The Tripled 'Sayonara Tax'
One of the most significant changes for all travellers is the tripling of the International Tourist Tax, sometimes called the 'departure tax' or 'sayonara tax'. Effective from July 1, 2026, this fee has increased from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen per person.
This tax is levied on everyone, regardless of nationality, who departs from Japan by air or sea. The charge is automatically included in the price of your plane or cruise ticket, so you won't need to pay it separately at the airport. Travellers who purchased their tickets before July 1, 2026, will still be subject to the old 1,000 yen rate. Children under two and transit passengers staying less than 24 hours are exempt. The government intends to use the additional revenue, projected to be around 130 billion yen in fiscal 2026, to combat overtourism by improving infrastructure and promoting tourism in less congested regions.
Steeper Visa Fees for Some
Japan has also significantly increased its visa application fees for the first time in nearly 50 years. As of July 1, 2026, the cost for a single-entry visa has jumped fivefold, from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen. A multiple-entry visa now costs 30,000 yen, up from 6,000 yen. However, it's crucial to note that this change does not affect most tourists from India, as India is one of the 74 countries and regions with visa-exemption arrangements with Japan for short-term stays. This includes countries like the United States, the UK, Australia, South Korea, and many European nations. The fee hike primarily impacts travellers from countries that require a visa for entry, such as China, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Officials stated the increase was to reflect inflation and the yen's depreciation over the decades.
New Tolls on Mount Fuji
A bucket-list item for many, climbing Mount Fuji now comes with a mandatory fee. To manage overcrowding and environmental impact on the popular Yoshida Trail, a toll of 2,000 yen per climber was implemented starting with the 2024 climbing season. This is in addition to the existing, but voluntary, 1,000 yen conservation donation. A daily limit of 4,000 climbers is also enforced on this trail, and the gate at the 5th station closes to climbers without hut reservations between 4 p.m. and 3 a.m. to prevent dangerous 'bullet climbing'—attempting to summit and descend without resting. For the 2026 season, the fee structure remains, with some reports suggesting a combined mandatory fee of 4,000 yen and continued daily limits. These measures aim to enhance safety and preserve the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Japan Rail Pass Price Adjustments
The Japan Rail Pass, a popular choice for long-distance train travel, is also seeing price changes. Following a major price hike in October 2023, another increase is scheduled for October 1, 2026, but with a specific catch. This new increase, which takes a 7-day standard pass from 50,000 yen to 53,000 yen, applies only to passes purchased through overseas travel agencies. To encourage direct sales, prices on the official Japan Rail Pass website will remain unchanged for a limited time. This makes purchasing directly online the more cost-effective option for now. Travellers should always calculate their individual itineraries to determine if the pass is still worth the cost compared to buying point-to-point tickets, as the break-even point has become much higher since 2023.
How to Budget for Your Trip
While these new costs add up, Japan's weak yen still offers significant value for many international visitors. The key is to plan ahead. Factor the 3,000 yen departure tax into your flight budget. If you need a visa, account for the higher fee. When planning train travel, compare the cost of buying a JR Pass directly from the official website versus purchasing individual tickets for your specific routes. Look into regional passes, which can be a much better value if your travel is concentrated in one area. For accommodation, be aware that cities like Kyoto have introduced tiered lodging taxes that can add to your nightly bill. By being aware of these new charges and planning accordingly, you can still enjoy an incredible and manageable trip to Japan.
