Japan Tourism

Japan has a long history that dates back millennia. Ancient civilizations emerged around 10,000 BCE, followed by the Yayoi period and the introduction of rice cultivation. With the arrival of Commodore Perry in Japan in 1853, it was opened up to the West, resulting in rapid modernization during the Meiji Restoration. Japan grew into a formidable imperial power through expansionist policies that culminated in World War II. 

The devastation of World War II ended with Japan's surrender and subsequent American occupation, which boosted post war economic growth. Japan is now known for its technological advances, cultural heritage, and global influence, highlighting an enthralling journey of resilience and progress.

Japanese is a complex and unique linguistic system. It is related to Japanese and shares some influences with Chinese and Korean. Japanese has three writing systems: Kanji, which is derived from Chinese characters; Hiragana, which is a syllabary used for native words and grammatical elements; and Katakana, which is used for foreign loanwords and onomatopoeic expressions. Japanese is a vital tool for communication and a gateway to Japan's rich cultural heritage, thanks to its intricate writing systems, nuanced grammar, and rich vocabulary.

The geography of Japan is diverse and captivating. It is an East Asian archipelago made up of four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, as well as numerous smaller islands. Mountainous terrain dominates the landscape, with iconic peaks such as Mount Fuji. Volcanoes, hot springs, and lush forests add to Japan's scenic beauty. It has a beautiful coastline with thousands of kilometers of beaches and fishing grounds.

The currency of Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Introduced in 1871, the yen is issued by the Bank of Japan and is commonly abbreviated as ¥. It is widely used throughout the country and is one of the major currencies in global financial markets. Therefore, 1 Indian rupee is equivalent to 0.59 Japanese yen.

• Narita International Airport (NRT) 
• Haneda Airport (HND) 
• Kansai International Airport (KIX) 
• Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) 
• Fukuoka Airport (FUK)

When flying from India to Japan, several airlines operate direct flights or flights with layovers. Some airlines that fly from India to Japan include 

• All Nippon Airways (ANA)
• Japan Airlines (JAL)
• Air India, Singapore Airlines
• Cathay Pacific
• Emirates

The duration of a flight from India to Japan depends on the departure city in India and the destination city in Japan, as well as the flight route and any layovers. Typically, direct flights from major Indian cities to Tokyo or Osaka take around 8 to 10 hours, while flights with layovers can take longer.

What month is the cheapest to travel to Japan?

January, November and December are the cheapest months to travel to Japan. 

For Indian citizens planning to visit Japan, there are several types of visas available, depending on the purpose of the visit. Here are some common types of visas for Indians

• Tourist Visa (Temporary Visitor Visa): This visa allows for tourism, sightseeing, and visiting friends or relatives in Japan. It is typically issued for short stays of up to 90 days.
• Business Visa: This visa is for individuals traveling to Japan for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or conducting business negotiations. It is also issued for short stays of up to 90 days.
• Transit Visa: This visa is for individuals transiting through Japan to reach their final destination in another country. It allows a short stay in Japan during the transit period.

Bank balance requirement for Japan tourist visa from India

Having a bank balance of about 1 - 2 Lakh would be required for Indian passport holders. 

Japan visa fee for Indian Passport holders

For Indian's visiting Japan, the visa fee is Rs 500. 

Official Japan visa Website

Here is the official Japan visa website: Japan visa website for Indians. 

Japan Embassy in India

There are few Embassies that provide consultancy for your trip to Japan. Below are few details that will come in use. 

Japan Embassy in Chennai 

Address: No. 12/1, Cenetoph Road,1st Street, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018

Contact Info: 044 2432 3860

Japan Embassy in Delhi 

Address: Plot No.4&5, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021

Contact Info: 011 2687 6581

Japan Embassy in Mumbai

Address: Plot No.1, ML Dhanukar Ln, Malviya Nagar, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400026

Contact Info: 022 2351 7101

Japan is a great country that has multiple opportunities for tourism. Below are some of the best places to visit in Japan. 

Below are some of the must visit places in Japan of the lot mentioned above. 

1. Tokyo 
2. Mount Fuji 
3. Osaka 
4. Hiroshima

Below are some of the best things to do in Japan.

1. Visit Tokyo
2. Explore Kyoto
3. Climb Mount Fuji
4. Experience traditional tea ceremonies
5. Wander through the historic streets of Takayama
6. Explore the beautiful temples of Nara
7. Relax in an onsen (hot spring)
8. Enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring
9. Attend a sumo wrestling match
10. Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
11. Explore the vibrant nightlife of Osaka
12. Take a ride on the Shinkansen (bullet train)
13. Visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima
14. Explore the historic samurai district of Kanazawa
15. Discover the ancient temples of Nikko
16. Experience traditional geisha culture in Gion, Kyoto
17. Explore the natural beauty of Hokkaido
18. Visit the snow monkeys in Jigokudani Monkey Park
19. Enjoy a traditional kabuki theater performance
20. Explore the modern architecture of Osaka Castle.