Japan Raises Departure Tax and Visa Fees to Counter Overtourism

On 1 July 2026 the Japanese government implemented its first visa-fee increase since 1978 and the first departure-tax hike in nearly 50 years. The “international tourist tax” rose from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per person, while single-entry visa fees for foreign visitors jumped from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000 and multiple-entry fees from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000. Simultaneously, passport-issuance fees for Japanese nationals were cut, with the ten-year adult passport fee falling from ¥15,900 to ¥9,300 (online applications cheaper by an additional ¥400).

Japan Triples Departure Tax to Fund Overtourism Response

Japan has been the World Travel Index’s top destination for two years. Visitor numbers climbed from just over 10 million in 2013 to a record 42.7 million in 2025, and the government now aims for 60 million arrivals by 2030. Rapid growth has produced congestion in Tokyo, Kyoto and other hotspots, littering, and higher maintenance costs for historic sites, prompting authorities to seek fiscal tools to fund mitigation measures.

The Guardian

• Departure-tax revenue: ¥49 billion in FY 2025 (record) and projected ¥130 billion for FY 2026 (Japan Tourism Agency).

Japan triples departure tax to combat overtourism

• Visa-fee increase: five-fold for single-entry, ten-fold for multiple-entry visas.

Japan Triples Departure Tax to Fund Overtourism Response

• Passport-fee reduction: ten-year adult passport now ¥9,300 (? 44 % cheaper); online five-year passports for ages 12-18 at ¥4,400.

Japan Triples Departure Tax to Fund Overtourism Response

• Tourist spending: ¥9.5 trillion in 2025, a 16 % rise from the previous year.

Japan triples departure tax to combat overtourism

• Himeji Castle admission: price for overseas visitors set at ¥2,500 (city residents ¥1,000); first-month revenue doubled despite a 17 % drop in admissions.

The Guardian

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi explained that the visa-fee rise reflects inflation and yen depreciation and is not expected to immediately curb inbound tourism. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs paired the tax increase with passport-fee cuts to offset the added burden on Japanese travelers. The Japan Tourism Agency announced a 700 % budget boost to ¥10 billion for AI-driven crowd-detection cameras, visitor-cap booking systems, park-and-ride schemes and smart waste bins.

Japan Today

Local residents have voiced concerns that dual-pricing schemes “segregate” visitors. British expatriate Lauren Kelly described the practice as “quite segregating.” Himeji Castle manager Kensuke Tsushi noted criticism that discounts for city residents could damage the site’s image, while also emphasizing the policy as a flat ¥2,500 fee with a resident discount. Nagano resident Yoko Fujihara defended higher charges for non-residents at onsen facilities, arguing they reflect local usage patterns but acknowledged the broader economic benefit of tourism.

The Guardian

Beyond Himeji, state-run museums and the Junglia Okinawa theme park have introduced higher tickets for overseas guests. The dual-pricing model, common in other Asian destinations, aims to redistribute visitor flows away from overburdened sites such as Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Osaka and Kyoto.

The Guardian

Revenue estimates differ: one source cites ¥49 billion for FY 2025, another reports a record ¥52.5 billion. Projected FY 2026 earnings are quoted as ¥130 billion and ¥120 billion respectively. While officials deny targeting specific nationalities, a Chinese commentary suggests the visa-fee hike may be aimed at Chinese tourists—a claim not confirmed by Japanese authorities.

Japan triples departure tax to combat overtourism

• “Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said earlier the fees were raised to reflect inflation and the yen's depreciation, and that the move is not expected to have an immediate impact on inbound tourism.” — Toshimitsu Motegi, Foreign Minister of Japan

Japan Today

• “It’s often reported as ‘dual pricing’, but we see it as a flat 2,500 yen with a discount for city residents who show ID,” — Kensuke Tsushi, Himeji Castle management bureau

The Guardian

• “It feels quite segregating,” — Lauren Kelly, British expatriate in Bangkok

The Guardian

• “There are onsen I go to where non-residents have to pay 200 yen ($1.25) more. It makes sense as some local people don’t have baths at home and so go there every day – it’s fine for others to pay more when they visit,” — Yoko Fujihara, Nagano resident

The Guardian

The expanded tourism budget will fund AI crowd-monitoring, visitor-cap booking platforms and incentives to promote travel to lesser-known regions. Authorities are also monitoring the impact of higher fees on visitor numbers and local sentiment as Japan pursues its 60-million-visitor target.

Japan Increases Visa Fees to Mitigate Overtourism Challenges