Japan Visa RequirementsFor Nepal passport holders
Nepali citizens need a visa to visit Japan, applied for at the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu. The Japanese tourist visa fee is approximately $30 USD (JPY 3,000) and allows stays of up to 90 days. Japan is consistently one of the world's most sought-after travel destinations for Nepali tourists, offering an extraordinary cultural contrast to Nepal: ancient Buddhist temples alongside futuristic cities, world-famous cuisine, and extraordinary technological advancement.
Nepal passport holders require a visa to enter Japan.
Apply for a Japanese tourist visa at the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu (Panipokhari, Kathmandu). Required: valid Nepali passport (minimum 6 months validity), completed Japanese visa application form (available from the Embassy), passport photos (45x45mm, white background), return flight booking, hotel reservations or accommodation proof for the entire stay, bank statements (last 6 months showing sufficient funds), employment letter and payslips (if employed), income tax clearance certificate (Nepal-specific), and visa fee ($30 USD or NPR equivalent, approximately JPY 3,000). Processing takes 5-10 business days. The Japanese Embassy in Nepal has specific documentation requirements; check the Embassy website for the most current checklist.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Nepali passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Completed Japanese visa application form
Passport photo (45x45mm, white background)
Return flight booking
Hotel reservations for entire stay
Bank statements (last 6 months)
Income tax clearance certificate (Nepal requirement)
Visa fee: ~$30 USD (JPY 3,000)
Employment letter and payslips Recommended
Current Travel Situation
Nepal to Japan: What You Need to Know
Nepal and Japan have close ties shaped by Japan's significant development assistance to Nepal over decades through JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), and a substantial Nepali diaspora in Japan working in manufacturing and service industries under Japan's Technical Intern Training Program and later Specified Skilled Worker visa programs. Japanese tourists are also among Nepal's top visitors for trekking and mountaineering. For Nepali travelers, Japan is a sought-after aspirational destination and a major migration destination: Nepalis are one of the largest foreign communities in Japan. Tourist visas are applied for at the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu.
How to Get There
No direct Nepal-Japan flights exist. Connect from Kathmandu (KTM) to Tokyo (NRT/HND) via Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific), Doha (Qatar Airways), Bangkok (Thai Airways/ANA connecting), Taipei (EVA Air connecting), or Delhi (ANA/JAL connecting). Total journey from Kathmandu to Tokyo is approximately 12-18 hours.
Money & Banking
Japan uses the Japanese yen (JPY). Due to significant yen depreciation (2022-2024), Japan is now very affordable for travelers paying in USD or non-JPY currencies. Budget JPY 8,000-15,000 ($55-103 USD) per day for comfortable mid-range travel including accommodation, meals, and sightseeing. Tokyo accommodation ranges from budget capsule hotels (JPY 3,000/night) to luxury hotels. Japanese convenience store food (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) is outstanding quality and very cheap.
Practical Tips
Tokyo: Shinjuku (the world's busiest station area, Golden Gai bar alleys), Shibuya Crossing (the world's most famous pedestrian crossing), Asakusa Senso-ji Temple (Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple), Akihabara electronics district, and teamLab digital art. Kyoto: Fushimi Inari (10,000 vermilion torii gates), Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, Gion geisha district, Arashiyama bamboo grove. Osaka: Dotonbori food street (takoyaki, okonomiyaki, ramen), Osaka Castle. Nara: freely wandering deer and the giant Daibutsu (Great Buddha). Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Park and Museum. The Shinkansen (bullet train) connects Tokyo to Osaka in 2.5 hours at 320 km/h.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Nepali citizens need a visa for Japan?
Yes. Nepali passport holders need a Japanese tourist visa from the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu. The fee is approximately $30 USD (JPY 3,000) and processing takes 5-10 business days. Hotel bookings for every night of the stay are required.
What bank balance do I need for a Japan visa from Nepal?
The Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu does not specify a precise minimum, but bank statements should demonstrate sufficient funds for the entire trip (approximately NPR 5,000-8,000 per day in Japan based on JPY costs). Consistent, stable account history is more important than a single large balance. Avoid large recent deposits that look unusual.
Can Nepali workers in Japan bring family for tourism?
Nepali nationals residing in Japan on work visas can sometimes facilitate tourist visa applications for family members visiting them. Contact the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu for guidance on invitation letters from Japan-resident sponsors.