More People Than Ever Are Visiting Japan — and the Taxes Are Rising to Match

Japan welcomed a record 42.7 million foreign visitors in 2025 and more than 10 million in the first quarter of 2026 for the first time. Its departure tax rose from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 in July 2026, and Kyoto's lodging tax now reaches up to ¥10,000 a night. What travellers need to know.

The Shibuya scramble crossing in Tokyo, one of Japan's most visited sights. Photo: Benh LIEU SONG, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

By the UISC BD Editorial Desk · United Information Service Center · Published 13 September 2026 · 4-minute read

"Japan travel" remains one of the most-searched travel destinations on Google. The numbers show why — and explain the new costs visitors now face.

Record Visitor Numbers

2025: a record 42.7 million international visitors, up 15.8 percent on 2024's previous high of 36.9 million.
January–March 2026: 10,683,500 arrivals, up 1.4 percent — the first time the first quarter has exceeded 10 million.

The New Costs

Departure tax tripled. From July 2026, the international tourist tax paid when leaving Japan rose from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per person. It applies to departures by air and sea and is automatically included in airline and cruise ticket prices.

Kyoto's lodging tax. Since March 2026, Kyoto's accommodation tax can reach as much as ¥10,000 per night at the top price bands.

Visa fees. For travellers who need a visa, fees rose roughly fivefold in 2026.

Why Japan Is Raising Them

The government's aims are to fund tourism management and infrastructure strained by record visitor numbers, and to help moderate crowding at the busiest places and seasons.

How to Plan a Smarter Trip

Budget for taxes. The departure tax is in your ticket, but lodging taxes are often added at the hotel.
Travel off-peak where you can — crowds and prices are lower outside major holidays and peak seasons.
Look beyond the famous names. Many regions outside Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka offer rich culture with fewer crowds.
Check visa rules for your nationality well before booking.
Plan your payments — see travel money cards explained.
Consider insurance — see what travel insurance costs.

A Balance Worth Watching

Japan's approach — welcoming visitors while charging them more to protect popular places — is being watched by other destinations facing overtourism. For Europe's new entry step, see our ETIAS guide.

Sources

"Japan tourism record 2026: arrivals, weak yen, new taxes," Travel Market News — travelmarketnews.com
"Japan departure tax 2026: now ¥3,000 — who pays and how it's collected," Self Guide Japan — selfguidejapan.com
"Travelling to Japan soon? New tourist taxes and hotel levies are coming in 2026," Outlook Traveller — outlooktraveller.com
"Japan tourist taxes 2026: departure tax, Kyoto hotel tax," Plan Japan Smart — planjapansmart.com

kyoto accommodation tax (1)

Japan Tourism Hits Records as Departure Tax Triples to ¥3,000