Japan’s solution to overtourism: Tripling departure tax
The Japanese government and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party are considering tripling the country’s departure tax to 3,000 yen ($25) per person to fund measures addressing problems arising from a surge in inbound tourism.
The departure tax, currently set at 1,000 yen, is included in the price of air and sea tickets for all travelers leaving Japan. The proposed increase would apply to both foreign visitors and Japanese nationals.
According to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to The Straits Times, the government may consider using part of the increased revenue to lower passport acquisition fees, thereby offsetting the burden on Japanese travellers.
Some members of the Liberal Democratic Party are calling for a hike even higher than 3,000 yen, though no final decision has been made.
Japan collected a record 52.48 billion yen in departure tax revenue in the fiscal year that ended in March 2025, reflecting the strong recovery in travel.
The government plans to use the increased tax income to address concerns linked to overtourism, including overcrowding, congestion, and poor behaviour at major tourist sites.
Officials say such measures are becoming increasingly urgent as Japan experiences a sharp rise in inbound tourist arrivals.
The proposal remains under discussion as part of broader efforts to manage the impact of tourism on local communities and public infrastructure, according to Kyodo News.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
