Japan’s departure tax is now ¥3,000: who pays, who is exempt, and how it is charged
Every international departure from Japan carries a national tax, and it tripled in 2026. Most travelers never pay it separately because it is in the ticket price, but the rules on exemptions and older tickets are worth knowing.
The short version
- Japan’s International Tourist Tax is ¥3,000 per departure from 1 July 2026 (it was ¥1,000).
- It applies to everyone leaving Japan by plane or ship, whatever their nationality or reason for travel, including Japanese citizens.
- It is normally added to your air or cruise ticket; there is no separate counter to pay at the airport.
- Tickets issued on or before 30 June 2026 keep the old ¥1,000 rate under a transitional measure.
What the tax is
The International Tourist Tax was introduced on 7 January 2019 to fund tourism promotion. The National Tax Agency and the Japan Tourism Agency state that the rate rose from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per departure from Japan on 1 July 2026. A transitional measure keeps the previous ¥1,000 rate if you depart using an eligible ticket issued on or before 30 June 2026.
Who pays, and who is exempt
The tax is charged to international travelers departing Japan by aircraft or ship, regardless of nationality or purpose. The National Tax Agency lists these exclusions and exemptions:
- Children under the age of 2.
- Transit passengers who leave Japan within 24 hours of entering.
- Crew members.
- Passengers who were travelling between two other countries but stopped in Japan because of an emergency such as bad weather, and passengers who had to return to Japan for the same kind of reason.
- People leaving on official government aircraft or ships, people subject to deportation, and certain foreign diplomats and military personnel departing on official duty.
How you pay it
As a general rule, airlines and cruise lines collect the tax from passengers, usually by adding it to the ticket price, and pay it to the government. You will normally see it among the taxes and fees on your booking rather than paying anything at the airport. Only travelers leaving on a private vessel or aircraft, such as a private jet, pay it themselves, by the time of boarding.
If you bought a ticket before 1 July 2026, check the fare breakdown or ask the airline whether the old or new rate applies; the transitional rule depends on the ticket’s issue date.
What the money is used for
The Japan Tourism Agency says the revenue is used in three areas: creating a stress-free, comfortable travel environment (for example smoother entry and exit, and measures against crowding); improving access to information about Japan’s attractions; and developing tourism resources based on local culture and nature.
Not the same as local accommodation taxes. Some cities and prefectures charge their own lodging tax per night. Those are separate from the national departure tax and are set by each local government, so check the booking terms for your accommodation.
Sources
- National Tax Agency, International Tourist Tax: basic knowledge (taxpayers, exemptions, rate, collection).
- Japan Tourism Agency, The International Tourist Tax will be increased to JPY 3,000 (PDF).
Quick answers
How much is Japan's departure tax in 2026?
The International Tourist Tax is 3,000 yen per departure from Japan from 1 July 2026. A transitional measure keeps the previous 1,000 yen rate for eligible tickets issued on or before 30 June 2026.
Do I pay Japan's departure tax at the airport?
Usually not. Airlines and cruise lines normally add it to the ticket price and pay it to the government. Only passengers leaving on a private aircraft or vessel pay it themselves before boarding.
Are children exempt from Japan's departure tax?
Children under the age of 2 are exempt.
Do transit passengers pay Japan's departure tax?
Transit passengers who leave Japan within 24 hours of entering are exempt.