Record revenue: Japan's departure tax exceeds all expectations!

Record revenue: Japan's departure tax exceeds all expectations!

Japan's departure tax reached a record level of 48.1 billion yen (approx. 34 billion euros) in the 2024 fiscal year. This sum far exceeds the previous high of 44.3 billion yen from fiscal year 2019, as Sumikai reported. The exit tax of 1,000 yen (approx. 6 euros), which has been levied every time you leave Japan since 2019, affects all travelers, regardless of nationality or purpose of travel, and is automatically calculated when purchasing plane or ship tickets.

After the enormous losses during the corona pandemic, tax revenue is steadily recovering. The weak yen and an increasing number of international flight connections are primarily responsible for the increase in revenue, according to the Japan Tourism Organization (JNTO). The proceeds from the departure tax flow into the expansion of tourism infrastructure and digital services, including multilingual signage and improved check-in processes at airports.

Future changes for tourists

In 2025, several important changes for tourists are expected in Japan. A significant innovation is the introduction of the Japan Electronic Travel Authorization (JESTA) system. Travelers from visa-free countries will in future have to apply for approval online before entering the country in order to increase the security and efficiency of the entry process Ryukoch is mentioned. A pilot project for a pre-clearance system will start in January 2025 for travelers from Taiwan.

Furthermore, from March 15, 2025, the number of non-reservable seats on the Nozomi Shinkansen will be reduced. Travelers should therefore reserve their seats in advance, especially during peak times. From April 2025, new tax-free regulations will come into force, which include, among other things, provisional payment of consumption tax and a digitalized refund process.

Future tax increases and their effects

The discussion about a possible increase in the departure tax, initially only for foreign travelers, has already begun. LDP MP Yumi Yoshikawa put forward the proposal to adjust the amount to international standards. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he was open to the idea but stressed that tourists should make a fair contribution. An increase in the tax could particularly impact short trips and the budget airline sector, although there are warnings from the travel industry that additional fees could reduce Japan's attractiveness as a travel destination.

Additionally, starting in summer 2025, the Mount Fuji hiking fee will increase from ¥2,000 to ¥3,000. A restaurant FastPass system will also be introduced to avoid queues at popular restaurants. Travelers are strongly advised to start planning their 2025 trip to Japan early, especially with Expo 2025 in Osaka taking place from April 13 to October 13.