As of July 1st, 2026, Japan’s international tourist tax will increase from 1,000 JPY to 3,000 JPY. What does this mean, and how will it affect travellers? Check out our quick breakdown below to have all your questions answered.
What is an international tourist tax?
First introduced in 2019, Japan’s international tourist tax is levied on travellers departing Japan. This is following suit with other countries such as New Zealand, Bhutan, as well as various regions across Europe and North America. While many tourist taxes are issued on a nightly basis as a percentage of accommodation fees, Japan’s tourist tax is a one-time fee, charging a flat rate of 1,000 JPY / approx. $9 CAD (increasing to 3,000 JPY/approx. $27 CAD as of July 1st, 2026. )
How/when is the tax collected?
Playfully dubbed by some as the “sayonara tax”, Japan’s international tourist tax is collected upon departure from Japan. In the vast majority of cases, the tax is automatically factored into passengers’ return ticket at the point of purchase.
How are the collected taxes used?
Tourist taxes are used to support just that! Collected funds support the maintenance of public works, critical infrastructure at airports and tourist sites, restoration of historic assets, and the creation of online tourist resources. For more information, you can check out the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Tourism’s press release.
What does this mean for me?
If you’re an average traveller, very little! If you are planning a trip to Japan in the immediate future, then you may consider booking before July 1st for an additional 2000 yen’s worth of pocket change. Otherwise you can simply sit back, and take pride in your role in supporting more sustainable tourism in Japan.
On the off-chance that you are managing an international passenger transport business such as an airline or sealine, then you can refer to the Japan’s National Tax Agency (NTA) for further details.
For further reading:
Information about International Tourist tax | National Tax Agency JAPAN
