Japan New Travel Rules (November 2026)
Short answer: departure tax is now JPY 3,000, tax-free shopping is now "pay tax, get it back at departure", and Himeji Castle charges non-residents JPY 2,500. JESTA (Japan's e-travel authorization) has not started — don't pay any site for it; Kyoto's tourist bus fare is still only a proposal.
| Item | Status | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| International Tourist Tax (departure tax) | In effect: JPY 3,000 per departure | Usually included in your air or cruise ticket. JPY 1,000 still applies to eligible tickets issued on or before June 30, 2026. Under-2s and transit within 24 hours are exempt. |
| JAPAN RAIL PASS | Current price: 7-day Ordinary adult JPY 50,000 online; JPY 53,000 as an Exchange Order bought outside Japan | Nozomi/Mizuho need an extra special ticket. Check the official table for 14/21-day and Green Car prices. |
| JESTA (electronic travel authorization) | Not started | Law passed May 29, 2026; start date to be set by cabinet order by March 31, 2029 (target: fiscal 2028). There is no official application yet. |
| Tax-free shopping | In effect since Nov 1, 2026: refund system | You pay the tax in the shop and get it back when you leave Japan. See what changed on Nov 1 and airport refund steps. |
| Himeji Castle admission | In effect since Mar 1, 2026 | JPY 2,500 (18+), JPY 1,000 for Himeji residents only; under 18 free. |
| Kyoto city bus "resident price" | Proposal only | Plan: residents JPY 200; others about JPY 350–400 (now JPY 230 flat zone). Target fiscal 2027, needs national approval. Nothing changes for your trip yet. |
JESTA: watch out for fake sites
Because the system does not exist yet, a website that takes money for a "Japan JESTA" or "Japan ETA" today is not the Japanese government. When it starts, the Immigration Services Agency (moj.go.jp/isa) will announce it.
Left out (not officially confirmed today): JESTA fee, other city or temple price changes, Kyoto accommodation tax changes.
Quick answers
Do I need JESTA to visit Japan now?
No. JESTA is not running yet. The law creating it sets the start as a date fixed by cabinet order by March 31, 2029; the government's stated target is during fiscal 2028. Any site selling a JESTA today is not an official Japanese government service.
How much is Japan's departure tax?
JPY 3,000 per departure (National Tax Agency). The old JPY 1,000 still applies to eligible tickets issued on or before June 30, 2026. Airlines and cruise lines collect it, usually in the ticket price.
Is the Kyoto bus price for tourists already in effect?
No. Kyoto City plans resident prices on city buses during fiscal 2027 (April 2027–March 2028), subject to national approval. Fares in the plan are proposals.
Related: Tax refund calculator · Kyoto autumn light-ups
More Japan trip guides: Japan trip checklist (all guides)
Our own guide (paid)Shopping tax-free under the new refund system? Tax-Free Refund Field Guide ($7, Gumroad), made by GuroWorks, the publisher of this site. The rules above are free.
Official sources
Checked November 4, 2026 (JST). Prices, dates and rules can change; confirm on the official pages before you go.
- National Tax Agency — International Tourist Tax (official): www.nta.go.jp
- JAPAN RAIL PASS — Types and prices (official): japanrailpass.net
- Immigration Services Agency — 2026 law incl. JESTA, enforcement date (official, Japanese): www.moj.go.jp
- Ministry of Justice — Minister on JESTA target FY2028 (official, Japanese): www.moj.go.jp
- Himeji City — Himeji Castle admission from March 1, 2026 (official, Japanese): www.city.himeji.lg.jp
- Kyoto City Transportation Bureau — City bus resident-price plan (official, Japanese): www.city.kyoto.lg.jp