Japan is considering new fees and restrictions on certain travel perks as the country grapples with overtourism.
For example, the fee charged to foreigners who want to climb Mount Fuji will double this summer, to 4,000 yen (about $28). Himeji Castle will charge visitors from outside western Japan between 2,000 and 3,000 yen admission, compared to 1,000 for locals, beginning in March 2026.
Japan’s Accommodation Tax
In March, nine cities and two prefectures in Japan will start charging an accommodation tax for the first time. Miyagi and Hiroshima prefectures, five cities in Hokkaido, two in Gifu prefecture and one each in Miyagi and Shimane prefectures will impose taxes ranging from 100 yen ($0.70) to 500 yen ($3.50) per person per night.
Eleven other communities in Japan already have accommodation taxes on the books. For example, Kyoto, which has struggled mightily with overtourism, has a 3-tiered tax system and has plans to increase the top tax tier from 1,000 yen to 10,000 yen per night.
Japan also charges a 1,000 yen per person departure tax on visitors.
The country also is amending its tax-free shopping program. Currently, international travelers are exempt from Japan’s 10 percent consumption tax. Beginning Nov. 1, 2026, however, visitors will have to request a refund of the tax rather than having it automatically waived at the point of sale.
