As Japan continues to welcome record-breaking numbers of international visitors, the government is preparing new measures to tackle overtourism and strengthen public finances. Starting in 2026, visa fees, departure taxes, and hotel levies are expected to become more expensive.

Between January and September 2025, Japan received 31.65 million international tourists, a 17.7 percent increase from the same period last year. Officials expect the total number to surpass 40 million by the end of 2025, driven by a weak yen and the strong return of Chinese visitors.

The tourism surge has boosted Japan’s economy but also sparked growing concerns over overtourism. Crowded attractions, higher living costs, and infrastructure strain have led to tensions between residents and tourists in popular destinations such as Kyoto and Tokyo. Authorities say more funding is needed to upgrade public infrastructure, train local tourism operators, and ensure local communities benefit directly from tourism income.

Part of the additional revenue could also support new social programs. For example, the government is seeking around €2.25 billion to expand free high school tuition, and raising tourism-related fees would help fund the initiative without burdening taxpayers.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said the government is reviewing visa fees, which have not been updated since the 1970s and remain significantly lower than those of other G7 and OECD countries. Currently, a single-entry visa costs ¥3,000 (€17) and a multiple-entry visa ¥6,000 (€34), compared to €90 for a Schengen visa or £127 (€145) for a UK visa.

“The details are undecided, but we’re considering various factors, including the potential impact on inbound tourism,” Iwaya told Kyodo News. “Japan’s fees are quite low at present. I don’t believe a moderate increase will directly affect visitor numbers.”

The government is also examining the departure tax, introduced in 2019 and applied to both residents and visitors leaving the country. Currently set at ¥1,000 (€5.50), the fee is among the lowest in the world. Increasing it could help finance airport upgrades, improve security, and strengthen tourism infrastructure.

Officials are reportedly considering lowering passport application and renewal fees for Japanese citizens to offset the higher departure tax. Together, these adjustments reflect Japan’s growing effort to balance booming visitor numbers with sustainable, community-focused tourism and fairer public funding.