Japan has seen a significant rise in foreign tourists over the past few years, with the country recording its highest-ever foreign tourist arrivals at 36.87 million in 2024. It’s one of the most popular destinations among Malaysians too, as 506,800 travellers from our country visited Japan in 2024, also the highest ever.
Well, if you’re planning to visit the Land of the Rising Sun later this year, you may have to fork out extra money. Aside from the Japanese Government’s plans to impose a higher tourist tax, it has been confirmed that the country will be implementing a ‘two-tier’ pricing system which would see foreigners being charged more than locals.
Japan to implement a ‘two-tier’ pricing system starting in July, with foreigners having to pay more
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As reported by The Nation, Japan is set to implement the dual pricing system starting in July at major tourist attractions.
Specifically, the policy will set different price rates for Japanese citizens and foreign visitors to the country, with the latter having to pay more to reflect differences in economic conditions and the cost of living.
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The move, like the proposed hike in tourist tax, is meant to tackle overtourism in the country while generating additional revenue in the process.
Japanese authorities believe that the two-tier system will help deal with overcrowded tourist sites and improve tourism infrastructure in the country.
For example, Junguria Okinawa, a nature-themed park opening in July, will charge locals JPY6,930 (RM208), while foreign tourists, including Malaysians, will be charged JPY8,800 (RM264).
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However, the move to implement this dual pricing model sparked debate in Japan over fairness and the feasibility of distinguishing tourists from local residents.
It should be noted that a two-tier pricing system for foreign tourists is not something new, as other countries, including Malaysia, have long implemented a similar policy.
Previously, various foreigners residing in Japan shared how many eateries have recently started to charge foreign tourists more than locals. However, these eateries have a creative way of implementing this, as rather than saying foreigners are charged more, they just claim that locals are given discounts.
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So, what do you guys think of Japan implementing a dual-pricing system starting in July? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
