Japan is quintupling entry visa fees for visitors, but which tourists will be affected?
Japan is significantly increasing entry visa fees to account for inflation and currency fluctuations, though most Australian tourists remain exempt due to visa-free entry. The move is part of a broader government strategy to manage tourism and immigration amid rising nationalist sentiment.
Why it matters
The policy reflects the global challenge of balancing the economic benefits of tourism with the social pressures of overtourism and immigration policy.
The number of tourists visiting Japan reached a record 42.6 million in 2025. ( Supplied: Miguel Carmichael )
The article provides a factual account of policy changes while contextualizing the political motivations behind them.
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