The government and the ruling coalition are considering a plan to raise the departure tax from the current ¥1,000 per person to ¥3,000 or more to fund measures against overtourism, informed sources said Thursday.

The specific size of the increase will be discussed during fiscal 2026 tax system reform talks at the end of the year.

Japan introduced the departure tax, formally called the international tourist tax, in 2019. It is levied uniformly on all travelers departing from Japan, including Japanese nationals traveling abroad for work or leisure.

A higher levy could dampen the recovery of Japanese departures, which currently remain at around 60% of the level before the COVID-19 pandemic. Against this background, the government is also considering a plan to lower passport issuance fees.

Revenue from the departure tax reached a record high of about ¥52.5 billion in fiscal 2024, boosted by growing inbound tourism. The proceeds are being used to improve the environment for hosting foreign visitors in Japan.

As inbound tourism continues to grow, overtourism, such as congestion and nuisances, has become a serious problem in some tourist spots.

With Japan's departure tax still below international levels, a proposal to raise it has emerged within the government and the ruling parties.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi instructed tourism minister Yasushi Kaneko earlier this month to examine whether the tax should be increased.