The Sayonara Tax is a departure tax imposed on everyone leaving Japan, including international tourists. This fee is generally included in the cost of international travel tickets.
By understanding this policy, travelers can better plan their budgets when visiting Japan.
What Is the Sayonara Tax?
The Sayonara Tax, officially known as the International Tourist Tax, is a departure tax charged to all individuals leaving Japan, including both foreign visitors and Japanese citizens.
The tax was introduced by the Japanese government as part of its efforts to support tourism development and improve travel-related infrastructure across the country.
Although it is called a “tax,” the fee essentially serves as a small contribution toward enhancing tourism services and facilities in Japan, including airport improvements, visitor information services, and the development of tourist destinations.
How Does the Sayonara Tax Work?
The Sayonara Tax is automatically charged to all passengers departing Japan, typically through international airline or ferry tickets.
The fee was initially set at ¥1,000 per person and is scheduled to increase to approximately ¥3,000 starting in July 2026.
In most cases, the tax is already included in the ticket price, meaning travelers do not need to make a separate payment at check-in counters or airports.
Airlines and transportation operators collect the tax on behalf of the government and subsequently remit it to the Japanese authorities.
Certain exemptions may apply, including young children, short-term transit passengers (generally those staying in Japan for less than 24 hours), and travelers departing under special circumstances such as emergencies.
Impact of the Sayonara Tax on Travelers Visiting Japan
For most travelers, the impact of the Sayonara Tax is relatively minor because the fee is already incorporated into the cost of transportation tickets.
However, the planned increase to ¥3,000 from July 2026 may slightly raise overall travel expenses, particularly for budget-conscious visitors.
At the same time, revenue generated from the Sayonara Tax helps improve the overall travel experience in Japan by supporting airport upgrades, enhancing tourist information services, and developing more visitor-friendly destinations throughout the country.
