Japan plans to raise the international tourist tax from 1,000 to 3,000 yen by 2026, in the context of a record influx of tourists.

The introduction of the international tourist tax in 2019 aimed to apply it to all passengers departing from Japan, including those in transit with layovers longer than 24 hours. Currently, the tax is 1,000 yen (approximately 6 euros), but Japanese lawmakers are considering an increase to 3,000 yen (over 15 euros) by 2026. This proposal arises in the context of a record increase in the number of tourists, estimated at 36.9 million in 2024, which puts pressure on infrastructure and tourism management.

Additionally, tourists face extra costs, including a tax from Kyoto of up to 56 euros per night. The departure tax, estimated to bring in 52.4 billion yen in 2024, is considered essential to ensure sustainable tourism and to reinvest in the conservation of cultural heritage and the maintenance of sites.