Japan’s International Tourist Tax To Triple Starting July 1

If you haven’t been paying attention, travel to Japan has hit record-high levels in recent years. Though visiting Japan has never been cheaper due to the historically weak Japanese Yen, some things have gotten more expensive.

Here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.

What Is Japan’s International Tourist Tax?

Introduced in 2019, Japan’s International Tourist Tax is imposed on travelers departing the country, as is the case in many other countries worldwide.

Commonly known as the departure tax or the “sayonara tax” (sayonara is Japanese for goodbye), it was instituted to increase investment in tourism infrastructure and promote travel to more rural destinations across the country.

Since its inception, travelers leaving the country by air or sea have been required to pay ¥1,000 (about $6). The tax is automatically included in airline and ferry ticket prices, meaning most passengers don’t even know they’re paying it.

However, as of July 1, 2026, Japan’s international tourist tax will increase to ¥3,000 (approximately $19). Travelers who book their tickets to Japan on or before Tuesday, June 30, 2026, will only be required to pay the current rate.

The tax applies to nearly everyone departing Japan, regardless of nationality. Both foreign tourists and Japanese citizens will pay the same amount.

There are very few exemptions from the departure tax — though children under 2 and transit passengers who depart Japan within 24 hours of arrival aren’t required to pay it.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

For the average traveler, this isn’t a huge change. Although this tax is increasing, most travelers won’t even notice the difference. Travelers leaving Japan won’t need to pay a separate airport tax, as it’s automatically included in the cost of the airline ticket.

Still, families and larger groups could feel a greater impact. A family of 5, for example, will pay an additional ¥10,000 (about $62) under the new tax rate. While this amount won’t deter most visitors, the added cost is more evidence of rising tourism costs in the country.

The departure tax hike is just one of a few tourism-related changes set to roll out in 2026. Earlier this year, Japan enacted new, increased accommodation taxes in various regions across the country. Later this year, the country’s new tax-free rules will also go into effect.

Final Thoughts

If you are planning to head to Japan in the future, your trip will be slightly more expensive. As of July 1, 2026, Japan’s International Tourist Tax will increase to about $19 per person. If you book your tickets to Japan on or before Tuesday, June 30, 2026, you will only pay the current rate of approximately $6.

While this increase isn’t massive in the grand scheme of things, it’s worth noting. Still, Japan is a fantastic country to visit, and this change shouldn’t deter anyone from visiting.