Japan looks to triple departure tax to 3,000 yen to combat overtourism
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A tourist poses for photographs at Oishi park in the town of Fujikawaguchiko in Yamanashi prefecture.
PHOTO: AFP
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TOKYO - The Japanese government and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party are looking to triple the departure tax to 3,000 yen (S$25) per person to fund measures against issues from a surge in inbound tourism, sources familiar with the matter said Nov 12.
With Japanese travellers also likely to be subject to the higher tax, which is included in the price of air and sea tickets, the government may consider using part of the revenue to lower passport acquisition fees, according to the sources.
Some LDP members are even calling for a tax hike to over 3,000 yen.
Japan collected a record 52.48 billion yen in departure tax revenue in the year ended March 2025.
The government aims to use the increased tax income to address concerns about overcrowding, congestion and poor behaviour at tourist sites. KYODO NEWS
