Japan is gearing up for a significant overhaul of its tourism policies, with a series of major changes set to roll out starting in 2026. As the country continues to welcome a record-breaking number of visitors, fueled by a weak yen and immense global interest, these new measures aim to streamline entry processes, manage the impacts of overtourism, and secure funding for future tourism infrastructure. For anyone planning a trip to Japan in the coming years, here’s a detailed look at what’s changing and how it will affect your travels.
The Introduction of the JESTA E-Visa System
A major shift in Japan’s entry protocol is on the horizon with the planned introduction of the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA).
What is JESTA?
Modeled after systems like the U.S. ESTA and the European Union’s ETIAS, JESTA will be a mandatory online pre-screening system for travelers from visa-exempt countries. Before boarding a flight to Japan, visitors will need to apply for and receive this electronic travel authorization. The system is slated for a full rollout by 2028. While details on the application fee are yet to be announced, it is expected to be a nominal charge, similar to other countries’ systems.
Background and Future Impact
The primary goal of JESTA is to enhance security and streamline immigration procedures. By collecting traveler information in advance, Japanese authorities can pre-screen visitors, which is expected to expedite the arrival process at airports. For travelers, this means an extra step in planning their trip. You will need to factor in the time to apply online and budget for a small processing fee. However, the potential for faster lines at immigration could be a welcome trade-off for the added pre-departure task.
Tax Hikes for International and Domestic Travelers
Travelers should also prepare for increased costs, as Japan plans to implement significant tax hikes aimed at tourists.
International Departure Tax to Triple
Effective July 1, 2026, Japan’s international departure tax, often called the “Sayonara Tax,” will triple from its current ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 (approximately $19 USD). This tax is typically included in the price of your airline ticket when leaving Japan.
Why the Increase?
This substantial increase is intended to generate revenue to further enhance Japan’s tourism infrastructure. The funds will likely be used to improve services at airports and tourist sites, promote travel to lesser-known regions to ease congestion in popular areas, and invest in sustainable tourism initiatives. With Japan welcoming over 3 million visitors in a single month for the first time in March 2024, the government sees this tax as a critical tool to manage the tourism boom and ensure its long-term viability. The increased revenue will be substantial; based on pre-pandemic visitor numbers of over 30 million annually, the tax hike could generate over ¥90 billion per year.
Kyoto’s New Tiered Lodging Tax
The historic city of Kyoto, a focal point of Japan’s overtourism challenges, is introducing a new tiered lodging tax in March 2026. This tax will be levied on top of accommodation fees and is designed to vary based on the price of the lodging—meaning more luxurious stays will incur a higher tax.
A Strategy to Combat Overtourism
Kyoto has long struggled with the negative impacts of excessive tourism, including crowded public transport, strained infrastructure, and disruption to local life. This new tax is a direct response to these issues. The revenue generated will be used to improve local infrastructure, such as increasing bus services and maintaining cultural heritage sites. By implementing a tiered system, the city aims to raise funds more equitably from visitors while mitigating the challenges that come with being one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
The Bigger Picture: Navigating Japan’s New Era of Tourism
These changes—the JESTA system and the dual tax hikes—are not isolated events. They represent a coordinated strategy by Japanese authorities to transition from a model focused purely on attracting visitors to one centered on sustainable and manageable tourism.
The record-breaking influx of tourists, which saw over 25 million visitors in 2023, has brought immense economic benefits but also significant strain. These new policies are designed to ensure that Japan can continue to be a world-class destination without compromising the quality of life for its residents or the experience for its visitors.
For future travelers, these updates mean that a trip to Japan will require a bit more planning and a slightly larger budget. It will be crucial to stay informed about the JESTA application process and to factor the new taxes into your travel costs. Ultimately, these measures are an investment in preserving the very beauty, efficiency, and culture that make Japan such a captivating place to visit.
