Japan has long been a dream destination for many travellers. From cherry blossoms and historic temples to incredible food and clean cities, it’s easy to see why millions of people visit the country every year.
But with tourism booming, Japan is now facing a new problem: too many tourists.
Last year alone, the country welcomed more than 40 million foreign visitors for the first time in history, and the surge has started causing overcrowding and frustration in some popular areas.
Because of this, Japan is now considering a new strategy that could affect how much tourists pay.
Tourists may have to pay more than locals
To deal with overtourism and growing complaints about visitor behaviour, the Japanese government is planning to introduce guidelines for a “dual pricing” system at public tourist facilities.
In simple terms, this means locals and foreign tourists could be charged different prices.
So if the system is introduced, foreign visitors may end up paying higher entrance fees or service charges compared to Japanese residents when visiting certain attractions.
Why the government is getting involved
While businesses technically have the freedom to set their own prices, Japan’s Transport Minister Yasushi Kaneko said the government wants to create clear guidelines to manage the system properly.
According to him, the goal isn’t simply to make more money.
Instead, it’s about ensuring tourism remains sustainable in the long run.
It is important that prices are set in a way that allows businesses to maintain their operations and service quality in the future,” he explained during a recent press conference.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is also expected to set up an expert panel to fine tune how the system could work.
Some places in Japan have already started doing this
Interestingly, charging different prices for locals and tourists isn’t entirely new in Japan.
According to the Japan Today, some places already offer discounts for residents or free entry for children.
But now, the idea is being expanded at several popular tourist locations.
For example:
Himeji Castle
This famous UNESCO World Heritage site recently raised its entrance fee for non-residents aged 18 and above from 1,000 yen (around RM25) to 2,500 yen (around RM62).
Kyoto public transport
Kyoto, one of Japan’s most visited cities, is considering raising bus fares for tourists by fiscal year 2027, while lowering the flat fare for local residents.
National museums
Japan’s government has also asked national museums to study the possibility of introducing the dual pricing system, with potential implementation by March 2031.
A way to manage overtourism
While the idea of paying more might surprise some travellers, many see it as a practical step to manage overtourism.
The goal is to keep Japan welcoming to visitors while also making sure locals can continue enjoying their cities without overcrowding and strain on public facilities.
