Japan is the trip people save for — astonishingly efficient, safe and clean, where ancient temples sit beside neon cities and the trains run to the second. It needs a visa for Indians and it is not cheap, but it is unforgettable. This guide covers the visa, costs in ₹, the JR Pass question, and a 6-day Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka route.
A sample 6-day Japan itinerary
A realistic, low-backtracking route. Generate your own — shaped to your dates, budget and pace — in ~45s.
Tokyo arrival
Settle in, Shibuya crossing and Shinjuku at night.
Tokyo highlights
Asakusa, Akihabara and a teamLab museum.
Shinkansen to Kyoto
Bullet train, then eastern Kyoto temples.
Kyoto & Arashiyama
Fushimi Inari gates and the bamboo grove.
Nara day trip → Osaka
Nara deer and Todai-ji, then Osaka nightlife.
Osaka & fly
Osaka Castle, last bites, then depart.
Best time to visit Japan
The two golden windows are late March to May (cherry blossom, sakura) and October to November (autumn colours) — mild and beautiful, but busy and pricey. Summer (Jun–Aug) is hot and humid with a rainy spell; winter (Dec–Feb) is cold but great for snow and fewer crowds.
| When | Weather | Crowd | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar–May | Mild, cherry blossom | Peak | Sakura — book months ahead |
| Jun–Aug | Hot, humid, rainy spell | Medium | Festivals; cheaper shoulder |
| Oct–Nov | Crisp, autumn colours | High | Second-best window |
| Dec–Feb | Cold, clear | Medium | Snow, fewer crowds, lower prices |
Japan visa for Indians
Indian citizens need a visa for Japan, applied before travel through the embassy/consulate or its authorised agency (VFS), or via the Japan eVisa system where eligible. You submit an itinerary, proof of funds and flight/hotel bookings. Apply 2–3 weeks ahead.
- 1Confirm passport validity of 6+ months
- 2Prepare a day-by-day itinerary, flight and hotel bookings
- 3Show proof of funds (bank statements) and ITR
- 4Apply via the embassy/VFS or the Japan eVisa portal where eligible
- 5Collect the visa and reconfirm entry details before flying
Visa rules change — always reconfirm on the official portal before booking. We re-verify these pages regularly (updated June 2026).
Japan trip cost from India
Japan is one of the pricier trips, though the weak yen helps. Per-person, per-day excluding international flights:
Hostels/capsules, convenience-store meals, IC card
3–4★ stays, JR travel, mix of dining
Ryokan, fine dining, premium experiences
Ballpark for a 6-day trip: ₹1,10,000–1,60,000 per person incl. return flights (comfort).
Veg & Jain food in Japan
Be honest with yourself here: Japan is the hardest of these destinations for strict vegetarians and especially Jains, because dashi (fish stock) hides in many dishes. It is very doable with planning — Indian and vegan restaurants in big cities, shojin-ryori (Buddhist temple food), and convenience-store basics. Learn to ask for "no katsuo dashi".
Safety & scams
Japan is one of the safest countries on earth — low crime, lost wallets get returned. The real challenges are language, cash (carry some yen; not everywhere takes cards) and navigating the train system.
- ⚠Almost no scams; mind tout-heavy nightlife areas (Kabukicho)
- ⚠Carry cash — smaller places are cash-only
- ⚠Validate the right rail pass for your route before buying
Japan FAQs
Do Indians need a visa for Japan?
Yes — Indian passport holders need a tourist visa, applied before travel via the embassy/VFS or the Japan eVisa system where eligible. You submit an itinerary, funds proof and bookings.
How many days do you need in Japan?
6–7 days covers Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. Add days for Hakone, Hiroshima or Hokkaido.
Is Japan expensive for Indians?
It is one of the pricier trips, though the weak yen helps. A comfortable 6-day trip is roughly ₹1.1–1.6 lakh per person including flights.
Is vegetarian/Jain food possible in Japan?
Possible with planning — dashi (fish stock) is common, so seek out Indian/vegan spots and shojin-ryori, and learn to ask for no fish stock. Jains should plan carefully.