The sustained increase in visitor numbers has raised concerns about the capacity of tourism infrastructure and the quality of life of local residents. Flagship cities such as Kyoto have experienced notable congestion in tourist areas and public transport systems, affecting both residents and visitors.
To address these challenges, the government is considering raising the departure tax to 3,000 or even 5,000 yen per person. This increase would bring Japan in line with other countries that levy higher exit taxes, such as Egypt (approximately 3,750 yen) and Australia (around 7,000 yen).
The additional revenue generated by this increase would be used to expand transport facilities and improve airport infrastructure, with the aim of managing the flow of tourists more efficiently and reducing the negative impact on local communities. These measures seek to balance the promotion of international tourism with the need to preserve the quality of life of residents and the integrity of tourist destinations.
In addition to the departure tax, some localities are implementing additional fiscal measures to address overtourism. The city of Kyoto, for example, plans to increase the hotel accommodation tax.
Currently, this tax ranges from 200 to 1,000 yen per night, depending on the cost of accommodation. The proposal seeks to increase this tax to 10,000 yen per night for stays over 100,000 yen, with the aim of funding initiatives to mitigate tourism congestion and preserve the city's cultural heritage.
Other regions are also adopting similar measures. The hot spring town of Higashi-Izu, known for its onsen, will increase its bathing tax from ¥150 to ¥300 per person per day from March 2025. This measure aims to generate additional revenue for the maintenance of facilities and the sustainable management of tourism in the region.
The Japanese government has set a goal of attracting 60 million international tourists by 2030. However, this ambitious target requires careful planning and the implementation of policies that ensure a balance between tourism growth and sustainability. The proposed fiscal measures reflect a proactive approach to address the challenges of overtourism, ensuring that the tourism sector continues to be a source of economic prosperity without compromising the quality of life of residents and the integrity of tourism destinations.
Japan is taking a series of fiscal and strategic measures to address the challenges associated with overtourism. The increase in the International Tourist Tax and other local taxes reflects the country's commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and preserving its cultural and natural heritage. These initiatives seek to ensure that visitors and residents alike can enjoy the riches that Japan has to offer in a balanced and respectful manner.
