Japan Increases Tourism Taxes and Entry Inspection Fees, Signaling a Shift Toward Sustainable Tourism to Balance their Growth with Environmental and Economic Concerns

Published on December 27, 2025

The Japanese government has announced plans to increase tourism taxes for foreign visitors, including South Koreans, by a large margin from July 2024. The new tourist tax is aimed at addressing Japan’s increasing fiscal and environmental problems and has already caused a series of tourist booking cancellations at Japanese tourist resorts. Apart from increasing tourist departure taxes, Japan has plans to start charging entry inspection fees by 2028, continuing to change Japan’s tourism landscape. The rise in tourism taxes is occurring while Japan is grappling with increasing national debt, covering increasing social security expenses and increasing defense spending, making tourism an important source of extra funding for Japan.

Raising Taxes for Sustainability and Future Tourism Growth

The departure tax, formally known as the International Tourism Passenger Tax, will rise from 1,000 yen (about 9,000 Korean won) to 3,000 yen (around 27,000 Korean won) starting in July 2024. This increase reflects the government’s effort to mitigate the environmental and infrastructure impacts caused by overtourism. With growing concerns over the negative effects of mass tourism on Japan’s natural resources and cultural heritage, the government is introducing the tax under the polluter pays principle, aiming to reduce the environmental burden while still benefiting from tourism revenue.

The anticipated revenue for the 2026 fiscal year is projected to increase 2.7 times, reaching 130 billion yen (about 1.2 trillion Korean won), which will be directed toward tourism infrastructure improvements, including waste management and congestion relief measures. This shift toward regenerative tourism represents a key step in Japan’s tourism strategy to adapt to future demands and ensure that tourism contributes to the sustainability of both the environment and the economy.

Entry Fees and Future Tourist Access: The Cost of Sustainable Tourism

In addition to the departure tax increase, Japan plans to introduce an entry inspection fee by 2028 as part of the Electronic Travel Authorization System (JESTA). This fee will range between 2,000 and 3,000 yen (approximately 18,000 to 27,000 Korean won) and will be applicable to travelers from visa-exempt countries, including South Korea. These fees are designed to strengthen security and manage border control, but they also serve to create a more regulated and sustainable tourism model. The introduction of these charges aims to ensure that tourism growth remains balanced and does not overwhelm the country’s infrastructure, natural sites, or communities.

The combined cost of departure taxes and entry fees will likely amount to 5,000–6,000 yen (about 45,000–54,000 Korean won) per person, signaling a shift towards premium tourism that prioritizes quality over quantity. This approach could lead to higher spending tourists but may also reduce the volume of lower-budget travelers. In the future, Japan might see a shift toward attracting tourists who contribute greater economic value while minimizing environmental harm.

Future Impact: A Shift Towards High-Value, Sustainable Tourism

While these new taxes and fees could initially deter some budget-conscious travelers, the long-term impact is expected to be a shift toward high-value tourism. Japan’s focus on sustainable tourism practices will not only enhance the tourist experience but also ensure that tourism contributes positively to the local economy and environment. As global tourism trends move toward more conscious travel, Japan’s measures could serve as a model for other nations seeking to balance economic growth with sustainability goals.

Future tourism in Japan will likely focus on eco-friendly tourism, cultural heritage tours, and luxury eco-resorts, all of which require thoughtful planning and infrastructure investment. With sustainable tourism models gaining prominence, Japan will benefit from creating high-quality tourism experiences that attract tourists looking for meaningful travel that respects local ecosystems and cultural heritage.

Fostering Future Tourism Growth through Innovation and Partnerships

The introduction of tourism taxes and entry fees could encourage the development of more innovative tourism experiences that blend eco-consciousness with high-end services. Japan has the potential to lead in luxury sustainable tourism, offering luxury eco-resorts, private eco-tourism experiences, and personalized cultural tours that attract discerning travelers interested in sustainability. The country’s ability to harness advanced technologies and partnerships in the tourism industry will be key to sustaining growth in the tourism sector without compromising the health of the environment.

A Future of Regenerative Tourism in Japan

The future of tourism for Japan rests on its ability to be responsive to the new world trends for more sustainable and responsible travel patterns. Japan is on the cutting edge of new technologies for more environmentally sound travel options, eco-tourist activities, and preservation of Japan’s rich culture; therefore, sustainability trends expect Japan to be at the forefront of regenerative travel initiatives. The recent taxes and entry charges indicate Japan’s commitment to ensuring tourism meets all its needs.

In the long run, this change that will see Japan practice high-value and sustainable tourism will play an essential role in Japan’s continued stance among the best touristic destinations in the world. At the same time, the future effects will be realized in the whole tourist industry in Japan, offering an example that other countries can emulate in their endeavors to balance growth with environmental conservation.