Sri Lanka holds a special appeal for Japanese travelers, with both nations sharing deep Buddhist traditions and a mutual appreciation for tea culture, natural beauty, and refined hospitality. Japan has been a significant development partner for Sri Lanka, and the warm relationship between the two countries is evident in the welcoming reception Japanese visitors receive. As a Japanese passport holder, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka, obtainable through a simple online application.
The ETA for Japanese citizens costs $50 USD (approximately 7,500 JPY) and permits a 30-day stay for tourism purposes. The application is processed online and approval is typically received within 24 to 72 hours. SriLankan Airlines operates direct flights from Tokyo Narita to Colombo, making the journey particularly convenient. Alternative routes through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, or the Middle Eastern hubs also provide excellent connections, with total travel times ranging from 9 to 14 hours.
Japanese visitors will find meaningful connections to their own culture in Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage, particularly at sites like the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, the ancient city of Anuradhapura, and the serene Dambulla Cave Temple. The Ceylon tea estates in the hill country offer a fascinating counterpart to Japanese tea culture, and the opportunity to visit working plantations is a highlight for many Japanese travelers. Sri Lanka's compact size means that a well-planned 10-day itinerary can cover cultural sites, wildlife parks, beaches, and hill country, making it an efficient yet deeply enriching destination.