A bill specifying how revenue from a soon-to-be-imposed ¥1,000 departure tax will be used was enacted by the Diet on Tuesday, as the government looks to boost investment in tourism amid a record-breaking number of foreign visitors.
All travelers, both Japanese and non-Japanese, leaving the nation by plane or ship will face the fee as of January 7, 2019, under the first permanent levy to be introduced since the land value tax was established in 1992. Children under 2 years old and transit passengers who depart within 24 hours of arrival will be exempt.
The move comes amid a surge in inbound travelers. The nation attracted a record 28.69 million tourists in 2017, up 19.3 percent from the previous year and reflecting the sixth consecutive yearly increase.