Japan Is Raising Its Departure Tax to 3000 Yen Starting July

Traveling to Japan is about to come with a slightly higher fee on the way home.

Starting July 1, Japan has increased its international tourist tax—more commonly known as the departure tax—from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen per person, or approximately P1,135 as of writing. The tax applies to everyone leaving the country, including foreign visitors and Japanese nationals, and is collected through the cost of eligible airfare, cruise, and other departure tickets purchased from July 1 onward.

According to Jiji Press, the Japanese government said the increase is meant to help address the growing challenges brought by record numbers of international visitors. Additional revenue will go toward measures that ease overtourism, reduce congestion and nuisance behavior at popular destinations, and encourage travelers to explore regions beyond Japan's busiest cities.

According to government estimates, departure tax revenue reached roughly 52.5 billion yen in fiscal year 2024 and is projected to climb to around 130 billion yen in fiscal year 2026 following the increase.

For most travelers, there’s no separate payment to worry about. The departure tax is automatically added as a surcharge when purchasing eligible airline, cruise, or other international departure tickets. Travelers who bought their tickets before July 1 will still pay the previous 1,000-yen rate, even if they leave Japan after the new tax takes effect.

Some travelers are exempt from the tax. These include passengers transiting through Japan and departing within 24 hours of arrival, as well as children younger than 2 years old.