"The Era of Cost-Effective Travel Is Over... Departure Tax for a Family of Four to Japan Now Around 110,000 Won"

International Tourist Tax to Triple from 1,000 to 3,000 Yen in July

Dual Pricing Expands Amid Overtourism

Himeji Castle and Kyoto Also Move to Raise Tourist Fees

Starting this summer, the perceived cost of traveling to Japan will increase. This is because the Japanese government will raise the International Tourist Departure Tax, imposed on international airline and ship passengers departing Japan, from the current 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen—tripling the amount—beginning July 1.

Scenic view of a tourist attraction in Kyoto, Japan. Photo by TASS Yonhap News Agency

According to the travel industry on May 17, Japan, previously considered a 'cost-effective travel destination' due to the weak yen and its proximity, is shifting toward a structure where tourists bear a greater portion of the costs resulting from the surge in visitor numbers.

The International Tourist Departure Tax is levied on anyone leaving Japan by air or sea. It applies equally to both Japanese nationals and foreigners, and is also imposed on foreign tourists returning home after their trip to Japan. The tax is collected as part of the airfare or ticket price.

When the tax rate rises to 3,000 yen, the departure tax alone for a family of four will be 12,000 yen—approximately 110,000 won. This is three times the current burden. However, for certain airline or ship tickets issued by June 30, the current tax rate of 1,000 yen will still apply, even if the departure is after July. Infants under two years old are exempt from the tax.

The Japanese government cited improvements to the travel environment, expanded access to tourism information, and development of regional tourism resources as reasons for the increase. As the influx of tourists has led to greater traffic congestion, disruptions to daily life, and public order issues, the government intends to use the additional funds to ease congestion and expand tourism infrastructure. According to the 2026 budget documents from the Japan Tourism Agency, 130 billion yen in revenue from the International Tourist Departure Tax has been reflected.

The background to this move is a sharp increase in tourists visiting Japan. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the number of foreign visitors to Japan reached a record high of 42,683,600 in 2025—an increase of 15.8% compared to 36,870,148 in 2024. While the surge in tourists has benefited the Japanese economy, in popular destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, it has also contributed to increased traffic congestion and inconvenience for residents.

Along with the tax increase, 'dual pricing'—charging different rates for local residents and outside visitors—is also spreading. A prominent example is Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture. Since March 1, Himeji City has adjusted the entrance fee for Himeji Castle to 1,000 yen for residents aged 18 and over, and 2,500 yen for non-residents. The city explained that this measure reflects the costs required for preservation, maintenance, and the creation of historical and cultural spaces around the castle.

Kyoto has also been considering ways to increase the burden on tourists. Proposals have included different fares for city buses for residents and visitors, and raising accommodation taxes as a measure to combat overtourism. The trend in popular tourist cities is shifting from policies aimed at attracting as many visitors as possible to those focused on managing visitor flows and imposing greater costs on tourists.

It is unlikely that the increase in the departure tax alone will cause demand for travel to Japan to plummet. Compared to the price of long-haul airline tickets, 3,000 yen is not a significant amount. However, for families or frequent short-term travelers to Japan, the perceived burden will be greater. With airfare, accommodation, and local transportation costs already on the rise, the addition of higher taxes and tourist site fees will inevitably weaken Japan's image as a 'cheap and nearby' destination.

Ultimately, the changes in travel costs to Japan are not merely an issue of higher taxes. It signals a shift in Japan's tourism policy from a stage of attracting more foreign visitors to one where the costs of congestion and preservation are shared among the increasing number of tourists.

An industry expert advised, "If you are planning a trip to Japan this summer, you should consider not only the price of airline tickets, but also when the departure tax applies and the fees at local tourist attractions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.