If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you may need to set aside a little extra for your return journey. The Japanese government is considering a significant hike in its International Tourist Tax, potentially increasing it from 1,000 yen (approximately RM29) to as much as 5,000 yen (around RM148).
Photo via Business Traveller
The proposed tax adjustment is part of Japan’s efforts to manage overtourism, which has led to congestion in popular tourist hotspots. As visitor numbers continue to rise, the government aims to improve infrastructure and maintain a pleasant experience for both locals and travellers.
Introduced in 2019, the International Tourist Tax applies to all departing passengers, whether they are foreign visitors or Japanese citizens. The fee is automatically included in airline tickets and cruise fares, meaning travellers do not need to pay it separately at the airport or port.
Japan has experienced a surge in international visitors, with 36.87 million foreign tourists arriving in 2024 alone. In contrast, only 13.01 million Japanese citizens travelled abroad, according to the Japan Tourism Agency. Malaysian travellers, in particular, made over 500,000 trips to Japan last year – a notable 21.9% increase from 2023.
The potential rise in departure tax aims to:
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Mitigate the effects of overtourism by discouraging unnecessary travel.
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Enhance infrastructure, including airports and public transport systems.
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Preserve the quality of experience at key tourist destinations for both visitors and locals.
The proposal is still under review, with no confirmed implementation date as of yet. Japan’s ruling parties are currently discussing various options and are expected to finalise the details in an upcoming tax reform plan.
For now, travellers should keep an eye on further announcements and plan their budgets accordingly.
