Dharamsala, April 6 (IANS): Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama Sunday began his 12-day visit to Japan, where he will offer prayers and provide solace to the survivors of the devastating earthquake March 11, 2011, an official said here.

"His Holiness will attend a special prayer service Monday for those affected by the disaster in Sendai city," said Lhakpa Tshoko, spokesperson for the Dalai Lama's office.

An earthquake measuring 9 on the Richter scale and a subsequent tsunami three years ago, had left thousands dead and missing in Japan.

"One of the main purposes of the visit, is to provide emotional support and strength to those, who had been affected by the devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster," said a post on Dalai Lama's official website quoting the spokesperson.

This is the 20th visit of the globetrotting Tibetan spiritual leader to Japan. He first visited the country in 1967.

The Dalai Lama has lived in Dharamsala since fleeing his homeland in 1959.

Some 140,000 Tibetans now live in exile, over 100,000 of them live in different parts of India.