Getting a Japan Visa Was Easier Than I Thought - Here’s My Full Experience as an Indian Traveller

I always thought Japan was a dream destination... but too complicated to actually plan.”

That’s what I used to believe — until I finally stopped overthinking and just applied for my Japan visa.

Spoiler alert: It wasn’t half as hard as I imagined. In fact, with a little guidance (shoutout to Musafir Baba’s visa help), I had my Japan tourist visa in hand as an Indian in less than a week.

Let me walk you through my experience — from planning the trip to getting the visa — and I’ll also answer the questions I googled a hundred times: Is it hard to get a Japan visa for Indians? How much does it cost? What documents do I need? And more.

 Why Japan?

Honestly, Japan had been on my bucket list for years — cherry blossoms in Kyoto, sushi in Tokyo, neon nights in Osaka... It’s a place where tradition meets tech, and calm coexists with chaos.

But every time I thought of going, one thing held me back: the visa process.

Turns out? Getting a Japan tourist visa for Indians is actually pretty straightforward — once you know what to expect.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Visa Type

As an Indian, there are several types of Japan visas you can apply for:

• Japan tourist visa for Indians – for sightseeing, visiting friends or short leisure trips
  
  

• Japan work visa for Indian citizens – for employment, internships, or long-term assignments
  
  

• Business or conference visas – if you're traveling for official reasons
  
  

Since I was going for a 12-day solo trip across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, I applied for the Japan tourist visa.

Step 2: Understanding the Japan Visa Fees for Indian Citizens

Let’s talk money, because this confused me at first.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the Japan visa fees for Indian travelers as of now (these can change slightly depending on currency rates or embassy rules):

• Single-entry tourist visa: ₹550 – ₹600
  
  

• Multiple-entry visa: ₹1,100 – ₹1,200
  
  

• Processing/agent fees (if using a service like Musafir Baba): ₹1,000 – ₹2,500
  
  

So overall, the Japan visa for Indians cost me around ₹1,800 including agent support — pretty reasonable considering how smooth the process was.

 Step 3: Documents I Submitted

This part felt stressful until I saw the list. It’s actually not that long:

1. Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
   
   

2. Visa application form (with one recent passport-size photo)
   
   

3. Cover letter explaining purpose of visit
   
   

4. Detailed travel itinerary
   
   

5. Confirmed return flight tickets
   
   

6. Hotel bookings
   
   

7. Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
   
   

8. Income Tax Return / Salary slips
   
   

Musafir Baba helped me put it all together, double-checked everything, and even submitted it to the embassy on my behalf.

Step 4: Waiting for the Visa

Once everything was submitted, the real test began: the waiting game.

Good news? I got my visa in 4 working days.

It was a single-entry tourist visa, valid for 3 months, allowing a stay of up to 15 days. Just what I needed!

Bonus Info: Want to Work in Japan?

While I was researching, I also stumbled across a lot of info on the Japan work visa for Indian citizens — and it's a growing opportunity!

Japan is facing a labor shortage and actively hiring skilled workers in sectors like:

• IT and software
  
  

• Engineering
  
  

• Hospitality
  
  

• Elder care and nursing
  
  

If you’re interested in moving to Japan for work, Musafir Baba also offers Japan work visa support for Indian professionals, including job placement help in some cases.

You’ll need:

• A valid job offer from a Japanese company
  
  

• Relevant educational/work qualifications
  
  

• Sponsorship documents from the employer
  
  

The process is longer, but absolutely doable — and life in Japan as an expat is an experience of its own.

My Japan Trip Highlights (Because Why Not?)

Once the visa was sorted, the rest felt like a dream unfolding:

• I watched cherry blossoms bloom at Ueno Park
  
  

• Ate conveyor-belt sushi and wagyu beef in Tokyo
  
  

• Rode the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto
  
  

• Sat quietly at a 500-year-old Zen temple
  
  

• And yes, I got lost in a vending machine maze
  
  

Traveling solo in Japan was the safest, most serene, and most soul-refreshing thing I’ve done.

Final Thoughts: Should You Apply for a Japan Visa as an Indian?

Yes. A hundred times yes.

Don't let the idea of a visa scare you off. The process is not only manageable — it's worth it. Whether you’re dreaming of cherry blossoms, futuristic cities, or starting a new job in Japan, the first step is simpler than you think.

And if you're still unsure? Let Musafir Baba help you with the paperwork, the confusion, and everything in between.

Because Japan isn’t just a trip — it’s an experience that stays with you long after you’re home.

Planning to Go?

Drop us a message or check our Japan visa support services — we’ll make sure you only need to worry about which ramen shop to try first.

See you in Tokyo. 🇯🇵