Narita to Mumbai (NRT–BOM) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Japanese passport holders need a visa to enter India. The eVisa at indianvisaonline.gov.in is the fastest route. A 30-day eTourist visa costs $25, a 1-year multiple-entry is $40, and a 5-year multiple-entry is $80. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days. Visa on arrival is not available for Japanese nationals. The eVisa is valid at 28 designated airports including Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Chennai (MAA), Bangalore (BLR), and Kolkata (CCU).

Upload a passport scan (valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages), a recent photo with white background, and provide your Indian hotel address. The approved eVisa arrives by email. Print it and carry it with you. At immigration, they will also take biometrics (fingerprints and photo). The 30-day visa allows double entry, while the 1-year and 5-year versions allow multiple entries with stays of up to 90 days per visit.

Direct flights from Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND) to Delhi run about 9 hours 30 minutes on JAL, ANA, and Air India. Mumbai is about 10 hours direct. India uses the Indian rupee (INR), trading at roughly 6.2 INR per JPY. No mandatory vaccinations for arrivals from Japan. International SIM cards from Japanese carriers rarely include India roaming at decent rates, so pick up a Jio or Airtel SIM at the airport telecom counters for INR 500 to INR 900 with data included.

The Narita Express (N'EX) runs from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport in 60 minutes, with stops at Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Yokohama (¥3,070 one-way from Tokyo; discounted round-trip tickets available). Keisei Skyliner from Ueno takes 41 minutes to Terminal 1 (¥2,570); the faster option from east-side Tokyo. Keisei Limited Express is slower (80 min) but cheaper at ¥1,290.Limousine buses depart from major Tokyo hotels and stations for ¥3,200 and take 75–105 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are extremely expensive (¥20,000–30,000+); avoid unless cost is no concern. The airport is 60 km from central Tokyo.

Ola and Uber are the practical options from BOM. Book from inside the terminal and follow signs to the designated pickup zone. To South Mumbai (Nariman Point/Churchgate), expect ₹400–700 and 45–90 minutes depending on traffic. To Bandra or Juhu, ₹200–350 in 20–40 minutes.Pre-paid taxis from the terminal cost slightly less but use older vehicles. Mumbai Local trains are accessible via auto-rickshaw to Andheri station (10 min, ₹80–100) then Western Line to Churchgate (50 min, ₹25); inexpensive but impractical with large luggage. Terminal 2 (international) and Terminal 1 (domestic) are adjacent but separate buildings.

Tropical monsoon climate. The Southwest Monsoon (June–September) brings some of the heaviest urban rainfall in the world. Mumbai regularly receives 2,000–3,000mm per season. Flooding of approach roads and reduced visibility cause frequent delays and diversions during July and August. The July 26, 2005 floods are the benchmark for worst-case disruption.

Dry season (November–May) is reliable with warm temperatures (22–35°C) and clear skies. May sees pre-monsoon heat and humidity (32–38°C). Cyclones in the Arabian Sea can affect the region in May–June and October–November. November through February is the most stable period.