Japan Cracks Down on Tourist Overload: New Regulations Coming! 🚔💰🥼
Japan implements fresh strategies to combat excessive tourism
Japan's authorities are toughening up tourism regulations due to an escalating problem: overtourism. This decision comes following a significant boost in international tourists in early 2025.Compared to the same period in 2024, there was a 24.5% increase in tourist arrivals from January to April.
To alleviate this issue, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party established a panel on 21st May 2025 to allay citizens' concerns stemming from the growing foreign presence. Later, on 4th June, sources close to the government disclosed upcoming changes that include tightening the rules against unpaid medical bills by foreign tourists. This anticipated measure is part of the annual basic policy on economic and fiscal management, due for Cabinet approval. The government will reevaluate insurance coverage for foreign nationals.
On top of that, the government is exploring the possibility of obligating foreign visitors to obtain private health insurance, a move that follows a nationwide survey indicating that 11,372 foreign visitors sought medical treatment in Japan in September 2024, with 0.8% failing to pay, amounting to approximately 62.35 million yen (€375,978.51) unpaid bills.
Foreign nationals who are permanent residents or have stayed in Japan for three months or more are typically expected to join the National Health Insurance system, unless they are already covered by another public health insurance plan.
In addition to health regulations, lawmakers are contemplating adjustments to the tax-free shopping system for foreign tourists. Originally introduced to boost spending by international travelers, the scheme allows them to purchase products without paying the country's 10% consumption levy, if their purchases are intended for export. However, the program has been misused for resale and tax evasion, leading to to a change in the policy for foreign tourists starting in November 2026. The new system requires visitors to pay the full 10% tax at the time of purchase and subsequently claim a refund at the airport upon declaring their goods. This practice mimics that of countries like France and Italy.
Earlier in 2025, Japan introduced a fee for climbing Mount Fuji to manage overtourism, and in March, a shrine in Tsushima City, Nagasaki, shut its doors to visitors due to disrespectful behavior and disregard for local customs. These actions underscore Japan's commitment to controlling overtourism and preserving traditional values.
- To mitigate the issue of overtourism in Japan, lawmakers are considering implementing changes to the tax-free shopping system, which originally aimed to boost spending by international travelers.
- In a bid to alleviate concerns related to the growing foreign presence and protect local customs, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party has established a panel to address issues arising from overtourism.
- Japan is exploring the possibility of obligating foreign visitors to obtain private health insurance as a way to address the problem of unpaid medical bills by foreign tourists.
- In an effort to promote eco-tourism and responsible travel, the government may adjust tourism regulations to encourage local tourism and hiking trails that prioritize sustainability and respect for local lifestyle.
