Travel Insurance Japan

Japan is an island country in eastern Asia that has the third-largest economy in the world. It is primarily made of four major islands along with 6,800 smaller ones. The country is amongst the most advanced and literate countries in the world. Japan is also one of the world’s leading producers of electronics, motor vehicles and steel. The country well-known for calligraphy, traditional art, martial arts as well as our favourite sushi.  

About 31.19 million foreigners visited Japan in 2018. It is advisable to all foreign nationals to procure a valid travel insurance policy before flying down to Japan. The country of Japan is not only famous for temples like Todai-ji but also for scenic beauties like Mt. Fuji and the Alps. It is the home to the iconic site of Hiroshima, which was devastated in World War II. If architectural marvels fascinate you, then Himeji Temple and the Great Buddha of Kamakura is a must-visit for you.

Japan may be a country of several breathtaking views but it comes with its share of risks. What if the travel exhaustion adversely affects your health? Or if you get injured while scuba diving at Okinawa? Even a perfectly planned trip cannot guarantee zero chances of an emergency. Therefore, one must keep themselves protected by travel insurance Japan plan that will appropriately tackle any adversities you may encounter during your trip.

As per the guidelines of the government of Japan, buying a travel insurance policy is not compulsory to travel to Japan. However, all foreign nationals, including Indians, are advised to carry a travel insurance Japan plan to stay prepared for any medical, financial or travel-related emergencies. You can compare travel insurance Japan plans offered by different insurance companies at the time of buying a policy.

Fast Facts about Japan

Entry Essentials to Japan

People who are not Japanese citizen need a valid Japan visa to enter the country. A Japan visa consents a foreign national to enter the country for a limited period of time. People with an Indian passport will not be allowed to enter Japan without a visa irrespective of what their purpose of travel is.  Moreover, it is mandatory for all Indian citizens who wish to visit Japan to obtain a visa prior to their departure date from India. This is because Indian nationals are not eligible for Japan visa on arrival.

People who wish to undertake a trip to Japan can apply for a visa on the basis of their purpose and duration of travel. You can apply for a short-term visa if you are going on a short vacation to Japan. Similarly, people travelling to receive medical treatment in Japan can apply for a medical visa. You can apply for a travel insurance Japan plan irrespective of the type of Japan visa you apply for.

Types of Japan Visa's

There are five types of Japan visas offered by the Japanese Foreign Ministry. Foreign nationals should select the ideal type of Japan visa for themselves based on the purpose and frequency of their visit to Japan. Take a look at the various types of Japan visa offered to Indian citizens:

• Short-Term Visa
  • Single Entry Visa
  • Multiple Entry Visa
• Long-Term Visa
• Medical Visa
• Transit Visa

A short-term Japan visa with a validity of 90 days is issued to people travelling for the purpose of tourism, visiting friends & families, business, attending seminars and conferences, etc. A long-term visa is issued for a period of more than 90 days to people travelling for paid work, to study or for training. A transit visa is issued for a period of up to 15 days.

All foreigners travelling to Japan should make it a point to buy a travel insurance policy irrespective of the type of Japan visa they are applying for. A travel insurance Japan plan will provide protection to the insured traveller against any adversities that he may face during his trip to Japan.

Documents Required for Japan Visa

Each applicant of Japan visa has to submit certain documents in support of their visa application. Take a look at the list of documents that you would have to submit at the time of applying for Japan visa.

Short Term Visa Requirements for Visitors/ Tourists:

• Passport with at least two blank pages along with a photocopy and old passports, if any
• Duly filled Japan visa application form
• Cover letter mentioning the purpose of the visit and the itinerary
• One photograph which is not more than 6 months old
• Proof of hotel booking along with the itinerary
• Certificate of reservation, if any
• Latest income tax return/ bank statement of the last 6 months
• Consent letter from parents/ spouse (if the applicant is a student/ dependent)
• Copy of latest IT return of the parents/ spouse or bank statement of the last 6 months (if the applicant is a student/ dependent)
• Proof of relationship between parents/ spouse and the applicant (if the applicant is a student/ dependent)

Short Term Visa Requirements for Visiting Friends and Families:

• Passport with at least two blank pages along with a photocopy and old passports, if any
• Duly filled Japan visa application form
• Cover letter mentioning the purpose of visit and itinerary
• One photograph which is not more than 6 months old
• Proof of hotel booking along with the itinerary
• Certificate of reservation, if any
• Latest income tax return/ bank statement of the last 6 months
• Proof of the relationship between the applicant and the family member/ friend staying in Japan
• Consent letter from parents/ spouse (if the applicant is a student/ dependent)
• Copy of latest IT return of the parents/ spouse or bank statement of the last 6 months (if the applicant is a student/ dependent)
• Proof of relationship between parents/ spouse and the applicant (if the applicant is a student/ dependent)
• Letter of invitation from the family member/ friend staying in Japan
• Itinerary/ applicant’s stay schedule from the inviter
• Certified copy of the family register or Kosekitohon (if either the inviter or his/ her partner/ spouse is a Japanese national)
• List of visa applicants from the inviter (in case of more than one applicants)
• Letter of Guarantee from the inviter (if the inviter is bearing the cost of applicant’s stay)
• Certificate of income/ tax payment/ deposit balance/ residence or photocopy of final tax return counterfoil with the seal of tax Office, to be submitted by the inviter
• Copy of passport/ residence card/ certificate of residence from the inviter (if the inviter is not a Japanese national)

Short Term Visa Requirements for Business/ Conferences:

• Passport with at least two blank pages along with a photocopy and old passports, if any
• Duly filled Japan visa application form
• One photograph which is not more than 6 months old
• Cover letter from the employer
• Certificate of employment
• Latest income tax return/ bank statement of the last 6 months
• Certificate of reservation, if any
• Letter of invitation from the employer
• List of visa applicants from the employer (in case of more than one applicants)
• Itinerary/ applicant’s stay schedule from the employer
• Letter of Guarantee from the inviting employer (if the company is bearing the cost of the applicant’s stay)
• Certified copy of company’s registration
• Proof of relationship between parents/ spouse and the applicant (if the applicant is a student/ dependent)

Multiple Entry Business Visa Requirements:

• Passport with at least two blank pages along with a photocopy and old passports, if any
• Duly filled Japan visa application form
• One photograph which is not more than 6 months old
• Booking confirmation of flight tickets
• Certificate of employment
• Certified copy of company’s registration
• Request letter for multiple entry visa stating the reason
• Letter of invitation
• Latest income tax return/ bank statement of the last 6 months
• Proof of relationship between parents/ spouse and the applicant (if the applicant is a student/ dependent)

Long-Term Visa Requirements:

• Passport with at least two blank pages along with a photocopy and old passports, if any
• Duly filled Japan visa application form
• One photograph which is not more than 6 months old
• Certificate of Eligibility in original along with a photocopy
• Certificate of experience
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copy of educational certificates and mark sheets
• Financial documents of parents or sponsor  (in case the applicant is a student)

Long-Term Visa Requirements for Spouse and Children:

• Passport with at least two blank pages along with a photocopy and old passports, if any
• Duly filled Japan visa application form
• One photograph which is not more than 6 months old
• Proof of relationship between parents/ spouse and the applicant
• Certificate of Eligibility along with one photocopy per applicant

Medical Visa Requirements:

• Passport with at least two blank pages along with a photocopy and old passports, if any
• Duly filled Japan visa application form
• One photograph which is not more than 6 months old
• Certificate from the hospital mentioning the details of the treatment and the guarantor
• Banks statement for the last 6 months
• Latest income tax return
• Certificate of Eligibility in original (if the patient needs to stay in Japan for more than 90 days)
• Plan of medical treatment (in case the patient needs to make multiple visits)

Transit Visa Requirements:

• Passport with at least two blank pages along with a photocopy and old passports, if any
• Duly filled Japan visa application form
• One photograph which is not more than 6 months old
• Cover letter mentioning the purpose of visit and itinerary
• Copy of travel booking confirmation
• Copy of visa for the destination country
• Banks statement for the last 6 months
• Latest income tax return

Japan Visa Procedure

The procedure to apply for a Japan visa is quite simple. All applications for Japan visa need to be submitted to VFS Global. The Embassy of Japan in India has given VFS Global the responsibility of accepting visa applications on its behalf by Indian residents. You can apply for a Japan visa by following the steps given below:

• Visit the official website of VFS Global for Japan
• Download the Japan visa application form
• Fill up the application form
• Arrange the documents to be submitted
• Submit your visa application along with the supporting documents at the VFS Japan Visa Application Centre
• Pay the visa fees

The Embassy of Japan takes about four working days to process a visa application, excluding the day of application submission.

To find any information, you can visit the official website of the Embassy of Japan in India. In case you need more information, you can also personally visit the Embassy and Consulates of Japan in India. The contact details are mentioned below:

Travel Insurance Japan

Japan is a beautiful country but just like other countries, it is not immune to all kinds of risks. The country is well-known for frequent earthquakes, which brings an additional risk of tsunami and landslides. The country also has over a 100 active volcanoes. There are also animals like giant hornets whose venom are fatal to humans. Moreover, there is always a chance of facing a travel emergency before, during or after arriving in Japan.

Whether you get injured by a wild animal or in a natural disaster, your trip will get interrupted leading to a lot of losses. Moreover, admission in a hospital will add to these losses and create a major financial burden. The only way to keep your expenses in check and get timely medical & financial assistance is by purchasing a travel insurance Japan plan before beginning your trip.

A travel insurance Japan policy is a safety net that will save you from incurring any unaccounted expenses that will interrupt your trip. It will indemnify any financial losses that you may incur during your trip and will also provide medical & financial assistance when needed.

Some of the basic coverage provided by most travel insurance policies are medical cover, loss of check-in baggage, delay in check-in baggage arrival, medical evacuation to hospital, trip delay, trip cancellation & curtailment, repatriation of mortal remains, flight delay, loss of passport, missed connection flight, personal liability, personal accident, accidental disability & dismemberment and emergency cash advance among others.

Before you buy a travel insurance Japan plan, you should decide the type of travel insurance you need. There are a wide variety of international travel insurance policies offered by insurers in India. You should choose a travel insurance Japan plan on the basis of several factors including the purpose of travel, frequency & duration of the trip as well as the age of the travellers. Here is a list of the various types of travel insurance available in India:

• International Travel Insurance
• Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
• Student Travel Insurance
• Family Travel Insurance
• Senior Citizen Travel Insurance
• Group Travel Insurance
• Corporate Travel Insurance

The extent of coverage offered by different travel insurance Japan plan varies on the type of travel insurance you buy. For instance, family travel insurance provides sum insured on family floater basis while student travel insurance offers custom-made coverage to Indians studying abroad such as study interruption cover, sponsor protection cover, compassionate visit, etc.

There are two ways of buying a travel insurance policy - online or offline. You can buy a travel insurance Japan plan online by visiting the official website of the insurance provider. If you want to buy a travel insurance plan offline, you will have to visit a nearby branch of the insurance provider or contact an agent. Moreover, you can also compare the premium rate of various travel insurance Japan plans online before buying any one plan.

Best Time to Visit Japan

Japan is a gorgeous country and its beauty can be experienced at any time of the year. Most people visit Japan during the Cherry Blossom season or during New Year’s. The country is heavily crowded around this time leading to expensive hotels and flight tickets. The golden week towards the end of April and starting of May is another crowded time of the year since local Japanese citizens holiday around during that time. Since it is wiser to avoid travelling during the peak season, the best time to visit the country is late spring i.e. from March to May and late autumn i.e. September to November.

Transportation in Japan

Japan has a well-laid public transport network. A tourist can easily travel from one place to another using public transport. However, all foreign nationals are advised to get a travel insurance Japan plan to keep themselves covered against any adverse situation if encountered during their travel. Here are the various modes of public transport in Japan:  

• Air - Tourists in Japan can take a flight to travel between two Japanese cities or islands. There are several domestic airports in different parts of Japan. Even smaller towns that don’t have an airport are well-connected to the nearest airport. If you are lucky, you will be able to get air tickets on discounted rates too.
• Train - Trains are one of the most popular modes of transport in Japan. Trains are available to transport you within the city or from one city to another. Japan’s world-renowned bullet train is the fastest way to commute to another from Tokyo.
• Metro/ Subway - Metro or subway is one of the most reliable means of commutation in big Japanese cities. You will find subway services in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Kobe, Sapporo, Yokohoma and Sendai. You can get a metro pass that will allow unlimited trip with a validity of 1-3 days.
• Bus - Bus is a cost-effective way of travelling long distances in Japan. Night coach buses carry the passengers from one city to another in an overnight journey for less than half of a train fare.
• Tram - Tram service is another common medium of transportation in smaller Japanese cities.  You can find them in Hiroshima in Honshu island, Nagasaki, Kagoshima and Kumamoto on Kyushu island, Matsuyama and Kochi on Shikoku island and in Hakodate on Hokkaido island.
• Taxi - Taxis are widely available in every part of Japan, no matter how tiny the island is. All taxis are metered in Japan and there is no ambiguity in fares. You can use mobile applications like Japan Taxi to book a taxi. It is important to know the door of a taxi is opened and shut automatically by the taxi driver in Japan so that you don’t keep pulling the door handle.
• Cars - Foreign travellers can also rent a car to move around in Japan as per their own convenience. In fact, it can be one of the most budget-friendly means of commutation in smaller cities.
• Ferries - Ferries operate on several routes in Japan, including Tokyo to Hokkaido and Kagoshima to Naha. You can travel by ferries if you want to avoid the roads and travel via water for a change.
• Bicycles - Tourists in Japan can also rent a bicycle to travel within a city. Bicycle is not just an affordable means of travelling but is also very convenient. You can rent bicycles at train stations.

International Airports in Japan

Japan Weather

Japan has a temperate marine climate ranging from hot and humid to freezing cold. Although the climate in Japan varies on the basis of the topography, it can be divided into four distinct seasons:

• Spring: March to May
• Summer: June to August
• Autumn: September to November
• Winter: December to February

The summer season in Japan is generally hot and humid with temperatures shooting above 30 degrees Celcius. The country witnesses heavy rains around this time. On the contrary, winters in Japan is quite dry and cold with a few places falling below zero degrees. Snowfall is also a common occurrence in northern parts of Japan such as Sapporo.

August is the hottest month in Japan with temperatures going as high as 33 degrees Celcius. On the other hand, January is the coldest time of the year with average temperature revolving around -8 degrees Celcius.

Given the vastness of climate in different parts of Japan, it is best to purchase a travel insurance policy for your trip. This travel insurance Japan plan will protect you against any unforeseen medical expenses that you may incur during your trip.

Top Tourist Spots in Japan

Japan has something to offer people of different tastes. People with an interest in history can visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park while Todai-ji Temple in Nara is a must-visit for temple-lovers. Take a look at the various places of tourist interests in Japan:

• Fuji
• Tokyo Imperial Palace
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
• Todai-ji Temple
• Golden Pavilion
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Miyajima
• Chubu-Sangaku National Park & the Japanese Alps
• Himeji Castle
• Great Buddha of Kamakura
• Tokyo Tower
• Ueno Park
• Tokyo Disney Resort
• Universal Studios Japan
• Biei
• Churaumi Aquarium Okinawa

You can explore any part of the country without a care if you have a travel insurance Japan plan to look out for you.

Best Shopping Places in Japan

If you are travelling to Japan, your trip will remain incomplete unless to buy something from Japan. the country has several shopping destinations to satiate the inner shopaholic in you. You can purchase branded apparels at Ginza in Tokyo or get an electronic gadget from the world’s largest electronic hub Akihabara. Take a look at some of the best places to shop in Japan:

• Best shopping places in Tokyo - Ginza, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara
• Best shopping places in Kyoto - Kyoto Station Area
• Best shopping places in Osaka - Umeda, Grand Front, Den Den Town
• Best shopping places in Yokohama - Minato Mirai, Yokohoma Station Area, Motomachi
• Best shopping places in Fukuoka - Hakata

Eating Out in Japan

Japan is known all over the world for its food. Sushi is one of the most popular Japanese delicacies that we have grown fond of. However, Japanese cuisine offers much more than sushi.

Sashimi and Miso Soup are some of the popular dishes under Japanese cuisine that you must try in Japan. You can also try Tempura, which is a fried seafood snack, at various restaurants and eateries in Japan.

Okonomiyaki is a savoury pancake that you can try during your trip to Japan. You can also try Shabu Shabu, which is a hot pot dish that has everything from seafood and meat to vegetable and noodles. Other must-try Japanese dishes include Yakitori and Soba.

Noodle lovers should definitely Udon and Soba besides the delicious Ramen noodles. Don’t forget to try the popular Kare-Raisu or Curry Rice at the Curry Kingdom when in Tokyo.

Ramen lovers can go to the Ramen Expo in Osaka to enjoy their favourite Japanese delicacy. While Sake Spring Kyoto is a must-visit for wine lovers, Kyushu Beer Festival is heaven for people who love beer. Other popular food festivals in Japan include Miyajima Oyster Festival on Miyajima islands, Mochitsuki, Furusato Matsuri in Tokyo and Meguro Sanma Matsuri in Tokyo.

If you want to try out the local food trucks in Japan, you can eat at Betty’s Pancake, Uncle Ken, RJT Blueberry Truck, Banban, Rocket Chicken, Que Bom and Tokyo Paella.

People who would want to get back to Indian food can try popular Indian restaurants in Tokyo including Ashoka Indian Restaurant, Priya India Cuisine, Annam Indian Restaurant, Dhaba India Restaurant, Omoinoki, Downtown B’s Indian Kitchen, Darjeeling Restaurant, Andhra Dining GINZA and Moti.

List of Best Hotels in Japan

Japan is a popular tourist destination and therefore, care is taken to provide the best hospitality to foreign visitors. Whether you are looking for luxury or budget stay, you will be able to find a good hotel of your stay.

• Suiran Kyoto
• Park Hyatt Tokyo
• Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills
• The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
• Aman Tokyo
• The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
• Hoshinoya Tokyo
• Conrad Tokyo
• Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
• Nine Hours Capsule Hotel
• The Peninsula Tokyo

All those you have a travel insurance Japan policy during their trip can handle any adversities they may face related to their hotel bookings.

Things to Do in Japan

Japan offers a wide variety of topography for tourists to explore. There are a lot of activities to engage the interests of people with different interests. Right from snow-laden Mt. Fuji to hot-spring in Hakone, there is something of interest for every individual.

Ride the cable car to enjoy the view from Mount Fuji or visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. You can witness the beauty of the Nijo Castle or explore the iconic orange gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. If you are lucky, you will also be able to see a Japanese wedding at the Meiji Shrine.

Nature lovers can go for a stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto or get rejuvenated by taking a dip in the onsen or hot-spring at Hakone. You can also see snow monkeys at the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park or witness the Sakura and Ume flowers bloom during the Cherry blossom Festival.

Catch the sunset from the Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto. Evening time is also great to catch a glimpse of Geisha artists at the Pontocho Alley in Kyoto’s Gion district.

You can also get the extraordinary experience of staying in a traditional Ryokan. Food lovers can also engage in a sushi-making workshop. You can also enjoy a sumo show or traditional Kabuki dance in Tokyo. Don’t forget to visit Shibuya intersection to witness one of the most crowded intersections in the world.

Top Hospitals in Japan

All of us envision our travel as harmonious and free of any difficulties. However, nobody can rule out the possibility of facing an adverse situation amidst their travel. If you face an emergency during your trip to Japan that requires medical attention, your entire trip budget will get upset. To save yourself from any unannounced financial emergencies, you should have a travel insurance Japan policy with you.

In case you need medical attention during your trip to Japan, you can visit the following hospitals for best-in-class healthcare facilities:

• The University of Tokyo Hospital
• Luke’s International Hospital, Tokyo
• Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto
• Kurashiki Central Hospital, Kurashiki
• Juntendo University Hospital, Tokyo
• Kameda Medical Center, Kamogawa
• Osaka University Hospital, Suita
• Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka
• NCGM Center Hospital, Tokyo
• Teikyo University Hospital, Tokyo

If you have a travel insurance policy during your visit to Japan, you can avail cashless treatment at any of the network hospital of your insurance provider.

Local Law and Etiquette in Japan

Japan has its own set of laws and etiquettes. Every foreign traveller arriving in Japan is expected to follow them during their stay in Japan:

• Japanese people are generally very polite.
• People in Japan bow when greeting, thanking or saying goodbye to someone.
• People use both hands while giving or receiving business or name cards.
• Remove your shoes when entering someone’s house, traditional house or a temple in Japan.
• Never leave chopsticks in a rice bowl in an upright position.
• Tourists in Japan are expected to slurp while eating noodles.
• Do not tip your server in a restaurant in Japan as the practice is not followed here.
• Wash your hands and rinse your mouth with water from ladles before entering a temple.
• People in Japan consider talking on the phone during a train or bus journey as rude.

We recommend you to keep a travel insurance Japan policy by your side during the trip. It will come to your rescue if you unintentionally fall into trouble for not following the laws and etiquettes in Japan properly.

Money-Saving Tips in Japan

Japan offers amazing experience to both budget-travellers as well as luxury vacationers. While people on a luxurious vacation have nothing to worry about money, Japan can get expensive for budget travellers. If you don’t want to exceed your budget, you need to first get a travel insurance Japan plan ahead of starting your trip from India. Apart from this, you can practice the following tips to save money during your trip to Japan:

• Travel in non-tourist season. Most tourists arrive in Japan during the Cherry Blossom season in Spring and the New Years’s in December. Consequently, hotel rates and flight tickets are really expensive. Travelling in the off-season could eliminate the chances of booking hotels and flight tickets for a higher price.
• Prefer highway buses over bullet trains. Bullet trains may be the fastest but also comes with expensive tickets. You can instead take the budget-friendly highway buses to travel between different cities in Japan.
• Get a Japan Rail Pass or Metro Day Pass. People who wish to travel through trains or metro should get a Japan Rail (JR) Pass or Metro Day Pass to save large sums of money. The JR pass is issued for a week, 15 days or 21 days and costs the same as the fee for a round trip train journey. Similarly, a metro day pass is valid for 24 hours and its cost is equivalent to two round trip metro journey around Tokyo.
• Opt for takeout food at convenience stores. Eating in restaurants for all three meals can put a big dent on your budget. An affordable alternative is to consume the takeout food available at convenience stores, which offers variety and prepared fresh every day.
• Eat at Sushi Train. Sushi lovers should eat from a sushi train instead of ordering exclusively at a restaurant. They are absolutely delicious and one plate cost way less than what you’ll pay at a fancy restaurant.
• Avoid buying fresh fruits. Fruits in Japan are extremely expensive, excluding an apple or a banana. You can avoid spending extra by not eating fresh fruits during your trip to Japan.
• Shop from 100 Yen Shops. Whether you want to buy groceries, essentials or souvenirs, buy them from a 100 Yen shop. As the name suggests, you can find everything for 100 Yen and save big.

Indian Embassy Information in Japan

In case of an emergency during your stay in the Japan, you can contact the Indian Embassy in Japan.