Japan set to raise tourist tax to counter overtourism

Overtourism is becoming a problem in many areas in Japan, with some airports and tourist spots not being able to keep up with the rapid increase of foreign visitors. - Photo: AFP

TOKYO: Japan’s government and ruling parties are considering raising the International Tourist Tax, which is currently 1,000 yen (US$6.67) per person and levied on people leaving Japan as a “departure tax”.

The government intends to expand the purposes for which the tax revenue is used, such as measures against overtourism, which has become a problem in many areas due to the rapid increase of foreign visitors.