Japan Increases Departure Tax for International Travelers

Japan Increases Departure Tax for International Travelers

Japan is set to triple its international departure tax, commonly known as the "sayonara tax," later this year. Starting July 1, 2026, the fee for leaving the country will jump from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per person. The Japanese government plans to use the additional revenue to combat overtourism and upgrade infrastructure, ranging from multilingual signage to digital border processing systems.

The tax applies to everyone departing Japan, regardless of nationality or visa type. Whether you are a tourist, a business traveler, or a digital nomad on a long-term stay, the fee is unavoidable. Only children under the age of two and transit passengers who remain in the country for less than 24 hours without clearing immigration are exempt.

The collection process remains automated. The tax is bundled directly into the price of your airline or cruise ticket at the time of booking. It is important to note that the rate is determined by your departure date, not your purchase date. If you buy a ticket now for a trip ending in August, the higher ¥3,000 rate will be included in your fare.

Digital nomads and frequent travelers should keep these practical points in mind:

• Budgeting: Expect to pay roughly $20 USD extra per person for every departure from Japan.
• Timing: If you have flexibility for a short-term trip, departing before July 1 will save you the price increase.
• Local Fees: This change arrives alongside rising accommodation taxes in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, which can add up to ¥10,000 per night in premium locations.

Check our latest nomad news for more financial updates, and read our full Japan guide for the complete picture on living and working in the country.