Japan Triples Tourist Tax Starting July 1
The "sayonara tax" jumps from C$8.70 to C$26.11 for Canadian travellers heading to popular Asian destinations.
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If you're planning a trip to Japan this summer, budget an extra $17 for your plane ticket home. Japan is tripling its international tourist tax on July 1, jumping from JPY1,000 (C$8.70) to JPY3,000 (C$26.11).
The fee—nicknamed the "sayonara tax" for the Japanese word for goodbye—is collected when you leave the country by plane or cruise. It's charged to all international tourists except children under two. Japan's tax is a flat-rate fee, unlike other destinations like New Zealand and Bhutan, which base their charges on a percentage of accommodation costs.
According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the revenue goes toward maintaining public works, restoring historical sites, creating online tourist resources, and improving airport and tourist-area infrastructure. Various regions across Europe and North America already use similar tourism taxes.
The fee is automatically added when you book your ticket online, so you'll see the full cost upfront. WestJet confirmed all taxes and fees appear under "Taxes, Fees, and Charges" during the booking process. The Japan National Tourism Organization advises booking your tickets before July 1 to lock in the lower rate.