By / MOOK Scenic Spots Home Travel Life Network Editorial Team, compiled and reported
 
Taiwanese people love traveling to Japan, but whether visiting for scenic beauty or shopping, everyone must be aware that Japan will implement three major tax policy adjustments between 2016 and 2017. Due to global market turbulence, the yen has appreciated back to around 0.28–0.29, and it is unlikely to depreciate again in the short term. Therefore, travelers planning a trip to Japan should exchange their yen as early as possible.

● Osaka Raises Its Accommodation Tax
Osaka, a popular destination among Taiwanese travelers, becomes the second city after Tokyo to implement an accommodation tax. Starting January 2017, the tax will be levied in tiers based on hotel prices, ranging from 100 to 300 yen. For future stays, guests paying between 10,000 and 15,000 yen per night will be charged a 100-yen accommodation tax; those paying between 15,000 and 20,000 yen will pay 200 yen; and stays over 20,000 yen will incur a 300-yen tax.
● Japan Raises Its Consumption Tax
Starting April 2017, Japan’s consumption tax will increase from the previous 8% to 10%, affecting expenses such as dining and accommodation.
● Relaxation of Tax-Free Policies – Get Refunds for Purchases Over 5,000 Yen
Since May 2016, the Japanese government has lowered the threshold for tax refunds on foreign visitors’ purchases from 10,000 yen per day per store to 5,000 yen. In addition, the range of tax-free items has been expanded beyond high-end goods, now also covering small purchases such as electronics, clothing, and snacks.

Japan-Korea Tourism Boom – New Tax Refund Policies Take Effect in 2016