Japan Departure Tax 2026: Latest ¥3,000 Fee, Increase, and Exemptions Explained

Japan's departure tax is now ¥3,000 per departure, up from ¥1,000 before July 1, 2026. The tax applies to Japanese nationals and foreign visitors alike, regardless of nationality or travel purpose, when departing Japan by air or sea.

However, certain qualifying transportation contracts concluded by June 30, 2026, remain subject to the previous ¥1,000 rate under a transitional measure. Here is what international travelers need to know about the latest fee, payment methods, and exemptions before leaving Japan.

✈️ Japan Departure Tax 2026: Quick Summary

• Current standard rate: ¥3,000 per departure

• Effective date: July 1, 2026

• Previous rate: ¥1,000 for qualifying transportation contracts concluded by June 30, 2026

• Who pays: Passengers departing Japan by aircraft or ship, regardless of nationality

• Main exemptions: Children under two, qualifying transit passengers, crew members, and certain other legally exempt travelers

💴 How Much Is Japan's Departure Tax in 2026?

Japan's departure tax is officially called the International Tourist Tax. Introduced in January 2019, it is charged each time a passenger leaves Japan for another country by aircraft or ship.

As of July 1, 2026, the standard rate has increased threefold, from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per departure.

For example, a South Korean traveler flying from Tokyo to Seoul after July 1, 2026, will generally be subject to the ¥3,000 departure tax.

The charge applies per departure, not per trip itinerary. If you leave Japan, return later, and depart again, another departure tax may apply.

📅 Why Did Japan Increase the Departure Tax?

The Japanese government raised the International Tourist Tax to secure funding for tourism infrastructure and address challenges associated with growing visitor numbers.

The additional revenue is intended to support several areas:

• Reducing overcrowding at popular tourist destinations

• Improving airport facilities and immigration procedures

• Developing regional tourism destinations and cultural attractions

• Making travel information more accessible to international visitors

The increase is part of Japan's broader efforts to improve the travel environment while managing the impact of increasing tourism.

🎫 What If You Bought Your Flight Ticket Before July 2026?

There is an important transitional rule that some travelers may benefit from.

Although the new ¥3,000 rate took effect on July 1, 2026, the previous ¥1,000 rate continues to apply to certain qualifying transportation contracts concluded on or before June 30, 2026, even when departure takes place after the new rate becomes effective.

This means the departure date alone does not always determine the applicable tax rate.

Travelers should check whether their booking meets the transitional requirements rather than assuming that every ticket purchased before July 1 automatically qualifies.

If you have changed or reissued your ticket, contact your airline to confirm which rate applies to your booking.

👶 Who Is Exempt from Japan's Departure Tax?

Most passengers leaving Japan must pay the tax, but Japanese law provides exemptions for certain categories.

One important distinction concerns children. Passengers under two years old are exempt, but children aged two or older are generally charged the same ¥3,000 rate as adults.

Transit passengers should also be careful. Simply connecting through a Japanese airport does not automatically guarantee an exemption. The applicable conditions, including departure within 24 hours after entering Japan, must be met.

💳 How Is the Departure Tax Collected?

For ordinary international flights and passenger ships, travelers generally do not need to pay the departure tax separately at the airport or seaport.

Airlines and shipping companies collect the tax from passengers and transfer it to the Japanese government. It is usually included in the ticket price or listed among taxes and fees during booking.

When checking your flight reservation, review the fare breakdown and the taxes and charges included in the total price.

Different arrangements may apply to private aircraft or private vessels that are not operated as ordinary international passenger transportation services. In such cases, passengers may need to pay the tax directly to customs before boarding.

⚠️ Is Japan's Departure Tax the Same as Its Accommodation Tax?

No. Japan's departure tax and accommodation tax are separate charges.

The departure tax is collected once for each qualifying departure from Japan. Accommodation tax, on the other hand, is imposed by certain local governments on overnight stays.

Accommodation tax rates and collection rules vary by destination and local regulations. Some hotels collect the tax separately at check-in or check-out.

When preparing your Japan travel budget, remember to account for both the departure tax included in your transportation costs and any accommodation tax charged by your hotel.

🧳 Check Your Ticket Before Leaving Japan

As of November 2026, Japan's standard departure tax is ¥3,000 per departure. It applies to South Korean travelers and other international visitors as well as Japanese nationals.

For most passengers, the airline or shipping company collects the tax automatically, so there is no need to make a separate payment at the airport.

The main exception to the new rate is the transitional arrangement for qualifying transportation contracts concluded by June 30, 2026.

Before your trip, check the taxes and fees shown in your flight reservation. If you booked before July 2026 or subsequently changed your ticket, ask your airline to confirm the applicable departure tax.