日本近期接連公布多項政策調整，引發國際旅客與全球輿論的高度關注，其中最受矚目的，莫過於被稱為「離境稅」的國際旅客出發稅即將大幅調升，以及未來入境與簽證費用同步上漲，再加上能源政策轉向保守，使日本在「旅遊成本」與「能源轉型」兩個面向同時承受壓力。

根據日本政府在26日召開的相關會議所敲定的方案，現行每位出境旅客徵收 1,000日圓的國際旅客出發稅，將自明年7月起直接調高至3,000日圓，等於一次翻三倍。這筆費用並不需要旅客額外繳納，而是會在購買國際航班機票時自動併入票價中一併收取。這項稅收最初設立的名義，是用於改善觀光基礎建設、機場設施與因應觀光客激增所帶來的公共成本，但在日圓貶值、訪日外國旅客數屢創新高的背景下，政府顯然希望藉由提高稅額，進一步擴充財源，以支撐地方觀光與交通系統的長期負擔。

不只出境成本提高，日本政府也同步規劃在2026年導入新的「入境費」制度，重點放在大幅調升外國人簽證的相關手續費。依目前討論方向，單次入境簽證的費用將提高至1萬5,000日圓，多次入境簽證則可能上調至3萬日圓，約為現行費用的五倍左右。官方說法是希望透過提高簽證費，補貼行政審查、人力成本以及邊境管理系統的升級，但外界普遍擔憂，這將實質拉高赴日旅遊、商務與留學的門檻，對於來自亞洲新興市場或短期觀光客而言，心理與實際負擔都會明顯增加。

在經濟與旅遊政策之外，日本的能源政策動向同樣引發國際質疑。日本政府正計畫自2027財年起，停止對大型太陽能光伏發電項目的補貼。這項消息之所以引發爭議，是因為日本多年來一直被批評在減碳目標上不夠積極，不僅溫室氣體減排承諾屢次縮水，對煤炭、液化天然氣等化石燃料的依賴程度也居高不下。在全球主要經濟體加速能源轉型、擴大再生能源投資的同時，日本卻選擇逐步退場補貼大型光伏計畫，被部分國際媒體形容為「全球能源轉型的絆腳石」。

綜合來看，日本正同時在三個層面面臨壓力：一方面需要為爆量觀光客籌措更多公共資源，於是透過提高離境稅與簽證費用來補財政；另一方面，在能源政策上卻顯得步伐保守，未能完全跟上全球減碳與再生能源發展的主流趨勢。這樣的政策組合，短期內或許能改善政府財政與行政成本，但長期而言，是否會削弱日本作為「友善旅遊國家」與「氣候行動夥伴」的國際形象，仍有待後續觀察。

Japan has recently announced a series of policy adjustments that have drawn widespread attention from international travelers and global observers alike. The most notable changes include a sharp increase in the so-called “departure tax,” upcoming hikes in entry and visa fees, and a more conservative turn in energy policy. Together, these moves are placing Japan under pressure on both travel costs and its commitment to energy transition.

According to a plan finalized at a government meeting held on the 26th, Japan’s International Tourist Departure Tax, which is currently set at 1,000 yen per outbound traveler, will be raised to 3,000 yen starting in July next year—effectively tripling the fee in one step. Travelers will not need to pay this tax separately, as it will be automatically included in the price when purchasing international airline tickets. When the tax was first introduced, it was framed as a way to fund improvements to tourism infrastructure, airport facilities, and public services strained by the surge in visitors. Against the backdrop of a weak yen and record-high numbers of inbound tourists, the government now appears eager to further expand this revenue stream to help shoulder the long-term costs borne by local communities and transportation systems.

Rising departure costs are only part of the picture. Japan is also planning to introduce a new “entry fee” system in 2026, centered on a substantial increase in visa application fees for foreign nationals. Under the current proposal, the fee for a single-entry visa would rise to 15,000 yen, while a multiple-entry visa could cost as much as 30,000 yen—roughly five times the current level. Officials argue that the higher fees are intended to offset administrative expenses, staffing costs, and upgrades to border control and screening systems. However, critics worry that these changes will significantly raise the barrier to travel for tourists, business visitors, and students, particularly those from emerging Asian markets, increasing both the psychological and financial burden of traveling to Japan.

Beyond tourism and immigration, Japan’s energy policy has also come under renewed international scrutiny. The Japanese government is planning to end subsidies for large-scale solar photovoltaic projects starting in fiscal year 2027. This development has proven controversial because Japan has long been criticized for its relatively modest emissions-reduction targets and its continued reliance on fossil fuels such as coal and liquefied natural gas. At a time when many major economies are accelerating energy transitions and expanding investment in renewable power, Japan’s decision to phase out support for large solar projects has led some international media outlets to label the country a “stumbling block” to the global energy transition.

Taken together, Japan now finds itself facing pressure on multiple fronts. On one hand, it needs additional public funding to cope with booming tourism, prompting higher departure taxes and visa fees. On the other, its cautious approach to energy policy suggests it is not fully keeping pace with global trends toward decarbonization and renewable energy expansion. While this policy mix may help ease fiscal and administrative burdens in the short term, questions remain about whether it could ultimately undermine Japan’s international image as a welcoming travel destination and a committed partner in global climate action.