Japanese Tourist Tax 2026 Increases 3 Times, Holidays Will Be More Expensive?

Illustration of Japanese tourist tax 2026 (freepik)

YOGYAKARTA - Plans to go on vacation to Japan this year must be accompanied by a mature budget calculation. This is because the Japanese tourist tax 2026 has officially increased significantly from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen per person.

This tax increase policy will take effect on July 1, 2026. However, the increase is not the only change you need to be aware of.

A number of popular prefectures such as Kyoto, Hokkaido, and Hiroshima have also raised accommodation taxes. This means that your total travel expenses could be much higher than your initial estimate.

What is "Sayonara Tax" and why did Japan raise it?

As reported by the parade page, the international departure tax or often called Sayonara tax has been implemented in Japan since 2019 with a tariff of 1,000 yen per person. Starting July 1, 2026, the tariff will increase three times to 3,000 yen or around Rp. 330 thousand.

This step was taken in response to the increasingly worrying overtourism. Over the past few years, the surge in foreign tourists has begun to disrupt the comfort of local residents in various major cities.

It is natural that this policy provokes a reaction, but the Japanese government has a strong reason behind it. The reason is to maintain a balance between tourism growth and the quality of life of its people.

Read also: Want to go on vacation to Japan? Here are the cities with the best ramen to visit

How Much Departure Tax Should I Pay?

The good news is, this tax is automatically included in the price of your plane or boat ticket. So, you don't have to pay separately at the airport.

The old tariff of 1,000 yen is valid until June 30, 2026.

Then, as of July 1, all passengers aged two years and over leaving Japan, whether by air or sea, will be subject to the new tariff.

There are exceptions for crew members and passengers who transit for less than 24 hours. In addition, tickets contracted before July 1, 2026 are likely to still use the old tariff.

Accommodation Tax in Various Prefectures Also Increases

Accommodation costs are also not exempt from adjustments. As of the beginning of 2026, at least 20 regions in Japan have implemented a new lodging tax.

Kyoto is the most aggressive. Since March 2026, the hotel tax rate in this city has jumped sharply. For luxury hotels, the tax can reach 10,000 yen or around Rp. 1.1 million per night.

Then other cities such as Hiroshima, Gifu, and Toba imposed a lighter tariff, around 200-500 yen per night.

If you are looking for a melati class inn, the impact may not be too noticeable. But for those who like five-star hotels, the figure will be quite striking.

Things You Must Monitor Before Departing Japan

In addition to taxes, there are several other things that need to be on your travel radar. Japan is studying the JESTA system (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization), a kind of online registration before departure accompanied by additional fees.

The price of the JR Pass is also scheduled to rise again at the end of 2026. This makes traveling across the city by train more expensive.

Several iconic festivals have been canceled due to the pressure of overtourism. Japan is changing and tourists need to adjust their expectations.

Tips to Save on Holidays to Japan in the Middle of Tax Increases

Even though the cost is rising, a vacation to Japan can still be managed intelligently. Here are some tips you can try:

Book early

Tickets and accommodations purchased before July 2026 are likely to still use the old rates. This can save quite a bit.

Avoid staying in major city centers

Hotels in Kyoto and Tokyo bear higher taxes. Consider the surrounding small towns whose taxes are much lower.

JR Pass Evaluation

With prices continuing to rise, regional rail passes can be a more economical option, especially if your route is not too far away.

Take advantage of convenience stores

7-Eleven and Lawson in Japan are not just convenience stores. The food there is high quality and much more affordable than restaurants.

Avoid peak season

Spring (sakura) and autumn are always crowded and expensive. Visiting in winter or early summer can save more while avoiding crowds.

So, is Japan still worth visiting? The answer is yes. Even though the cost increases, Japan remains one of the most unique and memorable tourist destinations in the world. From ancient temples, clean city streets, to unique culinary experiences that are hard to replace.

For those of you who want to go on vacation to Japan, the key is only one, namely plan your trip early and more carefully.

Want to continue to monitor the development of the 2026 Japanese tourist tax and other latest travel policies? Visit VOI to get actual, reliable, and always updated international travel news every day.