Canadians travelling to this Asian destination set to pay triple the tax this year

Travellers from Canada heading to Japan will face higher costs as the country is set to increase fees, making travel more expensive.

If you have an upcoming trip from Canada to Japan, you’ll soon face a steep tax increase. Checking out Tokyo's busy Shibuya Crossing or taking a photo in Kyoto's iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove will soon come at a slightly higher cost, as Japan aims to triple its tourist tax.

According to The Japan Times, a proposal to increase the country’s international tax was approved by the government on Friday, March 27. That means that Japan's departure tax, which is also known as the international tourist tax, is set to go up this summer.

How much more will you have to pay?

Currently, tourists are required to pay ¥1,000 or approximately C$8.71. The planned increase is a steep one, with the tax rate set to triple to ¥3,000, or around C$26.14 per person.

According to Japan's National Tax Agency, travellers are charged the international tourist tax when departing the country. It applies to tourists leaving by plane or by cruise. Children under the age of two are exempt.

Travellers don't have to pay the tax separately, as the fee is charged by airlines and cruise lines.

When does the new tax rate kick in, and why is it being implemented?

Expect an increase in tickets soon, as Japan plans to implement the increased tax rate this July.

The fee was increased to help the government deal with the impact of overtourism, as popular tourist locations struggle with congestion and inappropriate tourist behaviour. The additional revenue is also expected to help the government further crack down on "inappropriate private lodging operators." The revenue will also go towards promoting other rural areas.

With the country seeing a drop in Chinese tourists due to increased tensions between the two countries, Japan is looking to attract more tourists from North America, Europe, Australia, and other regions.

According to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), nearly 580,000 Canadians visited Japan in 2024, while 48,000 Canadians travelled there in January 2026 — a 13.5 per cent increase compared to January 2025.

In addition to higher taxes, tourists have to pay the increased accommodation tax if they plan to stay in Kyoto.