Leh to Tokyo (IXL–HND) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Japan. Apply at the Japanese Embassy in New Delhi or consulates in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru. A single-entry tourist visa is free (Japan does not charge visa fees for Indian nationals). Processing takes 5 to 7 working days. Multiple-entry visas are available for frequent travelers who meet specific criteria (previous Japan visits, sufficient income). There is no eVisa or visa on arrival for Indian passport holders.

Required documents include a passport valid for at least 6 months, completed application form (downloadable from the embassy website), one passport photo (45x45mm or 45x35mm), confirmed round-trip flight itinerary, detailed day-by-day schedule of the visit, proof of accommodation (hotel bookings), bank statements for the last 3 months showing sufficient funds (no fixed amount, but roughly JPY 10,000 per day), employment letter with salary details, income tax returns for 2 to 3 years, and a cover letter. Applications must be submitted through an authorized travel agency (not directly to the embassy). The list of authorized agencies is on the embassy website.

Direct flights from Delhi to Tokyo Narita and Haneda run about 8 hours on Air India, Japan Airlines, and ANA. No direct flights from Mumbai; connect through Delhi, Singapore, Bangkok, or Hong Kong in 10 to 14 hours total. Japan uses the Japanese yen (JPY), trading at roughly 150 JPY per $1. Cash is still widely used in Japan, especially at smaller shops and restaurants. 7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs accept international cards. No mandatory vaccinations. Complete the Visit Japan Web form before arrival for immigration and customs. Narita Express to Tokyo Station takes 60 minutes for JPY 3,070. From Haneda, the monorail to Hamamatsucho takes 13 minutes for JPY 500.

Keikyu Line to Shinagawa (13 min, ¥310) and Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho (18 min, ¥500) both connect to JR and Tokyo Metro networks. Terminal 3 (international) has direct access to both rail lines.Limousine buses serve Shinjuku, Shibuya, and major hotels (¥1,100, 40–60 min depending on traffic). Taxis to central Tokyo run ¥3,500–5,500. Haneda's proximity to Tokyo means ground transport is faster and cheaper than from Narita in virtually all cases.

Humid subtropical climate. Summers (June–September) are hot and humid (28–35°C) with a rainy season in June and typhoons possible July through October. Typhoons occasionally divert or cancel flights, but direct hits on Tokyo are less frequent than farther south. Humidity peaks in July and August.

Winters are cold and dry (2–10°C) with occasional light snow. Even minor snowfall disrupts Tokyo's ground operations since the city is not equipped for winter road treatment. Spring (April) is pleasant but windy. Fall (October–November) offers the best flying conditions.