Japan triples departure tax for overseas travel

Tokyo (ANTARA) - Japan has raised its departure tax, officially known as the international tourist tax, from 1,000 yen (1 yen = Rp110) to 3,000 yen, effective Wednesday (1/7), local media reported. All travellers leaving the country, including Japanese citizens, pay this tax, which is added to the price of aeroplane tickets, cruise ship tickets, and other tickets issued from 1 July 2026, according to a report by public broadcaster NHK. The Japanese government plans to use the additional revenue to address the growing problem of overtourism across Japan, the report stated. According to the Japan Tourism Agency, departure tax revenue reached a record high of approximately 52.5 billion yen in fiscal year 2024, which ended in March 2025. The tax increase is projected to generate revenue of around 130 billion yen for fiscal year 2026.