Travel Planning and Tips

Japan plans to launch JESTA, its own electronic travel authorization system, by 2028 — while tripling its departure tax to $20 from July 2026. With a combined cost of ~$40 per visitor, how will these changes affect inbound tourism? We break down the details, compare with US ESTA and EU ETIAS, and share reactions from both Japanese citizens and international travelers.

Nearly 1 in 5 Japanese travelers now prefer solo trips, the highest rate among 39 countries. "Suitcase Cancel," a trend of ditching wheeled luggage for a single backpack, is reshaping how Japan travels. We explore the coin locker crisis and the rise of minimal travel.