Japan is set to introduce a series of significant changes for international tourists by 2026, aiming to create a more sustainable tourism model while managing a record-breaking influx of visitors. The planned overhaul includes a substantial increase in the departure tax, a shift to a refund-based tax-free shopping system, and a revision of visa fees. Here’s what travelers need to know about the upcoming changes.
Background: Addressing the Challenges of a Tourism Boom
Following the full reopening of its borders, Japan has experienced an unprecedented surge in tourism. In 2023, the country welcomed over 25 million foreign visitors. The trend has accelerated in 2024, with monthly arrivals consistently surpassing pre-pandemic levels and exceeding 3 million visitors in several months. While this boom is a major boost to the economy, it has also amplified challenges associated with “overtourism,” including strained public transportation, crowded tourist sites, and increased waste in popular destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, and the Mount Fuji area.
Furthermore, the current tax-free shopping system, which allows tourists to purchase goods without paying consumption tax at the point of sale, has been exploited for illegal resale schemes. The new measures are designed to address these issues head-on, ensuring the long-term health of Japan’s tourism industry and improving the experience for both visitors and residents.
Key Changes on the Horizon
A Tripling of the Departure Tax
The “International Tourist Tax,” often called the “Sayonara Tax,” is slated to increase threefold, from the current JPY 1,000 to JPY 3,000 (approximately USD 19). This tax is levied on all travelers departing from Japan by air or sea.
The additional revenue generated from this hike is earmarked for crucial investments in the tourism sector. The government plans to use the funds to:
- Upgrade and expand tourism infrastructure, such as improving airport facilities and public transport access.
- Enhance multilingual support and digital wayfinding for a smoother travel experience.
- Promote tourism to lesser-known rural regions to disperse crowds from major cities.
- Preserve and maintain Japan’s cultural and natural heritage sites.
A New Refund-Based Tax-Free Shopping System
Perhaps the most significant change for many travelers will be the overhaul of the tax-free shopping program. The current system allows tourists to simply show their passport at licensed stores to buy goods exempt from the 10% consumption tax.
The new system, planned for 2026, will transition to a refund-based model common in many other countries. Under this new process:
- Travelers will pay the full price, including the 10% consumption tax, at the time of purchase.
- They must then present their receipts and purchased goods at a designated refund counter at the airport or other departure points to claim their tax refund before leaving the country.
This change is primarily aimed at preventing the abuse of the system, where items are purchased tax-free for commercial resale within Japan. While this will help ensure fairness, travelers should anticipate needing extra time at the airport for the refund process and potential queues.
Revised Visa Fee Structure
The government is also reviewing its visa fee structure. While specific details have yet to be announced, the revision aims to create a more flexible system that can help manage the flow of visitors. This could potentially involve different fee levels based on nationality, visa type, or peak travel seasons.
Predicted Impact and Future Outlook
These changes signal a strategic shift in Japan’s approach to tourism, moving from a focus on pure volume to one of quality and sustainability. For travelers, the immediate impact will be a slight increase in the overall cost of a trip to Japan due to the higher departure tax and a change in the shopping experience.
However, the long-term benefits are expected to be substantial. The increased investment in infrastructure is poised to lead to a more comfortable and convenient travel environment, with less crowding and better facilities. By encouraging the dispersal of tourists to regional areas, visitors will have more opportunities to discover the diverse charms of Japan beyond the “golden route” of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
As Japan continues on its path toward its goal of attracting 60 million international visitors by 2030, these measures are a crucial step in ensuring that the nation remains a world-class destination that is enjoyable for tourists and livable for its residents. Travelers planning a trip for 2026 and beyond should stay informed about these new regulations as their implementation date approaches.
