Photo for illustrative purposes. ClipartKorea
Korean travelers heading to Japan will face heavier costs starting this summer, as Tokyo prepares to triple its International Tourist Tax on outbound passengers.
The Japanese government will raise the tax from the current 1,000 yen (about 9,450 won) to 3,000 yen (about 28,350 won) from July 1. The move is seen as an effort to manage surging inbound tourism and bolster fiscal revenue.
According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) on Wednesday, the International Tourist Tax applies to all travelers departing Japan by aircraft or cruise ship. While the levy does not distinguish between Japanese nationals and foreigners, overseas visitors to Japan are expected to be the most affected. The tax is automatically collected as part of airfare or boarding fees.
The departure tax, currently 1,000 yen, will rise to 3,000 yen after the increase. For a family of four, the total burden would amount to roughly 110,000 won. To minimize market disruption, the existing rate will continue to apply to passengers departing on tickets issued by June 30. Children under the age of 2 are exempt.
“Fewer Tourists, Higher Revenue” — Dual Pricing Spreads Across Japan
The Japanese government cited reasons including creating a more comfortable travel environment, improving access to tourism information, and developing tourism infrastructure that utilizes regional cultural resources. The additional revenue will be used to address traffic congestion and public order issues caused by the surge in tourists.
Analysts say the measure is also linked to the spread of “dual pricing” across Japan, in which residents and outside visitors are charged different rates to manage tourism demand while boosting revenue.
Himeji Castle is a representative example. Since this spring, Himeji City has been charging residents aged 18 or older 1,000 yen for admission, while non-residents, including foreigners, pay 2,500 yen (about 23,600 won). The number of visitors has reportedly declined slightly, but overall revenue has risen significantly.
Kyoto, meanwhile, is pushing forward with a plan to differentiate city bus fares between residents and non-residents. Under the proposal being reviewed, the current basic fare of 230 yen (about 2,170 won) would be lowered to 200 yen (about 1,890 won) for residents, while outside visitors would pay up to 400 yen (about 3,780 won).
Is the “Cheap and Close Japan” Formula Faltering? Burden on Koreans Climbs
Japan has emerged as the most-visited overseas destination for Koreans in recent years, thanks to the weak yen and short travel distance. The Japanese government projects International Tourist Tax revenue for fiscal 2026 will reach approximately 130 billion yen (about 1.2287 trillion won), about 2.7 times higher than the previous year.
Industry observers say the tax hike alone is unlikely to sharply reduce travel demand, but combined with rising airfares and accommodation costs, the perceived cost burden will grow. Family travelers and frequent visitors to Japan, in particular, may feel a meaningful impact.
“Japan was a place I went to easily because it was close and cheap, but now with airfare and taxes both climbing significantly, it’s become a destination that’s no longer as easy to choose as before,” said one frequent traveler to Japan. As Japan increases the burden on tourists in response to overtourism, its image as a “value-for-money destination” is also expected to undergo significant change.
AloJapan.com