The Good News on Visa Fees
First, let's address the biggest rumour. Japan has indeed implemented a significant, 400% visa fee increase for many foreign nationals starting July 2026. However, there's great news for Indian passport holders: this hike does not apply to you. Thanks
to a strong bilateral relationship, the visa application fee for Indians remains an exceptionally low INR 500 for both single and multiple-entry tourist visas. While applicants using services like VFS Global will pay an additional service fee, the core government charge remains unchanged, making the visa application itself one of the most affordable parts of the trip.
Where Costs Are Truly Rising
While the visa fee is stable for Indians, other costs associated with a trip to Japan have indeed gone up. The most notable change is the International Tourist Tax, or departure tax, which tripled from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen (approximately INR 1,575) on July 1, 2026. This tax is levied on every person leaving the country and is typically included in your flight ticket price. Furthermore, the cost of accommodation in major cities has seen a sharp increase, with some reports indicating prices are 1.3 times higher than pre-pandemic levels. The much-beloved Japan Rail (JR) Pass also underwent a major price hike in late 2023, which means it is no longer an automatic money-saver for every itinerary and requires more careful calculation.
The 'Show Money' Conundrum
This brings us to the visa application itself. The Japanese embassy does not specify a fixed minimum bank balance for applicants. However, a key part of the application is proving you have sufficient funds to cover your entire trip comfortably without becoming a burden. With on-ground costs for hotels, food, and transport clearly rising, the unofficial amount required to demonstrate financial stability has logically increased. A visa officer will assess your bank statements from the last six months to see a stable financial history, not just a large last-minute deposit. You need to show that your budget realistically matches the itinerary you've proposed, and a realistic 2026 budget is higher than it was a few years ago.
A Realistic Budget for 2026
So, what does a realistic budget look like now? For a comfortable but not extravagant 10-day trip covering the popular 'Golden Route' of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, Indian travellers should plan for approximately ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2 lakh per person. This estimate would cover round-trip flights (booked in advance), mid-range accommodation like business hotels or quality hostels, local transport, daily food expenses, and entry fees for key attractions. A budget-conscious traveller could bring this down to around ₹1.2 lakh by staying in hostels, relying on convenience store meals, and limiting long-distance travel. These figures account for the rising costs and provide a safe baseline for planning and for the funds you should be able to show in your bank account.
Smart Savings Strategies
Despite the rising costs, a dream trip to Japan is still very achievable with smart planning. Consider travelling during the shoulder seasons (like May-June or September-November) to avoid the peak prices of cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Instead of automatically buying a JR Pass, calculate if individual Shinkansen tickets or regional passes are cheaper for your specific itinerary. Embrace Japan's world-class convenience stores ('konbini') for affordable and surprisingly delicious breakfasts and lunches, which can drastically cut down your daily food expenses. Finally, mix paid attractions with the many beautiful and free-to-enter shrines, parks, and neighbourhoods to get the full cultural experience without breaking the bank.
