If you’re planning to head to Japan this summer, there are some rule changes you need to be aware of.
Japan is quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations for Brits, with over 437,000 of us travelling to the Asian island in 2024 – the highest number of tourists from the UK in the past decade.
As a tourist destination, the trips made to Japan pale in comparison to the 17.8 million visitors from the UK that arrived in Spain, but if you’re looking for an adventure and want to immerse yourself in a culture you’ve never experienced before, Japan is likely high up on your bucket list for places to visit.
Japan has seen a boost in tourism in recent years and was even named the best country to visit in the world by the Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards. And with the Japanese yen currently in a weak state, with £1 giving you 188 yen, the country is now more affordable, leading to an unprecedented travel boom.
However, to combat rapidly climbing tourist numbers, Japan is reportedly enacting several rule changes for all tourists looking to enter the country – and it could make things more expensive.
A video shared on TikTok by Japanese local Meowko informed foreign travellers of these upcoming rule changes, including one that will impose a “tourism tax” on anyone who is not a resident of Japan.
She said: “The price will be increased only for tourists, which means you have to pay more than locals in Japan. Anywhere you go, anything you buy, literally everything will be more expensive for tourists.”
According to CBC, Japan will reportedly roll out a two-tier pricing system on everything from restaurants to theme parks, making things more expensive for tourists.
In July, anyone who climbs Mount Fuji will have to pay 4,000 yen (£21) for a permit, which is double the price compared to last year. Meanwhile, a new nature-themed park called Junglia Okinawa is charging 8,000 yen (£42) for a one-day pass for tourists, versus 6,300 yen (£33) for citizens.
The price increase isn’t the only change coming for tourists. Meowko also stated there will be no more “tax-free” shops in Japan. Instead, tourists will have to pay the full amount upfront and then claim a tax refund at the airport before flying home.
Meowko alleged that it would also be more difficult to exchange currency, but it is not yet clear how this will be done. She said, “That’s the only thing I have heard from the government. I don’t know how they are going to make it more difficult, but more information is coming soon.”
The Japanese resident also claimed that some places may even start to refuse tourists’ entry, and said the country has plans to introduce a tourist visa.
Currently, Brits can travel to Japan for tourism or business for up to 90 days without applying for a visa beforehand, as you are given a visa upon arrival. Changes to this rule could mean you will need to apply for a tourist visa before you travel, which could add an additional cost to your holiday.
Travel advice for visiting Japan
According to Gov.uk, there are a few travel rules you should be aware of before heading to Japan. Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay. However, no additional period of validity is required. You will also need a blank page in your passport for your visa stamp.
You do not currently need to apply for a visa to enter the country, as you can pick one up when you arrive. If you need a multiple-entry visa or need to stay for longer than 90 days, you must speak to immigration officials.
It is illegal to bring meat products, including sausages, bacon, and ham, into Japan without permission from the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service. While you can buy whale meat in Japan, importing it into the UK or the EU is illegal, and it can incur a fine of up to £5,000 and a prison sentence.
AloJapan.com