7 Measures Japan Has Introduced Because There Are Way Too Many Tourists & Some Are Unruly
International visitors to Japan surged by 47.1% in 2024, totalling 36.9 million.
Cover image via 1. Japan is considering raising [its International Tourist Tax] (https://says.com/my/lifestyle/japan-tourist-tax) from 1,000 yen (about RM29) to 5,000 yen (around RM148)
Also known as a "departure tax", this tax was introduced in 2019. It is automatically included in travel fares and applies to all individuals leaving Japan by air or sea, including both foreign tourists and Japanese citizens.
While the increase is still under discussion, no official implementation date has been set.
Image via Christiano Sinisterra/Pexels
2. New accommodation taxes will come into effect
Japan has approved accommodation taxes in Miyagi and Hiroshima prefectures, five cities in Hokkaido, two in Gifu Prefecture, and one each in Miyagi and Shimane prefectures. The specific tax rates will vary by region, ranging between 100 yen and 500 yen (approximately RM3 and RM15) per person per night. Students on school trips will be exempt from this levy.
Meanwhile, Kyoto will raise its lodging tax for people staying at hotels and other accommodations starting in March 2026. The maximum rate will be set at 10,000 yen (about RM294) per person per night, according to Kyodo News.
Image via Taro Saeki/Nikkei Asia
3. Climbing [Mount Fuji] (https://says.com/my/lifestyle/japan-hikes-up-climbing-fee-2025) will be pricier in 2025
To manage the impact of overtourism on the iconic Mount Fuji, Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures are implementing new regulations for the 2025 climbing season, which lasts from July to September. A mandatory 4,000 yen (approximately RM117.80) permit fee will be introduced for all climbers, both local and international.
Access to the mountain will be capped at 4,000 visitors per day, requiring climbers to book their slots through an online reservation system. In addition to the fee and visitor cap, entry will be restricted between 2pm and 3am for those without hut reservations.
Check out the official Mount Fuji Climbing website for more info.
Image via Jiji/AFP/The Japan Times
4. Japan is slowly introducing a dual-pricing system
(i) Himeji Castle: The UNESCO World Heritage site will raise entry fees to 2,500 yen (about RM73.50) for foreign tourists starting March 2026, The Japan Times reported. This aims to supplement maintenance and preservation costs, which are already covered by locals through taxes.
(ii) Junguria Okinawa: Opening on 25 July, this new large-scale, nature-themed amusement park in the northern part of Okinawa Prefecture will charge foreign tourists 8,800 yen (RM258.60). Locals will pay 6,930 yen (RM203.60).
(iii): Niseko Ski Resorts: According to The Star, tourists will be charged 6,500 yen (RM191) per day, while locals will pay 5,000 yen (RM147).
Himeji Castle is one of Japan's 12 remaining castles from the Edo period or earlier that still have their original keeps.
Image via UNESCO World Heritage Centre
5. Kyoto has [banned visitors] (https://says.com/my/news/tourists-will-be-banned-from-entering-certain-streets-in-kyoto-s-geisha-district) from certain areas in the city's geisha district
Gion, Kyoto's enchanting geisha district, is a widely popular tourist spot. However, visitors often crowd narrow alleyways, wielding cameras and disturbing the geisha women's daily routines.
Since April last year, Kyoto has implemented new measures: posting signs in Japanese and English that declare, "This is a private road, so you are not allowed to drive through it". The ban covers several blocks, but Gion's main Hanamikoji Street will remain accessible to tourists.
Violators will face a 10,000 yen fine (approximately RM318.70).
A map of the main Gion area: The streets highlighted in pink and yellow are private roads and are not to be used by tourists.
Image via Kansai Television
6. The town of Fujikawaguchiko has erected a [6m-long fence] (https://says.com/my/news/japan-new-barrier-blocking-lawson-view) near the [Lawson convenience store] (https://says.com/my/news/japan-is-planning-to-block-popular-instagram-spot-in-front-of-lawson-mount-fuji) to block the view of Mount Fuji
Tourists were reportedly jaywalking, littering, trespassing, and crowding the streets nearby the convenience store for a good picture with Mount Fuji in the backdrop.
In May last year, the town initially installed a large black curtain and a fence on the opposite side of the road, which proved effective. However, disrespectful behaviour from tourists has resurfaced, including verbal abuse towards staff managing the crowds.
To combat this, the local government erected new barriers directly in front of the Lawson store in December.
Image via Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters
7. Ginzan Onsen, a popular Japanese hot spring town, has begun limiting entry to day trippers during the winter peak season
Known for its snowy views and rumoured to be an inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away, the onsen has drawn around 330,000 annual visitors. The town has seen disputes at photo spots, abuse towards locals, and congestion hindering emergency services.
The Ginzan Onsen Information Centre announced that entry after 5pm will require a ticket purchase, and visitors without hotel bookings are banned after 8pm. Daytime visitors without reservations must leave by 5pm.
Additionally, day-trippers will be required to park 2km from the onsen and take a shuttle bus, which costs 1,150 yen (about RM33.90).
Image via Ginzan Onsen
