TOKYO – Japan is considering an increase of at least threefold in its departure tax, Nikkei has learned, raising revenue to address damage caused by overtourism as the country receives more visitors.

The levy, formally known as the International Tourist Tax, stands at 1,000 yen ($6.50) per person and is paid by anyone leaving Japan, regardless of nationality. Some in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party support an increase in the levy. The government aims to decide by the end of the year through discussions with the ruling coalition’s tax commission and other bodies.

The tax is collected by adding the cost to airline or ship fares. In fiscal 2024, revenue from the tax rose to a record 52.4 billion yen.

But such a tax hike could reduce the number of Japanese nationals traveling overseas, so the government also is considering a simultaneous cut to passport issuance fees for citizens. An online application for a 10-year passport costs 15,900 yen. Lowering that figure would require changes to the Passport Act.

Japan would use the anticipated increase in tax revenue to address overtourism through measures such as building new parking areas and garbage bins, easing congestion on public transportation and supporting the introduction of reservation systems at tourist facilities. Visitors to Japan reached a record 36.87 million in 2024, the Japan National Tourism Organization reports.

Meanwhile, 13 million Japanese nationals traveled abroad, 35% lower than in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. The weak yen is thought to be influencing both inbound and outbound travel trends.