Japan is getting more expensive for tourists in 2026. The departure tax triples in July, Kyoto's hotel tax surged in March, and dual pricing for foreigners is spreading. This guide covers every fee so nothing catches you off guard.
Japan has a reputation for being expensive — but the truth is more nuanced. Yes, a high-end ryokan in Kyoto will cost serious money. But you can also eat an incredible ramen lunch for ¥900 and ride the world's best train system for reasonable fares. The key is knowing where the hidden costs are so they don't blindside your budget.
This guide covers every tax, fee, and surprise charge that tourists encounter in Japan in 2026 — including several that changed this year.
Japan's Departure Tax (Sayonara Tax)
Every person leaving Japan pays a departure tax — officially called the International Tourist Tax (国際観光旅客税), often nicknamed the "Sayonara Tax."
How Much?
| Period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Before July 2026 | ¥1,000 per person |
| From July 1, 2026 | ¥3,000 per person |
That's a 3x increase, announced by the Ministry of Finance in January 2026. For a family of four, that's ¥12,000 (about $80 USD) before you even leave.
How It's Collected
The tax is automatically included in your airline or ferry ticket price. You don't pay it at the airport or fill out any forms. If you've already bought your flight, check whether it was purchased before or after the rate change — tickets purchased before July 1 at the old rate won't be retroactively adjusted.
Who's Exempt?
- Children under 2 years old
- Transit passengers who don't clear immigration (connecting flights without entering Japan)
- Crew members of aircraft and vessels
The departure tax revenue funds tourism infrastructure — multilingual signage, free WiFi at tourist spots, immigration processing improvements, and overtourism countermeasures. The tripling reflects Japan's plan to invest more heavily in managing its record-breaking visitor numbers (42.7 million in 2025).
Hotel & Accommodation Taxes by City
On top of your room rate, many Japanese cities charge a separate accommodation tax (宿泊税). This is collected at check-in or check-out and is typically not included in online booking prices on sites like Booking.com or Agoda.
Kyoto — The Big Change in 2026
Kyoto introduced a dramatically expanded 5-tier accommodation tax on March 1, 2026:
| Room Rate (per night) | Tax (per person/night) |
|---|---|
| Under ¥6,000 | ¥200 |
| ¥6,000 – ¥19,999 | ¥400 |
| ¥20,000 – ¥49,999 | ¥1,000 |
| ¥50,000 – ¥99,999 | ¥4,000 |
| ¥100,000+ | ¥10,000 |
That top tier is dramatic — if you're staying at a luxury ryokan for ¥120,000/night as a couple, you'll owe ¥20,000 in accommodation tax alone (¥10,000 × 2 people) on top of the room rate. For a 3-night stay, that's ¥60,000 (~$400) in tax.
Guests aged 11 and under are exempt. School trip participants are also exempt.
The tax is based on room rate per person, not per room. If a ¥40,000 room is for two people, the per-person rate is ¥20,000 — putting you in the ¥1,000 tax tier, not the ¥4,000 tier. Sharing rooms saves on both the rate and the tax tier.
Tokyo
| Room Rate (per night) | Tax (per person/night) |
|---|---|
| Under ¥10,000 | Exempt |
| ¥10,000 – ¥14,999 | ¥100 |
| ¥15,000+ | ¥200 |
Tokyo's tax is relatively modest. A 5-night stay in a ¥15,000/night hotel costs an extra ¥1,000 total in tax. Note: Tokyo is planning to shift to a 3% flat rate starting FY2027, which would significantly increase the tax for higher-end hotels.
Osaka
| Room Rate (per night) | Tax (per person/night) |
|---|---|
| Under ¥7,000 | Exempt |
| ¥7,000 – ¥14,999 | ¥100 |
| ¥15,000 – ¥19,999 | ¥200 |
| ¥20,000+ | ¥300 |
Fukuoka
| Room Rate (per night) | Tax (per person/night) |
|---|---|
| Under ¥20,000 | ¥200 |
| ¥20,000+ | ¥500 |
Fukuoka's tax is a combined prefecture + city levy. Unlike Tokyo and Osaka, there's no exempt tier — even budget rooms pay ¥200.
Other Cities with Accommodation Taxes
Accommodation taxes are spreading. As of 2026, these cities and regions also charge them: Kanazawa, Niseko/Kutchan, Sendai, Atami, Takayama, Gero, and Hiroshima (expanding through 2026). If you're staying outside the major cities, check whether your destination has introduced one.
Accommodation taxes are almost never included in online booking prices. Budget an extra ¥200-1,000 per night on top of what you see on Booking.com, Agoda, or other platforms. Kyoto luxury stays can add significantly more.
Restaurant & Nightlife Charges You Won't Expect
Otoshi: The Izakaya Cover Charge
Sit down at an izakaya (居酒屋, Japanese pub), and a small dish will appear at your table — maybe edamame, a tiny salad, or pickled vegetables. You didn't order it. It's called otoshi (お通し), and it costs ¥300-500 per person (up to ¥1,000 at upscale bars).
This isn't optional. It's a standard, well-established practice at virtually every izakaya in Japan. Think of it as a cover charge that comes with a small appetizer. It's not a scam and it's not negotiable — it will appear on your bill.
Where to expect it: Izakayas, bars, some yakitori restaurants, and late-night dining spots. Chain family restaurants (Gusto, Saizeriya, etc.) and regular ramen/curry/sushi restaurants do not charge otoshi.
Table Charges & Seating Fees
Some restaurants — especially higher-end ones and those in entertainment districts — add a table charge (席料, sekiryō) or service charge of 10-15%. This is separate from the consumption tax and is added to your total bill.
You'll see this at:
- Hotel restaurants (almost always 10-15% service charge)
- Fine dining and kaiseki restaurants
- Some bars in areas like Ginza, Roppongi, and Kabukicho
Budget and mid-range restaurants typically don't add service charges.
Consumption Tax on Dining
Japan's 10% consumption tax applies to dining in. Takeout food is taxed at a reduced 8% rate. Since April 2021, all displayed prices must include tax, so what you see on the menu is what you pay — no surprise tax added at the register.
One tip: some fast food chains and convenience stores will ask "こちらでお召し上がりですか？" (Kochira de omeshiagari desu ka? — "Are you eating here?"). If you say "take out" (テイクアウト), you save 2%. On a ¥1,000 meal, that's a ¥20 difference — small, but it adds up over two weeks.
And speaking of consumption tax — as a tourist, you can get the 10% refunded on retail purchases through Japan's tax-free shopping system. It doesn't apply to restaurant meals, but it works for electronics, clothing, cosmetics, and more.
Attraction Entry Fees That May Surprise You
Mt. Fuji Climbing Fee
Climbing Mt. Fuji is no longer free. The Yoshida Trail (the most popular route, from the 5th Station) now charges:
- ¥4,000 per person (doubled from ¥2,000 in 2024)
- Daily cap of 4,000 climbers
- Online reservation required
- Gate hours: 3:00 AM – 2:00 PM
If you're planning to climb Fuji, book early — slots during peak season (July-August) sell out. The other three trails (Subashiri, Gotemba, Fujinomiya) currently have no caps or mandatory fees, but this may change.
Two-Tier Pricing: The Emerging Trend
Japan is beginning to adopt dual pricing at some attractions — charging foreign visitors more than Japanese residents. This is new and controversial:
Already in effect:
- Himeji Castle — ¥2,500 for non-residents vs. ¥1,000 for residents (since March 2026). Visitors under 18 enter free regardless of nationality.
In the pipeline:
- 11 national museums and galleries — the Agency for Cultural Affairs plans to introduce dual pricing by March 2031. Foreign visitors could pay 2-3x standard admission (e.g., Tokyo National Museum may go from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000).
- A government expert panel launched in March 2026 is drafting national guidelines on dual pricing for attractions, museums, and transport.
Most temples, shrines, and attractions still charge the same price for everyone. But this is a trend worth watching — by the time you visit, more sites may have adopted it.
Standard Entrance Fees to Budget For
While not "hidden," these common entrance fees add up:
| Attraction | Adult Fee |
|---|---|
| Fushimi Inari Shrine (Kyoto) | Free |
| Senso-ji Temple (Tokyo) | Free |
| Meiji Shrine (Tokyo) | Free |
| Kinkaku-ji / Golden Pavilion (Kyoto) | ¥500 |
| Kiyomizu-dera (Kyoto) | ¥400 |
| Tokyo Skytree (350m deck) | ¥2,100 |
| TeamLab Borderless (Tokyo) | ¥3,800 |
| Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum | ¥200 |
| Himeji Castle (non-residents) | ¥2,500 |
Budget roughly ¥1,000-2,000 per day for entrance fees if you're visiting temples, castles, and museums. Many major shrines are free to enter (you only pay for inner gardens or special exhibitions).
Other Hidden Costs to Budget For
Coin Lockers
Need to store luggage while exploring? Coin lockers at train stations are everywhere, but they're not cheap:
| Size | Typical Cost | Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Small | ¥400 | Backpack, small bag |
| Medium | ¥600-700 | Carry-on suitcase |
| Large | ¥700-800 | Medium suitcase |
| Extra-large | ¥900+ | Large suitcase |
These are per-use (typically until midnight). If your bag doesn't fit, consider takkyubin (宅急便) — Japan's luggage forwarding service. Send your suitcase from one hotel to the next for around ¥2,000-3,000, and explore hands-free.
Shinkansen Oversized Luggage
If your bags exceed 160cm in total dimensions (length + width + height), you must reserve an oversized luggage seat on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen. The reservation is free if you book in advance, but a ¥1,000 penalty applies if you board without one.
This catches many tourists off guard, especially those with large suitcases. Check your bag dimensions before your trip, or consider forwarding your luggage via takkyubin. For more on navigating Japan's trains, see our complete train system guide.
Onsen Entrance Fees
Public bathhouses and onsen have entrance fees:
| Type | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Public sento (neighborhood bathhouse) | ¥400-600 |
| Day-use onsen (resort-style) | ¥1,300-2,000 |
| Premium onsen (private bath, meals) | ¥3,000-5,000+ |
| Towel rental | ¥200-300 extra |
Many hotels — especially business hotel chains like Dormy Inn — include a free in-house onsen for guests. This is a great way to experience onsen bathing without the extra cost.
ATM & Currency Exchange Fees
Using ATMs in Japan is easy but comes with fees:
- 7-Eleven ATMs — the most tourist-friendly option. Mastercard/Maestro: ¥0 operator fee. Visa: ¥110-220 per withdrawal. English menus, 24/7 access, ¥100,000 limit per transaction.
- Japan Post (JP) ATMs — widely available, similar functionality.
- Your home bank — typically charges 1-3% foreign transaction fees plus international ATM surcharges. This is usually the bigger cost. Check with your bank before travel.
Withdraw larger amounts less frequently rather than small amounts daily. A single ¥50,000 withdrawal with one ¥220 fee is much better than five ¥10,000 withdrawals with five fees. And if your bank charges high foreign transaction fees, consider a travel-friendly card like Wise or Revolut before your trip.
Cash-Only Situations
Despite Japan's push toward cashless payments, you'll still need cash for:
- Small ramen shops and local restaurants
- Shrine and temple admission fees and charm purchases
- Street food vendors and market stalls
- Coin lockers (some now accept IC cards, but not all)
- Some rural areas, small towns, and traditional businesses
Plan for ¥10,000-15,000 in cash per day for a moderate spending style, and withdraw more as needed from 7-Eleven ATMs. For more on navigating cash vs. cards, see our First Time in Japan guide.
How to Budget for All This
Here's a realistic breakdown of the "hidden" costs for a 10-day Japan trip (Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka) for one person:
| Cost Category | Estimated Total |
|---|---|
| Departure tax (from July 2026) | ¥3,000 |
| Accommodation tax (mix of cities) | ¥2,000-5,000 |
| Otoshi at izakayas (4 evenings) | ¥1,500-2,000 |
| Entrance fees (temples, museums) | ¥5,000-10,000 |
| Coin lockers (3 uses) | ¥1,500-2,500 |
| ATM fees (3 withdrawals) | ¥500-1,000 |
| Shinkansen luggage (if applicable) | ¥0-1,000 |
| Total hidden costs | ¥13,500-24,500 |
That's roughly ¥1,350-2,450 per day (~$9-16 USD) in costs that don't show up in your hotel or flight booking. Not budget-breaking, but worth knowing about — especially the Kyoto hotel tax, which can add up significantly at higher-end properties.
Japan has no tipping culture — that alone saves you 15-20% compared to the US on every meal, taxi ride, and hotel stay. No tipping genuinely offsets many of the hidden costs listed here. And remember: the consumption tax on retail purchases can be refunded through tax-free shopping, potentially saving you thousands of yen.
What's Changing Next
Japan's tourism cost landscape is evolving rapidly. Keep an eye on:
- Tokyo's 3% flat hotel tax (planned for FY2027) — will significantly increase accommodation taxes for mid-to-high-end hotels
- Dual pricing expansion — the government panel's guidelines will determine how widely this spreads
- JESTA (Japan's ESTA equivalent) — an electronic travel authorization system announced for 2028, which will likely carry a processing fee
- Visa fee increases — short-term visa fees are reportedly rising from ¥3,000 to approximately ¥15,000
We'll update this guide as new changes are announced. Bookmark this page and check back before your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay the departure tax at the airport?
No. The departure tax is automatically included in your airline ticket price. You don't need to pay anything extra at the airport or fill out any forms. It's handled entirely by the airline when you purchase your ticket.
Are accommodation taxes included in Booking.com prices?
Generally no. Most online booking platforms show the room rate before local accommodation taxes. You'll pay the tax directly to the hotel at check-in or check-out. Always budget a small amount on top of your booking confirmation total.
Is tipping expected anywhere in Japan?
No. Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and is not expected at restaurants, hotels, taxis, or hair salons. Attempting to tip can cause confusion — staff may try to return the money. Read more in our First Time in Japan guide.
Can I avoid the izakaya cover charge?
Not really. Otoshi is a deeply ingrained practice at izakayas and most Japanese pubs. If you want to avoid it entirely, eat at regular restaurants, chain family restaurants (Gusto, Saizeriya, Joyfull), ramen shops, or conveyor-belt sushi spots — none of these charge otoshi.
How much cash should I bring to Japan?
Start with ¥30,000-50,000 for the first few days, then withdraw more from 7-Eleven ATMs as needed. This gives you enough for meals, transport, entrance fees, and small purchases while you settle in.
