Japan has tripled its International Tourist Tax, commonly known as the "Sayonara Tax", raising the mandatory departure fee from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 (roughly $8.80 to $26.50) as of 1 July. The charge applies to most tourists and Japanese citizens leaving the country by plane or ship and is usually bundled into airline and cruise ticket prices, meaning Australians and other visitors will pay slightly more when departing. It is the first increase since the tax was introduced in 2019, and the additional revenue is earmarked for tackling over-tourism and improving national infrastructure.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the change reflected inflation and exchange rate fluctuations, adding that it was not expected to have an immediate impact on inbound tourism. Japan welcomed a record 42.7 million international visitors in 2025, including more than 1.056 million Australians. Travel industry figures, including World Expeditions chief executive Sue Badyari and Intrepid Travel ANZ managing director Brett Mitchell, said the hike was unlikely to deter visitors given Japan's favourable exchange rate and value, and noted that hotspots such as Kyoto and Hokkaido had also raised accommodation levies, expressing hope that the measures would push tourists towards quieter regions and off-peak travel.