Japan triples its 'Sayonara' tourist tax as Australians face higher costs leaving the country

By KYLIE STEVENS, SENIOR BREAKING NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 03:14, 10 July 2026 | Updated: 03:14, 10 July 2026 Australian tourists visiting Japan will now have to pay more when leaving the country after its government hiked the mandatory departure fee. Japan tripled its International Tourist Tax, sometimes referred to as the 'Sayonara Tax', on July 1 from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 - an increase from about $8.80 to $26.50.  The fee is charged to most tourists and Japanese citizens leaving the country by plane or ship and is typically included in the cost of airline and cruise tickets.  The increase marks the fee's first price hike since the 'Sayonara tax' was introduced in 2019. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the changes 'reflect inflation and exchange rate fluctuations'. 'We do not anticipate that it will have an immediate impact on inbound tourism,' he told reporters. The additional revenue will go towards funding over-tourism measures and improving Japan's infrastructure. A record 42.7 million international tourists visited Japan in 2025, including more than 1.056 million people from Australia. Japan tripled its International Tourist Tax on July 1 (Pictured, a woman visiting Mount Fuji) Experts don't believe the price hike will deter Australians from visiting Japan. 'Japan continues to represent excellent value, particularly with the favourable exchange rate and the breadth of experiences available,' World Expeditions chief executive Sue Badyari told Explore. 'For most travellers, [the additional tax] is unlikely to influence their decision to visit.  'If anything, travellers generally understand and appreciate when tourism revenue is reinvested into maintaining the places they come to enjoy.' Intrepid Travel ANZ managing director Brett Mitchell agreed and commended Japan for taking a considered approach to managing its popularity. He noted that popular hotspots, such as Kyoto and Hokkaido, increased their accommodation levies for tourists. The experts said they hope the fee hikes will encourage tourists to explore less crowded regions of Japan during off-peak periods. 'Individually these are small changes. Together they tell a clear story,' Mr Mitchell told news.com.au.  The 'Sayonara tax' is charged to most international tourists and Japanese citizens leaving Japan by plane or ship (Pictured, tourists wait at New Chitose airport) 'Japan is actively investing in how it manages tourism rather than just absorbing it. 'For Australians who travel thoughtfully, that's not something to be put off by.' Travellers exempt from the departure tax include children under two years old, airline crew, diplomats, and passengers transiting through Japan in under 24 hours. Ms Badyari said she believes other popular tourist destinations will soon follow suit in implementing or increasing departure tax hikes.  'If these levies are transparent and the revenue is genuinely reinvested into improving destinations, most travellers are very accepting of them,' she said.