Japan’s authorities are planning to tighten tourism regulations in response to a growing problem: overtourism. The move follows a surge in international visitors in early 2025. Compared to the same period last year, tourist arrivals from January through April rose by 24.5 percent.
To address this issue, on 21 May 2025, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party set up a panel “to dispel public concerns” among citizens in response to the growing presence of foreigners. Later, on 4 June, sources close to the government revealed that the authorities are expected to adopt tightening the rules against unpaid medical bills by foreign tourists who received care during their stay. The measure, set to be part of an upcoming annual basic policy on economic and fiscal management to be approved by the Cabinet, is expected to explicitly declare that the government will “reassess insurance coverage for foreign nationals.”
Additionally, the government is weighing the possibility of requiring foreign visitors to have private health insurance. This move comes after a nationwide survey by the ministry, which unveiled that 11,372 foreign visitors received medical treatment in Japan in September 2024. Among them, 0.8% did not pay, resulting in roughly 62.35 million yen (approximately €375,978.51).
Most visited countries in 2024. Japan had 47% more international tourists arrivals compared to last year and jumped to 8th place, insane stuff pic.twitter.com/untylWNqMz
— 由仁アリン Arin Yuni (@Arin_Yumi) June 5, 2025
At the same time, foreign nationals who are registered residents or have been in Japan for more than three months are typically required to join the National Health Insurance system unless they are already covered by another public health insurance plan.
Lawmakers are also considering changes to the tax-free shopping system for foreign tourists, underscoring the need for tighter regulation or even full removal of the scheme. The program was introduced decades ago to increase spending by foreign travellers, allowing them to buy products without paying the country’s 10% consumption levy, if the items are taken abroad.
In reality, this program has been misused for resale and tax evasion. To cut down abuse, officials are changing the policy for foreign tourists as of November 2026. Under the new system, visitors will pay the full 10% tax at the time of purchase and then seek a refund at the airport after declaring their goods. This approach is like practices in France and Italy.
Earlier in 2025, Japan introduced an entry fee for Mount Fuji to curb overtourism. Furthermore, in March, a shrine in Tsushima City, Nagasaki closed its doors to visitors because of tourists’ bad behaviour. This decision was a direct response to disrespectful actions and a lack of adherence to local customs. These actions show Japan’s consistent effort to handle the issue of overtourism and to preserve tradition.
