Japan continues to captivate French travelers. Between the temples of Kyoto, the buzz of Tokyo, the volcanic landscapes of Kyushu, and the mountains of Hokkaido, the archipelago seduces with its cultural richness, gastronomy, and attention to detail.
In 2026, however, planning a trip to Japan requires a bit more advance preparation. Several tax measures come into effect this year — an increase in the departure tax, revised accommodation taxes in several cities, a refund system reform — while the cost of transport and hotels fluctuates during peak periods. Traveling from Nice remains relatively straightforward, provided you organize your stay well and factor these new measures into your budget.
Do French citizens need a visa?
For a tourist stay of less than 90 days, French nationals holding an ordinary passport do not need a visa to enter Japan. This rule remains unchanged in 2026: a passport valid for the entire duration of the stay is sufficient, and contrary to certain rumors, no new formalities are required this year for French travelers.
Recently revised visa fees only concern travelers actually subject to this obligation — long-term stays, specific purposes, or non-exempt nationalities. Before departure, it is recommended to consult the official website of the Japanese Embassy to verify the conditions applicable to your situation.
What changes concretely in 2026
This is where 2026 differs from previous years. Faced with record tourism, Japan has implemented a series of measures worth knowing before packing your suitcase.
A departure tax that triples. As of July 1, 2026, the international departure tax levied on each traveler leaving Japan has increased from 1,000 to 3,000 yen, approximately €16 per person. It is automatically included in the price of the airline or boat ticket: nothing to pay at the airport. Children under two years old and passengers in transit for less than 24 hours are exempt.
Accommodation taxes revised upward. Several cities are adjusting their hotel taxes. Kyoto has applied a progressive rate since March 1, 2026, which can reach 10,000 yen (approximately €56) per night in luxury establishments, while more modest accommodations remain at a few hundred yen. Hokkaido has instituted a tax of 100 to 500 yen per night since April. Charged per night and per person, these amounts remain moderate but add up over a long stay and are sometimes settled directly at the hotel.
The end of immediate tax refunds. The most notable change for shopping enthusiasts: from November 1, 2026, foreign tourists will no longer be able to leave with VAT (10%) deducted directly at checkout. You will now have to pay the full price including taxes, then request reimbursement at the airport or departure port. For significant purchases, it’s better to either travel before this date or plan for more time on your departure day.
Access to certain sites becomes more expensive. Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has applied a rate of 2,500 yen for non-resident visitors since March 1, 2026, compared to 1,000 previously (free for under-18s). Climbing Mount Fuji is also regulated, with an entrance fee raised to 4,000 yen and a daily quota of climbers designed to preserve the site.
And for later: the JESTA. Japan is preparing an electronic travel authorization system, comparable to the American ESTA or European ETIAS, for nationals currently exempt from visa requirements. Good news: it is not required in 2026, with its implementation expected around 2028. Nothing to do for a trip this year, but it’s worth anticipating for future visits.
From Nice, several routes are possible
Although no direct flights currently connect Nice to Japan, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport makes it easy to reach the main European hubs.
The most frequent connections include:
– Paris with Air France;
– Frankfurt or Munich with Lufthansa;
– Amsterdam with KLM;
– Istanbul with Turkish Airlines;
– Rome with ITA Airways.
Depending on the airline and stopover duration, the total travel time generally varies between 15 and 20 hours.
What budget should you plan for in 2026?
The cost of a trip naturally depends on the season, length of stay, and comfort level desired. As an indication, here is an average budget for two weeks:
– Flight from Nice: between €700 and €1,200 depending on the period and booking anticipation.
– Accommodation: €80 to €180 per night for a mid-range hotel in major cities.
– Traditional ryokan: from €150 per night, often with dinner and breakfast included.
– Meals: between €8 and €20 in most restaurants, more for gourmet establishments.
– Urban transport: metro and train remain particularly efficient and affordable.
– New tourist taxes: plan for approximately €16 in departure tax per person, as well as a few euros of accommodation tax per night depending on the city and accommodation standard (see above).
For a two-week trip, an overall budget of between €2,500 and €4,000 per person, flights included, generally allows you to enjoy the stay comfortably. Good news for your wallet: the persistent weakness of the yen offers European travelers a purchasing power not seen for several years.
Is the Japan Rail Pass still worthwhile?
Long considered essential, the Japan Rail Pass has seen its rates increase in recent years.
It remains very advantageous for those planning to travel through several regions — for example Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima — but becomes less profitable for a stay concentrated on a single city or region.
Before buying it, it’s advisable to compare its cost with individual tickets using simulators available on specialized websites.
What is the best time to travel?
Each season offers a different experience.
Spring attracts visitors wanting to admire cherry blossoms, while autumn seduces with the vibrant colors of Japanese maples.
Summer is marked by numerous traditional festivals, but also by humid heat sometimes intense in the center of the country.
Winter is an excellent alternative for discovering Hokkaido, Japanese ski resorts, or famous hot springs (onsen), often in a much more peaceful atmosphere.
A few tips to control your budget
Booking your flight several months in advance generally allows you to benefit from the best rates.
It is also worthwhile to prefer hotels located near train stations, which reduces daily transport costs.
If you plan significant purchases, planning your trip before November 1, 2026 allows you to take advantage of the old refund system, simpler and more immediate.
Finally, Japanese gastronomy doesn’t necessarily mean high expenses: many neighborhood restaurants, noodle bars, or specialty establishments offer high-quality cuisine at very reasonable prices.
Why Japan remains an exceptional destination
Beyond the figures, Japan offers an experience difficult to compare with other destinations.
The quality of transportation, the sense of security, the cleanliness of cities, the richness of heritage, and the welcome reserved for visitors contribute to making each trip a unique discovery.
For many travelers, true luxury lies less in hotels than in the possibility of spending, in a single day, transitioning from a centuries-old sanctuary to an ultramodern district, before ending the evening around a ramen bowl or sushi counter.
From Nice, a trip that remains accessible
Thanks to the numerous connections offered from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, Japan remains a relatively easy destination to access for residents of the Côte d’Azur.
With careful preparation, a well-defined budget — including new taxes — and a few advance reservations, it is entirely possible to discover the archipelago without unpleasant surprises.
In 2026, Japan remains more than ever a destination that rewards curious travelers, whether it’s a first visit or a return to explore still little-known regions. An invitation to travel where each stage holds its share of discoveries, between centuries-old traditions and constant innovation.
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