Tourists love this country. Now sightseeing may be more expensive

The “double pricing” system may become the norm in another country. The Japan Tourism Agency wants to increase entry prices at tourist facilities such as museums for foreigners and tourists from outside the region. This is a reaction to the increase in the number of people visiting Japan. In 2025, the Land of the Rising Sun achieved a historic record, attracting 42.7 million foreign guests. The target for 2030 is 60 million tourists.

Higher prices for tourists in Japan

Visiting Japan may soon turn out to be quite a financial challenge. After the country became a cheap and friendly place for tourists due to the decline in the value of the yen, it was time for price increases. They have not been confirmed yet, but this step seems inevitable. According to The Japan Times, the Japan Tourism Agency plans to appoint a panel of experts who will develop guidelines for the so-called double pricing system. This means that in facilities such as museums, tourists will pay a higher fee, while residents of a given city will benefit from a discount.

Some municipalities have already introduced such solutions. For example, the city of Himeji raised the entrance fee to Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to 2,500 yen ($16). The price for residents has been kept at 1,000 yen.

Overtourism threatens Japan

After the expert panel, the Japan Tourism Agency will issue a unified position on “double pricing”. The additional fee may prove to be the best solution in a country that is achieving new historic records in tourism. “The purpose of introducing double prices is to secure funds for the maintenance and management of tourist facilities and public transport, as well as to implement measures to counteract excessive tourism,” we read.

Recently, Great Britain also announced changes in the price list of the most important attractions in the country. Tourists who so far could visit national museums for free will soon have to pay fees.