Japan is one of the more document-heavy applications from Kathmandu, and it is unforgiving about paperwork. Every Nepali-language document needs a certified English translation, and the Embassy does not take walk-ins — everything goes through VFS Global.
At a glance
Visa needed: Yes — sticker visa, applied for in person
Length of stay: Up to 90 days, decided by the consul (15 / 30 / 90 days)
Where to apply: VFS Global Kathmandu, under the Embassy of Japan
Processing time: Around 5–10 working days
Indicative cost: Roughly NPR 13,500 consular fee plus around NPR 2,800 VFS service charge
Fees
Fees are set by the Embassy and VFS separately and change with exchange rates. Multiple-entry doubles the consular portion. Optional SMS and courier add-ons cost extra. Confirm on the VFS Kathmandu page before you go.
Visa types
Temporary visitor — tourism — Up to 90 days. The standard holiday visa. Needs a day-by-day itinerary, which Japan actually reads.
Temporary visitor — visiting relatives or friends — Up to 90 days. Requires an invitation letter, the host's residence documents and often their tax certificate.
Business visa — Up to 90 days. Invitation from the Japanese company plus a letter of guarantee.
Student visa — Course length. Requires a Certificate of Eligibility obtained by the school in Japan first.
Documents required
Passport valid beyond the intended stay, with blank pages
Completed Japanese visa application form
Recent photograph to the Embassy's stated specification
Day-by-day itinerary in the Embassy's format, with dated flight and hotel bookings
Bank statement and balance certificate showing you can fund the trip
Employment or business letter with salary, position and approved leave dates
Tax clearance or filed income tax returns
Certified English translations of citizenship, property and other Nepali-language documents
Before you apply
Translations are not optional
A Nepali-language document without a certified English translation is treated as missing. This is the single most common reason Japan applications from Kathmandu come back incomplete.
The itinerary is assessed, not filed
Japan expects a coherent day-by-day plan that matches your bookings. Vague itineraries weaken an otherwise good application.