Hello, travelers! If you’re planning a trip to Japan or currently living there, there’s important news about upcoming changes to the departure tax system. The Japanese government has announced plans to increase the departure tax from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000, with business and first-class passengers potentially paying up to ¥5,000. While this represents a significant change, it’s part of a broader initiative to enhance tourism infrastructure and create more sustainable travel experiences.
Understanding the Departure Tax System
The departure tax, officially known as the International Tourist Tax, was introduced in Japan in 2019. This fee is automatically included in airline tickets or ferry fares for everyone departing Japan, regardless of nationality. The tax applies equally to international visitors and Japanese citizens traveling abroad, ensuring a fair system for all travelers.
The revenue generated from this tax is dedicated to improving tourism infrastructure, enhancing visitor services, and addressing environmental concerns at popular destinations. In fiscal year 2024, Japan collected a record ¥52.5 billion in departure tax revenue, reflecting the country’s growing popularity as a travel destination.
What’s Changing in 2026
The proposed increase would raise the standard departure tax from ¥1,000 (approximately $6.40) to ¥3,000 (around $19.20) per person by the end of fiscal 2026. Additionally, business and first-class passengers may be charged ¥5,000 (about $32) to reflect their higher service level.
These adjustments aim to bring Japan’s departure tax in line with international standards. For context, the United States charges $22.20 for similar services, making Japan’s current ¥1,000 fee notably lower than many comparable nations. The specific implementation timeline will be finalized during fiscal 2026 tax system reform discussions at year’s end.
Benefits and Positive Outcomes
The increased revenue from the departure tax will fund crucial infrastructure improvements and address challenges that come with Japan’s tourism success. These investments will focus on reducing congestion at popular tourist sites, improving transportation systems, enhancing environmental protection, and creating better experiences for both visitors and local communities.
The funds will support projects that distribute tourism more evenly across regions, develop new attractions in less-visited areas, and upgrade facilities at airports and tourist destinations. This strategic investment represents a commitment to sustainable tourism that benefits everyone—from international visitors enjoying smoother experiences to local residents facing less strain on their communities.
Balancing the Impact
Recognizing that Japanese nationals will also be affected by the departure tax increase, the government is considering complementary measures to ease the burden. One proposal includes reducing passport issuance fees, which currently cost ¥15,900 for a 10-year passport. This offset would help Japanese travelers while still generating necessary revenue for tourism infrastructure.
The government is also committed to maintaining tax-free shopping benefits for international visitors, supporting the tourism economy while implementing these fee adjustments.
Planning Your Trip
When budgeting for Japan travel in 2026 and beyond, factor in the updated departure tax as part of your overall expenses. The fee will be automatically included in your ticket price, so no separate payment is required. For families or groups, calculate the total impact based on the number of travelers and seat class.
Remember that over 70 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, enjoy visa-free short-term entry to Japan, so visa fee increases won’t affect travelers from these nations. The departure tax applies to everyone leaving Japan, making it a universal contribution to improving the country’s tourism infrastructure.