The Japanese government has begun preliminary discussions regarding the potential implementation of a tax on tourists, with the possibility of it taking effect as soon as 2026.
In recent years, Japan has seen a significant increase in tourist arrivals, welcoming a record 36.8 million visitors in 2024. This surge in travel marks a return to pre-pandemic levels, surpassing the previous record of 32 million travelers set in 2019.
This growth in tourism aligns with a global post-pandemic trend, often referred to as “revenge travel,” in which people flock to popular destinations following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. However, this influx of visitors has sparked concerns in certain destinations, including Japan, where locals have expressed frustrations similar to those in other heavily visited countries like Spain and Mexico.
The government’s consideration of a tourist tax is part of ongoing discussions about managing the challenges associated with this increased tourism while ensuring the sustainability of the industry.
