Japan introduces a departure tax
Japan a preferred destination for women traveling alone
YU-JEN SHIH
Tourist tax
Japan is preparing to introduce a new tax in early 2019 for all travelers leaving the country.
A tax to boost tourism
Japan plans to impose a fee of 1,000 yen (approximately $9) for anyone leaving the country, whether foreigner or Japanese, from January 2019. The amount will be charged to any person leaving the country by air or boat. This measure is part of a 2018 tax reform, and will be used for tourism development throughout the country.
See: Tokyo 2020, recycled metal medals
In 2016, Japan reached a record 40 million departures abroad (both citizens and tourists), which means that this new tax could generate 40 trillion yen (about 360 million dollars).
Japan, the host country of the Olympic Games
In anticipation of resuming the torch relay, the country has embarked on titanic work at the national level. The Japanese government hopes to welcome a massive number of visitors during the upcoming sporting events - 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games - and intends to improve its hospitality and infrastructures accordingly.
Sources: Japan Times and France TV Facts
