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Current Affairs

Bears and pest control: how Japan is spending its departure tax windfall

Billions of yen from a higher departure tax that Japan plans to use to support tourism are being channelled into projects that critics say offer…

By Samantha Johnson / August 27, 2026
Billions of yen from a higher departure tax that Japan plans to use to support tourism are being channelled into projects that critics say offer limited direct benefit to travellers, including measures to prevent bear attacks and eradicate an invasive beetle.

The Japanese government expects to raise 130 billion yen (US$817.7 million) in the 2026 financial year from the International Tourist Tax, after increasing the levy last year on anyone leaving the country through an airport or seaport.

The cost of leaving Japan for foreign tourists and Japanese travellers alike rose from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen per person on July 1.

During political debate on the increase – when a figure as high as 5,000 yen was discussed – the government emphasised that the additional funds were needed to address problems linked to chronic overtourism in some parts of the country.

The government said additional spending would go towards promoting Japan as an overseas destination and developing large resort facilities.

The industry expressed hope that funds would also be used to hire more tourism staff in rural areas, train guides, improve multilingual signage and information, and upgrade tourism websites.

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