From July 1, Japan will triple its departure tax for Canadian travellers

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published June 8, 2026

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Japan is set to raise its international tourist tax from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen starting July 1, 2026, a change that will affect Canadian travellers along with other international visitors leaving the country by air or sea. The Japan National Tourism Organization says the new rate is about C$27, up from about C$9.

The fee, often nicknamed the “sayonara tax,” is collected when travellers depart Japan. In most cases, it is automatically included in the return or departure ticket at the time of purchase, so travellers usually do not pay it separately at the airport.

Japan says revenue from the tax supports tourism infrastructure, airport and visitor-site improvements, public works, historic asset restoration and online resources for travellers. The broader message is that Japan is trying to make tourism more sustainable while managing the pressure that comes with growing visitor demand.

The tax generally applies to passengers leaving Japan by air or sea. Japan’s National Tax Agency lists exemptions including children under two, certain transit passengers leaving within 24 hours, aircraft and ship crew members, and some official categories.

For Canadians planning a trip after July 1, the increase is unlikely to change the overall decision to visit Japan, but it is another cost to include in the travel budget, especially for families and groups. Travellers should check whether the new fee is already reflected in the final ticket price before booking.