Japan plans to introduce new taxes and fees in 2026 to cope with record numbers of tourists and fund education and infrastructure development. Find out how much tourists will pay next year

If you dream of seeing the blooming sakura, the streets of Tokyo or the peaceful temples of Kyoto in 2026, it is worth putting a little more money in your travel budget in advance. The Japanese government has announced an increase in the cost of visas, tourist fees and taxes, which will affect both foreign travelers and local residents.

We will tell you about the main changes in the taxation system in the Middle Kingdom next year in this article.

Planning a trip to Japan in 2026? Don't forget to take out travel insurance that will cover expenses in case of illness, flight delay or lost luggage.

Simply take out a policy on the Visit World platform - and go on a trip without worries!

Why is Japan raising tourist fees?

The Japanese government plans to increase the international departure tax, which has been in effect since 2019, as well as review visa tariffs, which have remained unchanged since 1978. According to The Nikkei and Asahi Shimbun, the additional revenue will be used to improve airport security, develop tourism infrastructure, and fund new social programs, including free high school education.

This decision has a dual effect: on the one hand, the state will receive additional income without increasing the burden on its own taxpayers, and on the other, it will try to curb excessive tourism, which has been causing difficulties for local communities in recent years.

How much will travelers in Japan now pay?

The departure tax is currently ¥1,000 (approximately €5.50). The government is considering raising it to “international standards.” For example, Germany charges air passengers a departure fee that ranges from €15.53 to €39.34 for neighboring countries and €70.83 for all other countries.

The cost of visas could also increase several times. Currently, a single-entry Japanese visa costs ¥3,000 (about €19), and a multiple-entry visa costs ¥6,000 (about €38). If the tariffs are brought to the level of other developed countries (for example, €90 for a Schengen visa or £127 in the UK), the cost of traveling to Japan will increase significantly.

In addition, by 2028, a new electronic authorization system, JESTA, will be launched, an analogue of the European ETIAS. It will provide for an additional fee of approximately ¥6,000 (about €36) even for citizens of countries that have a visa-free regime with Japan.

Accommodation taxes in Kyoto

One of the first cities where tourist fees will increase significantly will be Kyoto. A new multi-tiered accommodation tax system will come into effect here from 2025:

- Guests of luxury hotels will pay up to ¥10,000 (€56) per night,

- Mid-range hotels will charge from ¥1,000 to ¥4,000 (€5.5–23),

- Budget options will charge just ¥200 (€1) per night.

The aim of the increase is not to reduce the number of tourists, but to ensure that travelers share fairly in the costs of supporting a city that welcomes millions of visitors every year.

How does the government explain the introduction of tourist taxes in Japan?

The government aims to raise more than €2.25 billion to finance free secondary education - an ambitious initiative of the new coalition led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the first woman to hold this position in Japan's history.

The increase in tourist fees, according to officials, will help find a balance between tourism development, cultural heritage preservation and social needs. At the same time, the discussion surrounding the record influx of tourists is causing increasing concern – both among local residents and politicians.

How is Japan tackling overtourism?

In 2024, the country welcomed more than 31 million tourists, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The influx of visitors is causing problems with transport, accommodation and even safety in popular locations.

Japanese authorities are gradually introducing new regulations: restrictions on tour buses in central Kyoto, advice for visitors to Nara, where tourists often come into contact with wild deer, and investment in sustainable tourism management.

As Nicholas Smith, chief digital officer at Thomas Cook, points out, tourism taxes are rarely intended to scare away visitors – rather, they help invest in the things that make cities attractive: cultural heritage, transport and cleanliness.

Japan is entering a new era in managing its tourism industry – with higher taxes, stricter regulations and a focus on responsible tourism.

Despite this, the country remains one of the most exciting and hospitable in the world - and it seems ready to do everything to maintain this reputation, even if it means a little more expense for travelers.

Planning a trip to Japan? Prepare in advance with the “Travel Guide” from Visit World. It will provide step-by-step instructions for applying for a tourist visa, a list of required documents, an example of filling out the application form and tips for visiting the country. The guide also contains information about visa fees, application processing times and life hacks for a comfortable trip.

Download the “Travel Guide” and go to Japan confidently and without unnecessary worries!

Reminder! In 2025, the rules for tourists in Europe will become stricter. We have already told you about new bans and the strangest fines in popular cities in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece and other countries. Protect your vacation and avoid trouble.

Photo – Freepik

---

---