If you’re planning a trip to Japan, there’s some disappointing news to keep in mind.
Starting July 1, 2026, Japan’s International Tourist Tax (departure tax) will triple from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 for travelers leaving the country.
With travel costs already rising amid high prices, the increase in the departure tax is unwelcome news. Here’s a concise look at what’s changing—and when to book to save money.
📌 The Key Changes at a Glance
- Effective date: Applies to travelers departing Japan on or after July 1, 2026 (Wednesday)
- New amount: From ¥1,000 to ¥3,000—a threefold increase
- How it’s paid: Automatically included in the tax and fee breakdown when purchasing an airline ticket or ferry ticket; no payment is required at the airport or port
- Who is affected: Adults and children alike; infants under age 2 and passengers transiting within 24 hours are exempt
💡 [Important] A Booking Tip to Cut Travel Costs
Even if your departure date is July 1 or later, tickets issued and paid for by June 30, 2026, will still be subject to the old ¥1,000 rate.
- Planning a trip to Japan for your summer vacation or the Chuseok holiday?
- In that case, it pays to complete your ticket purchase by June 30.
- For a family of four, that could save about ¥8,000—roughly 70,000 to 80,000 won—on the departure tax alone.
🤔 Why Is Japan Raising the Tax?
The Japanese government says the increase is intended to address the worsening problem of overtourism. The revenue will reportedly be used to improve the travel experience, including expanding automated immigration systems at airports, easing congestion at major tourist destinations, providing multilingual information, and installing smart trash cans.
If you’re considering a trip to Japan after July, it may be worth booking your flights a little sooner, given the size of the increase. If you know someone planning a trip to Japan, be sure to share this news with them.
