🎬 The Big Picture
🔥 DRAMATIC REVEAL — From Tokyo to the Taj Mahal in just one flight! India is closer than you think — just 8 hours from Tokyo to Delhi. Whether you're craving the chaos of Delhi, the romance of the Taj, the beaches of Goa, or the backwaters of Kerala — India is waiting with open arms, spicy chai, and a billion smiles.
Welcome, Japanese travellers! 🇯🇵→🇮🇳 India is a land of contrasts — ancient temples and modern startups, peaceful yoga retreats and bustling spice markets. This guide covers everything: flights, visas, seasons, cities, food, transport, hotels, money, safety, itineraries and more.
✈️ Airlines from Japan to India
🇮🇳 Air India — Direct Tokyo→Delhi
Tokyo Haneda (HND) → Delhi (DEL) — Daily, Boeing 777-300ER, ~8h. Connects to Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata via codeshare.
🇯🇵 ANA (All Nippon Airways)
Tokyo Narita/Haneda → Delhi — Daily. Tokyo → Mumbai via codeshare.
🇯🇵 Japan Airlines (JAL)
Tokyo Narita → Delhi — Daily. Codeshare with IndiGo, Vistara.
🇹🇭 Thai Airways — Via Bangkok (BKK)
Tokyo/Osaka → BKK → Delhi / Mumbai / Bengaluru / Chennai / Kolkata
🇸🇬 Singapore Airlines — Via Singapore (SIN)
Tokyo/Osaka/Nagoya → SIN → Delhi / Mumbai / Bengaluru / Chennai / Kolkata
🇭🇰 Cathay Pacific — Via Hong Kong (HKG)
Tokyo/Osaka → HKG → Delhi / Mumbai / Bengaluru / Chennai
| Airline | Route | From Japan | Flight Time | Est Fare |
|---|
| Air India | Direct DEL | Tokyo HND | ~8h | ¥60K-¥1.2L |
| ANA | Direct/1-stop | Tokyo NRT/HND | ~8-12h | ¥80K-¥1.5L |
| JAL | Direct/1-stop | Tokyo NRT | ~8-12h | ¥80K-¥1.5L |
| Thai Airways | Via BKK | Tokyo/Osaka | ~10-13h | ¥50K-¥1L |
| Singapore Airlines | Via SIN | Tokyo/Osaka/NGO | ~11-14h | ¥60K-¥1.2L |
| Cathay Pacific | Via HKG | Tokyo/Osaka | ~10-13h | ¥55K-¥1.1L |
💡 Pro tip: Air India direct is fastest. Thai Airways via Bangkok often has best fares. Air India | ANA | JAL | Thai Airways | Singapore Airlines
🧂 Visa for Japanese Citizens
🎭 Great News — Japanese passport holders get Visa on Arrival at 6 major Indian airports! No advance visa needed for short trips.
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee | Where/How |
|---|
| Visa on Arrival | 60 days | ₹2,000 (~¥3,380) | At DEL, BOM, BLR, MAA, CCU, HYD |
| e-Tourist (30-day) | 30 days | ₹2,500 (~¥4,240) | Apply: indianvisaonline.gov.in |
| e-Tourist (1-year) | 1 year | ₹8,000 (~¥13,560) | Multiple entry, 180 days/stay |
| e-Tourist (5-year) | 5 years | ₹15,000 (~¥25,420) | Multiple entry, 180 days/stay |
Process: Fill form at airport → pay fee → stamp. ~15-20 min. Requirements: Passport (6mo+), return ticket, hotel booking.
Official eVisa Portal | Japan Embassy India
🌤️ Seasons & Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Temp | Best For |
|---|
| ❄️ Winter | Oct-Mar | 10-25°C | 🏆 ALL regions at their best |
| ☀️ Summer | Apr-Jun | 30-45°C | Hill stations (Shimla, Manali, Darjeeling) |
| 🌧️ Monsoon | Jul-Sep | 25-35°C | Kerala backwaters, Ayurveda, lush scenery |
| 🍂 Autumn | Oct-Nov | 15-30°C | Festivals: Diwali, Dussehra, Durga Puja |
| City | Winter (Oct-Mar) | Summer (Apr-Jun) | Monsoon (Jul-Sep) |
|---|
| Delhi | 8-25°C ⭐ | 30-45°C 🔥 | 25-35°C 🌧 |
| Mumbai | 20-30°C ⭐ | 27-35°C | 25-30°C 🌧💧 |
| Goa | 20-32°C ⭐ | 25-35°C | 24-30°C |
| Kerala | 22-32°C ⭐ | 25-35°C | 23-30°C 🌱 |
| Jaipur | 8-28°C ⭐ | 28-42°C | 24-34°C |
| Varanasi | 8-25°C ⭐ | 28-45°C | 26-34°C |
🏆 Best time: October to March. Pleasant weather everywhere + festivals!
🏛️ Must-Visit Cities & Destinations
🌟 The Golden Triangle (Delhi — Agra — Jaipur)
| City | Must-See Attractions | Why Go | Days |
|---|
| 🇮🇳 Delhi | Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, Chandni Chowk, Akshardham, Lotus Temple | 5000 years of history | 2-3 |
| 🏛️ Agra | 🏆 Taj Mahal (7 Wonders!), Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri | World's most beautiful building | 1-2 |
| 🌸 Jaipur | Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar | The Pink City — royal Rajasthan | 2-3 |
🏯 Beyond the Triangle
| City | Key Attractions | Best For | Days |
|---|
| 🕉️ Varanasi | Ganga Aarti, ghats, Kashi Vishwanath, sunrise boat | Spiritual experience, photography | 2-3 |
| 🌊 Mumbai | Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Elephanta Caves, Bollywood tour | City of dreams | 2-3 |
| 🌴 Goa | Beaches (Baga, Anjuna), Portuguese churches, nightlife | Beach relaxation | 3-5 |
| 🌿 Kerala | Backwaters, Munnar tea, houseboat, Ayurveda | Nature & wellness | 4-6 |
| ₹500-₹1K | ¥850-¥1,700 |
| Airalo eSIM | eSIM | 1GB-20GB | 7-30 days | ₹400-₹6K | ¥680-¥10K |
| Revolut eSIM | eSIM | Flexible | Flexible | Varies | Varies |
💡 Tourist SIM at airport: 15-30 min instant verification. Airtel has best coverage.
🔥 Revolut eSIM — buy Japan→India data before departure! Sign up with referral here
💳 Money & Payments
| Item | ₹ | ¥ | Notes |
|---|
| Inexpensive meal | ₹300-₹500 | ¥510-¥850 | Street food/local restaurant |
| Mid-range restaurant (2p) | ₹1,000-₹2,000 | ¥1,700-¥3,400 | 3 courses |
| Metro/train ride | ₹10-₹60 | ¥17-¥102 | Delhi Metro |
| Auto-rickshaw (city trip) | ₹50-₹300 | ¥85-¥510 | Negotiate first |
| Hotel (budget/night) | ₹1,500-₹3,000 | ¥2,540-¥5,080 | OYO, budget hotels |
| Bottled water (1L) | ₹20-₹30 | ¥34-¥51 | Buy sealed only |
Payment Methods
💵 Cash (₹): Required for street markets, auto-rickshaws, small shops. ATMs widely available.
💳 Credit Card: Accepted at hotels, restaurants, malls, big shops.
📱 UPI (Google Pay / PhonePe): India's digital revolution! Scan QR to pay everywhere. Ask hotel to help set up.
🔥 Revolut: Best for forex. Sign up here
🙏 Etiquette & Culture
| ✅ Do | ❌ Don't |
|---|
| Namaste — press palms together, say Namaste | Don't touch someone's head (sacred) |
| Remove shoes before entering temples/homes | Don't wear shoes inside temples |
| Use right hand for eating, giving money, handshakes | Don't use left hand for eating |
| Dress modestly — shoulders & knees covered | Don't wear revealing clothes at religious sites |
| Ask permission before photographing people | Don't photograph inside many temples |
| Cows are sacred — give them space | Don't touch or provoke cows |
| Bargain at street markets (start 50% of ask) | Don't bargain at fixed-price shops |
| Firm 'No thanks' to persistent sellers | Don't feel pressured to buy |
🇯🇵 Tips for Japanese Travellers
🔸 Indians are warm to Japanese tourists — expect extra smiles!
🔸 Head wobble = 'I understand' or 'OK' — not disagreement.
🔸 If invited to someone's home, bring a small gift.
🔸 Traffic may seem chaotic — it has its own rhythm. Cross with locals.
🔸 English widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, tourist areas.
🛍️ Shopping Guide
| Product | Best Place | Price ₹ | Price ¥ |
|---|
| 🧣 Pashmina Shawls | Kashmir / Delhi (Kashmere Gate) | ₹1K-₹10K | ¥1,700-¥17,000 |
| 🧥 Bandhani (Tie-dye) | Rajasthan (Jaipur, Jodhpur) | ₹500-₹5K | ¥850-¥8,500 |
| 💎 Gemstones | Jaipur (Gemstone Capital) | ₹500-₹50K+ | ¥850-¥85,000+ |
| 🌿 Spices | Kerala (Kochi Spice Market) | ₹100-₹1K/kg | ¥170-¥1,700 |
| 🍵 Darjeeling Tea | Darjeeling / Kolkata | ₹500-₹3K/box | ¥850-¥5,100 |
| 🧶 Block Print Textiles | Jaipur (Sanganer, Bagru) | ₹300-₹3K | ¥510-¥5,100 |
| 🧴 Leather Goods | Delhi (Hauz Khas), Mumbai (Colaba) | ₹1K-₹10K | ¥1,700-¥17,000 |
💡 Bargaining tip: Start at 40-50% of asking price. Settle at 60-70%. Smile!
🛡️ Safety Tips for Japanese Travellers
| Category | Tips |
|---|
| 👛 General | India is generally safe. Keep valuables in hotel safe. Avoid walking alone late at night in deserted areas. Use Uber/Ola for taxis. |
| 👩 Women Safety | Dress modestly. Avoid alone after 10pm. Use women-only compartments on trains/metro. Carry a scarf to cover. Share live location. |
| 🚘 Scams to Avoid | Taxi overcharging: use Uber/Ola. Fake guides: hire govt-approved only. 'Free blessings' that demand donation. 'This shop is closed, come to my brother's' — decline. |
| 💧 Health | ONLY bottled water (sealed). No ice in street drinks. Avoid raw salads. Carry Imodium/Norflox. |
| 📞 Emergency Numbers | 🚣 Police: 100 | 🚑 Ambulance: 102/108 | 🔥 Fire: 101 |
| 🏛️ Japan Embassy (Delhi) | 50-G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021. +91-11-4610-8300. Website |
🎉 Festivals & Events Calendar
| Festival | When | Where to Experience | What Happens |
|---|
| 🎭 Republic Day | Jan 26 | Delhi (Grand Parade) | Military parade, cultural floats, national pride |
| 🎨 Holi (Colors) | March | North India (Mathura, Jaipur) | Throw colored powder, dance, celebrate spring! |
| 💡 Diwali (Lights) | Oct-Nov | All India (Jaipur is stunning) | Lamps, fireworks, sweets, light displays |
| 🙏 Dussehra | October | Delhi, Varanasi, Mysore | Burning of Ravana effigy |
| 🏮 Durga Puja | Sep-Oct | Kolkata (🏆 Best!) | Giant idols, artistic pandals, cultural events |
| 🐦 Pushkar Camel Fair | November | Pushkar, Rajasthan | World's largest camel fair |
| 🎵 Jazz Festival | Various | Mumbai, Goa, Delhi | International jazz performances |
📅 Sample Itineraries from Japan
🚀 5-Day Golden Triangle (Quick Trip)
Day 1: Arrive Delhi. Red Fort, India Gate, Chandni Chowk.
Day 2: Delhi — Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple. Evening train to Agra (Shatabdi, 2h).
Day 3: Sunrise at Taj Mahal 🌅. Agra Fort. Drive to Jaipur (5h).
Day 4: Jaipur — Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace.
Day 5: Jaipur→Delhi by flight (1h). Fly back to Japan.
Budget: ₹45K-₹70K (¥76K-¥1.2L) pp excl intl flights
🌸 7-Day Golden Triangle + Varanasi
Day 1-3: Delhi → Agra → Jaipur (same as above)
Day 4: Jaipur → Delhi (flight). Delhi → Varanasi (flight, 1.5h). Evening Ganga Aarti 🕯️
Day 5: Sunrise boat on Ganga. Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Explore ghats.
Day 6: Varanasi → Delhi. Evening shopping at Dilli Haat.
Day 7: Fly back to Japan.
Budget: ₹60K-₹90K (¥1L-¥1.5L)
🌿 10-Day India Explorer
Day 1-3: Delhi → Agra → Jaipur
Day 4-5: Jaipur → Udaipur (1h flight). Lake Palace, City Palace, boat ride.
Day 6-7: Udaipur → Mumbai (1.5h). Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Elephanta.
Day 8-9: Mumbai → Goa (1h). Beaches, seafood, Portuguese churches.
Day 10: Goa → Fly to Japan via Mumbai/Delhi.
Budget: ₹1L-₹1.5L (¥1.7L-¥2.5L)
🏆 14-Day Complete India
Days 1-7: Delhi → Agra → Jaipur → Udaipur → Mumbai → Goa
Days 8-10: Goa → Kerala (Cochin, 2h). Munnar tea, backwaters, houseboat.
Days 11-12: Kerala → Varanasi (via Delhi). Ganga experience.
Days 13-14: Varanasi → Delhi. Shopping, departure.
Budget: ₹1.5L-₹2.5L (¥2.5L-¥4.2L)
💡 Which Itinerary is Right For You?
| If You... | Choose | Budget ₹ | Budget ¥ |
|---|
| 🎒 5 days only | Golden Triangle | ₹45K-₹70K | ¥76K-¥1.2L |
| 🌸 1 week + culture | Golden Triangle + Varanasi | ₹60K-₹90K | ¥1L-¥1.5L |
| 🌿 10 days variety | Explorer (Goa, Mumbai) | ₹1L-₹1.5L | ¥1.7L-¥2.5L |
| 🏆 2 weeks full | Complete India (+ Kerala) | ₹1.5L-₹2.5L | ¥2.5L-¥4.2L |
| 🧘 Yoga & wellness | Rishikesh + Kerala | ₹60K-₹1.2L | ¥1L-¥2L |
| 🌊 Beach lover | Goa + Kerala | ₹70K-₹1.2L | ¥1.2L-¥2L |
🗺️ Pre-Departure Checklist
☐ Visa: eVOA or e-Visa at indianvisaonline.gov.in | ☐ Flights: Compare Air India, ANA, JAL, Thai, SQ | ☐ Hotels: Booking.com, Agoda, MakeMyTrip | ☐ Insurance: Get medical + baggage | ☐ SIM/eSIM: Airalo or Airtel at airport | ☐ Revolut: Open account + load ₹ | ☐ Adapter: Type C/D/M universal | ☐ Medicines: Anti-diarrheal, basic first aid | ☐ Cash: ₹5K-₹10K on arrival | ☐ Water: ONLY bottled (Bisleri, Kinley) | ☐ Apps: Uber, Google Maps, Google Translate
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|
| ⏰ Time Zone | IST (UTC+5:30) — Japan is 3.5 hours AHEAD of India |
| ✈️ Flight Time | Tokyo→Delhi: ~8h direct. Via BKK/SIN: 11-14h |
| 💱 Currency | ₹1 = ¥1.69 | ¥100 = ₹59 | ₹1,000 = ¥1,690 |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz. Plugs: Type C/D/M. Universal adapter needed |
| 🚨 Emergency | Police: 100 | Ambulance: 102/108 | Fire: 101 |
| 🏛️ Japan Embassy Delhi | +91-11-4610-8300 | 50-G, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri |
| 📞 Tourist Helpline | 1800-11-1363 (India Tourism, 24h English) |
| 🌍 Language | Hindi + English widely spoken in cities |
✈️ VilfinTV Travel Desk — India Travel Guide from Japan 2026
Covers direct & transit flights, visa, seasons, cities, transport, hotels, food, safety, itineraries and more.
🇯🇵 Japan Travel Guide for Indians also available
