Japan's revenue from a departure tax collected from travelers in fiscal 2024 hit a record high amid an influx in the number of visitors, the Finance Ministry said Monday.
Although revenue from the tax for the full fiscal year, which runs from April to March, has yet to be calculated with final receipts gathered by the end of May, the total has already reached 48.1 billion yen, eclipsing the previous record of 44.3 billion yen in fiscal 2019, it said. The full total will be announced later.
The government imposes a 1,000 yen International Tourist Tax on each traveler leaving the country, regardless of nationality. After peaking in fiscal 2019, the revenue from the tax dropped sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has been recovering recently.
The country has been attracting more visitors on the back of a weaker yen and an increase in the number of flights, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has indicated a willingness to increase the departure tax amid growing calls to raise funds to promote tourism further and address overcrowding at tourist sites.
© KYODO
23 Comments
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sakurasuki
That's beside Japanese tourist lodge tax, mount Fuji tax and tariffs from imported goods that JGovt already impose.
MarkX
Hey Ishiba, raise it to Y5000, but only for tourists leaving the country!
sakurasuki
@MarkX
It's more apparent that Japan just closer in joining other developing nations that's try to make more money from tourist. Not only that it try to make tourist as main income.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-07/is-it-reasonable-to-pay-tourist-prices-when-travelling-overseas/11395356
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0160738311002039
MarkX
Why the thumbs down for Japanese and residents not having to pay a tax to leave the country they live in? WTF!
Futaro Gamagori
What's with the hate?
Tourists voluntarily come to Japan and they also use taxpayer funded things
carpslidy
>
fxgai
Just eliminate the consumption tax rebate. Done.
James Dean Jr.
If Japan’s goal is sustainable tourism, the answer isn’t just higher departure taxes—it’s smarter reinvestment. Use the record revenue to fix overcrowding, support local communities, and preserve what makes Japan worth visiting in the first place. Don’t just cash in—build up.
Hideyoshi.N
Same as other countries. 1000yen is cheap, can be 2000.
リッチ
Dump tax free outside the airport.
Negative Nancy
Well done to all involved. Now, in the most transparent way possible, please explain where this money will be used.
grc
Darn tourists, giving the government all that money. By the way, is there a breakdown of how the revenue is used at present?
HopeSpringsEternal
Every passing day Japan's Govt. spends MORE on debt service, as accumulated debt grows and interest rates rise = where this $tax revenue's going, drop in the bucket!
wallace
Japan's debt is owned by Japan, with assets greater than the debt. Japan also holds substantial foreign assets.
HopeSpringsEternal
All of Japan's assets are falling in 'real' value, as they are priced in Yen. Asset classes don't appreciate in aging depopulating countries, defies the 'law' of finance.
Japan's becoming VERY poor VERY fast and why the Govt. so aggressively trying to raise tax revenue and cut spending, as Bond markets yields rising fast.
Nobody outside Japan will ever buy and hold JGBs, just trading, hedging, etc. Japan must downsize its Govt. very soon, as you can't tax your way to prosperity!
1glenn
In order to promote tourism, they want to increase the tax on tourists. Is this logic from Lewis Carrol?
kaimycahl
I paid my share!
falseflagsteve
Worldwide stealth taxes for everything we do these days, lol.
Mona Bonar
I wonder if anyone has ever paid the exit tax 国外転出時課税 that was introduced in 2015?
Sanjinosebleed
Japan needs money! Most countries charge entry or departure tax and Japan should do so as well. Tourists put an added burden on Govt services and as such should be charged for the privilege. 1000 yen is nothing while I think 5000yen is a bit steep 2500~3000 would be acceptable if not warranted!
While they’re at it how about they use the windfall to put a few more public garbage bins around the joint!?
Blacklabel
long ago there was a machine where you had to buy a ticket for i think 2000 yen to give immigration when you left.
DanteKH
How would they know I am not a tourist, traveling for business, live and work here, or simmilar?
Why does all foreigners that live in Japan have to suffer extra taxes and burdens just because they are not Japanese citizens?
Futaro Gamagori
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