What Is This Airport Charge?
The fee is officially called the International Tourist Tax, but it's often nicknamed the “Sayonara Tax.” It was first introduced in 2019 to help the country enhance its tourism infrastructure and services. This isn't a fee you pay at a separate counter
at the airport. Instead, it’s a charge that applies to nearly every person, regardless of nationality, when they leave Japan by air or sea. The key thing to know is that it’s not a surprise payment you need to make right before boarding your flight.
How Much Does It Cost?
As of July 1, 2026, the International Tourist Tax was increased significantly. The charge tripled from its original amount of 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen per person. For travellers from India, this is approximately ₹1,770 to ₹1,780. This is a flat fee, meaning it doesn't change based on your ticket class or the airline you're flying. Everyone departing, from economy passengers to business class flyers, pays the same amount. If you booked and paid for your ticket before July 1, 2026, the previous rate of 1,000 yen applies.
How Is the Tax Collected?
This is the most crucial part and the reason why many travellers don’t even realise they’ve paid it. The departure tax is almost always included in the price of your airline or cruise ticket at the time of purchase. Airlines and ship operators collect the fee on behalf of the Japanese government and remit it to them. So, you won't be stopped at the airport and asked to pay 3,000 yen. The cost is already bundled into your total travel expenses, making the process seamless for travellers.
Who Is Exempt From Paying?
While the tax applies to most people, including Japanese nationals leaving the country, there are a few specific exemptions. You do not have to pay the tax if you are: a child under the age of two; a transit passenger who will depart from Japan within 24 hours of arrival; a crew member on the aircraft or ship; or someone whose travel is disrupted by bad weather or other unavoidable circumstances. Certain diplomats and officials on government business are also exempt. For the vast majority of tourists, however, the tax is a standard part of their departure.
Why Was the Tax Increased?
The Japanese government raised the tax to better manage the country's booming tourism industry. With a record 42.4 million visitors in 2025 and a goal of attracting 60 million annually by 2030, the strain on infrastructure has grown. The revenue generated from the increased tax—expected to be around 120 billion yen annually—will be used to address overtourism, improve tourism facilities, enhance multilingual information services, and encourage visitors to explore lesser-known regions beyond the crowded hotspots of Tokyo and Kyoto. In essence, travellers are directly contributing to the preservation and improvement of the very attractions they come to enjoy.
