Japan has introduced higher fees for foreign visitors at several popular tourist sites as part of efforts to manage growing concerns about overtourism and its impact on infrastructure and communities. Among the locations adopting this policy is Himeji Castle, a 17th-century samurai fortress known for its distinctive white roofs and attracting more than 1.5 million annual visitors.

Since March 1, the admission fee for non-resident tourists at Himeji Castle increased to 2,500 yen (approximately £11.60), while residents of Himeji city pay a reduced rate of 1,000 yen. The castle's management reported a 17% decline in visitor numbers in the month following the increase, aligning with their expectations, but ticket revenue more than doubled. Kensuke Tsushi of the castle’s management bureau stated that the pricing structure is viewed as a standard rate with a discount for local residents, rather than a dual pricing system. Tsushi noted that complaints have largely come from Japanese visitors outside Himeji rather than foreign tourists, with some questioning why only city residents receive discounts on what is considered a national treasure partly funded by public money.

The increase reflects broader efforts across Japan to address the consequences of rising tourist numbers. Overseas arrivals have surged from 10 million in 2013 to over 42 million in 2025, with government targets aiming for 60 million visitors annually by 2030. Alongside visitor growth, concerns have risen over congestion, littering, and antisocial behavior, particularly in highly visited cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. Kyoto has experienced significant overcrowding on public transportation, prompting the city to consider raising bus fares for non-residents, regardless of nationality.

In addition to site-specific steps, Japan is raising its departure tax from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen for all travelers starting this month, while visa fees for foreign visitors are expected to increase fivefold to 15,000 yen. The Agency for Cultural Affairs has also implemented higher entrance fees for overseas tourists at several state-run museums and galleries.

Two-tier pricing systems charging foreign visitors more than locals are common in many regions of Asia, including Japan. In mountainous areas such as Nagano, local resident discounts are established for services like ski passes and onsen (hot springs). Yoko Fujihara, a Nagano resident, described the practice as reasonable, noting that some locals rely on these facilities daily while visitors do not. However, not all visitors approve of such pricing structures. Lauren Kelly, a British expatriate based in Bangkok who frequently visits Japan, described dual pricing as “segregating,” though she acknowledged the different economic contexts between Japan and Thailand, where similar practices exist.

Japan’s domestic tourism has also seen robust growth, reaching a record 26.8 trillion yen in spending last year, complementing the 9.5 trillion yen generated by international visitors. Balancing the economic benefits of tourism with concerns over sustainability and local quality of life remains a key challenge for policymakers and communities across the country as visitor numbers continue to rise.