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,
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.
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
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
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.
