Japan Triples Departure Tax 2026: What Travelers Need to Know

Published on December 27, 2025

For millions of South Korean travelers, Japan has long been the ultimate “quick getaway”—a neighbor just a short flight away, offering world-class sushi, serene shrines, and unbeatable shopping. However, the cost of that “Sayonara” is about to get significantly steeper.

On December 26, 2025, the Japanese government finalized a budget for the 2026 fiscal year that includes a bold and controversial move: tripling the international departure tax from the current ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 (approximately 27,000 Korean won), effective July 2026.

If you’re planning a family trip or a solo adventure to the Land of the Rising Sun in 2026, here is everything you need to know about the new “polluter pays” approach to tourism.

The Math of Departure: What It Costs You

Currently, most travelers barely notice the “International Tourist Tax.” Introduced in 2019, the ¥1,000 fee is typically baked directly into the price of your airline or cruise ticket.

Starting in July 2026, a family of four flying from Seoul to Tokyo will see an additional ₩108,000 added to their total bill solely for the privilege of leaving the country. While ₩27,000 per person might not break the bank for a luxury traveler, it represents a significant hike for the “MZ Generation” and budget-conscious tourists who take advantage of low-cost carriers (LCCs) to visit Fukuoka or Osaka for the weekend.

Exemptions still apply for:

• Children under the age of 2.
• Transit passengers departing within 24 hours of arrival.

Why Now? The Battle Against “Overtourism”

Japan’s tourism industry is a victim of its own success. In 2024 and 2025, the combination of a weak yen and a post-pandemic travel boom saw record-breaking visitor numbers, particularly from South Korea. While this has been an economic boon, it has pushed local infrastructure to the breaking point.

The Japanese government’s rationale is rooted in the “polluter pays” principle. The massive influx of tourists has led to “tourist fatigue” among locals, cited in cities like Kyoto where buses are too crowded for residents to use and “trash blowing” has become a literal mountain of a problem.

The revenue generated—projected to reach ¥130 billion (approx. 1.2 trillion won) in 2026—will be funneled into:

• Infrastructure: Enhancing airport facilities and public transport to handle larger crowds.
• Congestion Relief: Investing in “demand-dispersion” projects to lure tourists away from overcrowded spots like Shibuya and toward hidden gems in regional Japan.
• Environmental Protection: Improving waste management and preserving cultural heritage sites strained by foot traffic.

The “Double Whammy” for Travelers

The departure tax hike isn’t the only change on the horizon. Travelers should prepare for a “multi-layered” increase in the cost of visiting Japan:

Kyoto’s Luxury Tax: Starting March 2026, Kyoto will implement a tiered accommodation tax. High-end stays could see taxes jump tenfold, reaching up to ¥10,000 per person, per night.

Visa Fee Hikes: While South Koreans currently enjoy visa-free entry for 90 days, those from countries requiring visas (like China or parts of Southeast Asia) will see visa fees quintuple in 2026.

The Rise of JESTA (2028): Looking further ahead, Japan plans to introduce the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA) by 2028. Similar to the U.S. ESTA or South Korea’s K-ETA, this will require visa-exempt travelers to pay an additional screening fee (estimated at ¥2,000–¥3,000) before they even board their flight.

A Human Perspective: Is Japan Still Worth It?

For many Korean travelers, the response to the tax hike is a mix of understanding and “yen fatigue.”

“I visit Japan three times a year because it’s cheaper than traveling domestically in Korea,” says Kim Min-ji, a 29-year-old office worker in Seoul. “Tripling the tax feels like a lot, especially when you add in the rising price of hotel rooms in Tokyo. It might make me consider Taiwan or Vietnam for my next short break.”

However, the Japanese government is banking on the fact that Japan’s unique appeal is “price inelastic.” For those who love the powdery snow of Hokkaido or the neon lights of Shinjuku, an extra ₩18,000 is a small price to pay for a more sustainable, less crowded experience.

Expert Tips for 2026 Travel

• Book Before July: If you are planning a summer trip, try to ticket your flights before the July 2026 implementation date to potentially lock in the lower tax rate.
• Explore the “New” Japan: With funds being diverted to regional tourism, 2026 might be the perfect year to skip the “Golden Route” (Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka) and head to underrated prefectures like Tohoku or Shikoku, where crowds are thinner and prices remain stable.
• Budget for “Hidden” Fees: Use a travel app to track total costs, including the departure tax, local hotel taxes, and the potential end of some tax-free shopping perks currently under discussion.

Final Thoughts

Japan’s decision to triple its departure tax marks a turning point in global tourism. It is a clear signal that “mass tourism” is being replaced by a “quality over quantity” model. While your next trip might cost more, the goal is a Japan that is better preserved, easier to navigate, and more welcoming for the next generation of travelers.