Visiting Japan from Nepal: tourist visa, planning and first-trip tips

Planning a short trip to Japan? Maybe for tourism, to see family or friends who live there, or to attend an event. This guide shows the main steps, in simple words.

Quick answer

• Nepali citizens need a visa for a short stay in Japan. There is no visa exemption for Nepal.
• The short-term visit status is called 短期滞在 (tanki taizai, “temporary visitor”).
• Apply by following the current instructions of the Embassy of Japan in Nepal. Applications usually go through the designated Japan visa application centre, not directly to the embassy.
• You may not work on this status. Not even a little.
• Buy travel insurance. Visitors are not covered by Japan’s public health insurance.

Step by step: tourist visa

1. Decide your purpose. Tourism, visiting relatives or friends, or an event. The documents depend on the purpose. Watch out: Pick the purpose that is true. Wrong information can cause a refusal.
2. Read the embassy’s current instructions. Open the embassy website and find the visa section for your purpose. Watch out: Rules change. Do not rely on old posts or friends’ advice.
3. Collect your documents. Use the embassy’s list for your purpose. See “Documents” below. Watch out: Missing papers can delay your application.
4. Submit through the designated visa application centre. Check the embassy website for how and where. Watch out: Never pay an agent who promises a guaranteed visa.
5. Wait for the result. Check the embassy or centre for current timing. Watch out: Do not buy a non-refundable ticket before you understand the risk.
6. Collect your passport and check the visa. Check your name, passport number and dates. Watch out: Report mistakes right away, before you travel.

Need flights or paperwork help? Royal Route Travel helps with Nepal–Japan flights and visa paperwork. (We have a business connection with Royal Route.)

Documents

The list depends on your purpose: tourism, visiting relatives or friends, or business. The embassy publishes the list. Check the embassy’s list for your purpose.

In general, expect to prepare:

• Your passport.
• Application form and photo, as the embassy asks.
• Papers that show your purpose and trip plan.
• Papers about your travel costs.

Do not guess. Use only the official list: Embassy of Japan in Nepal.

Visiting family or friends in Japan

• Visits to relatives or friends usually need documents from the person in Japan. An invitation letter is one example.
• Your family member or friend may be asked for documents. Tell them early.
• Check the embassy’s list for “visiting relatives or friends” to see exactly what is needed.
• Plan early. Papers from Japan take time to arrive.

Do not work on a tourist visa

Warning. A temporary visitor (短期滞在) may NOT work in Japan. Using a tourist visa to look for or do a job is illegal. It can lead to a ban from Japan. Anyone who says “come on a tourist visa and work” is running a scam. If you want to work legally, read our guide: SSW job from Nepal.

Before you fly

Item	What to do	Done
Passport	Check your passport’s validity	[ ]
Visa	Check name, number and dates	[ ]
Insurance	Buy travel insurance for medical costs	[ ]
Money	Take some yen in cash and a card. See today’s rate	[ ]
Accommodation	Book a hotel, or confirm with your host	[ ]
Return ticket	Keep your return ticket ready	[ ]

First days in Japan

• No residence card. Temporary visitors do not get a residence card at the airport. Only mid- to long-term residents do.
• Trains. Get an IC card such as Suica or PASMO. It works on most trains and buses. Many shops accept it too.
• Money. Cash is still common. Cards are also widely used.
• Walk and drive on the left. Japan drives on the left. Stand on the side shown by signs on escalators.
• Tap water. It is safe to drink.
• No tipping. It is not expected.
• Convenience stores (コンビニ). Good for food, snacks, ATMs and basic items.

FAQ

Do Nepali citizens need a visa for Japan? Yes. Japan has no visa exemption for Nepal. You need a 短期滞在 visa for a short stay.

Where do I apply? Follow the Embassy of Japan in Nepal’s instructions. Applications are usually submitted through the designated Japan visa application centre.

Can I work or look for a job on a tourist visa? No. It is illegal and can lead to a ban. See the legal route in our SSW guide.

Do I need travel insurance? It is strongly recommended. Japan’s public health insurance does not cover visitors’ medical costs.

This guide is general information. Visa rules change; always follow the Embassy of Japan in Nepal’s current instructions.