa applications are accepted at VFS Global centres across major cities, including:

  • Delhi
  • Mumbai
  • Chennai
  • Bengaluru
  • Kolkata
  • Hyderabad

Japan visa processing time for Indians is usually 5–7 working days, but can be longer during peak cherry blossom season.

Japan visa fees for Indian citizens

Single-entry tourist visa: approximately ₹500

Multiple-entry visa: higher fee, based on eligibility

VFS service charges apply separately

Visa fees may change, so always confirm the latest amount before applying.

Best time to visit Japan from India

Cherry blossom season (spring)

Cherry blossom season in Japan typically runs from late March to early April. This is the most popular time to visit, but also the busiest and most expensive. Flights, hotels and visa slots fill up quickly.

Japan Cherry Blossom Season Date

City: Forecasted Flowering Date | Forecasted Full Bloom Date⁣
Sapporo: 27 April | 1 May
Aomori: 19 April | 22 April
Sendai: 6 April | 11 April
Tokyo: 20 March | 27 March
Kanazawa: 1 April | 7 April
Nagano: 6 April | 11 April
Nagoya: 20 March | 29 March
Kyoto: 25 March | 1 April
Osaka: 24 March | 31 March
Wakayama: 27 March | 3 April
Hiroshima: 21 March | 30 March
Kochi: 21 March | 28 March
Fukuoka: 21 March | 30 March
Kagoshima: 25 March | 4 April

Best places to visit in Japan for cherry blossoms

If sakura is the main reason for your trip, these destinations are among the best:

Tokyo: Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen and Chidorigafuchi are famous for cherry blossom viewing

Kyoto: Maruyama Park and the Philosopher’s Path offer classic temple-side sakura scenes

Osaka: Osaka Castle Park combines history with wide cherry blossom avenues

Mount Fuji area: Lake Kawaguchi offers iconic views of cherry blossoms with Fuji in the background

Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Park turns pink during peak bloom

Several airlines operate direct and connecting flights from India to Japan.

Flights from India to Japan

Several airlines operate direct and connecting flights from India to Japan.

Major departure cities:

  • Delhi
  • Mumbai
  • Bengaluru
  • Chennai

Popular arrival airports:

  • Tokyo Haneda
  • Tokyo Narita
  • Airlines such as Air India, ANA, Japan Airlines and Singapore Airlines operate these routes, with an average flight time of 7–9 hours.
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