Japan is officially taxing the block, and they aren't keeping it low-key. The government just announced they are jacking up the price of a single-trip tourist visa by over 400 percent. If you’re trying to pull up to Tokyo from countries like China, India, or Vietnam, you’re going to have to cough up $93 instead of the light $18 they used to charge. But if you’re rocking a Western passport, you’re still on the VIP list and don't have to pay that extra tax.

This is a classic pay-to-play move by the Japanese government. For years, people were getting into the country on a budget, but Tokyo decided it was time to secure the bag and raise the price of admission. Going from $18 to almost a hundred bucks is a serious jump, and it’s hitting everyday folks from specific neighborhoods in Asia who just wanted to travel and see the sights.

When you break it down, it’s easy to see who is getting targeted and who is getting a pass. Western travelers from the US, Europe, and other wealthy spots are keeping their easy-entry privileges, while travelers from China, India, and Vietnam are getting hit with the heavy paperwork and the heavy fees. It shows you exactly how the global system is set up—some people get the green light, while others have to pay premium prices just to step foot in the building.

For families trying to link up or folks trying to do some real-world traveling, this extra $93 is a real hurdle. If you’re bringing a whole family over from Vietnam or India, that visa tax adds up fast. It makes you realize that even when you’re just trying to see the world, the powers that be are always going to find a way to put a price tag on your movement.

But at the same time, Tokyo is running their country like a business. They know they’ve got a hot destination that everyone wants to visit, and they’re capitalizing on it. They’re telling the world that if you want to experience what they’ve built, you’ve got to show them the money first. It’s cold, but it’s the reality of how these governments operate when they want to clean up their budgets and keep their borders locked down.

Whether you think it’s fair or not, Japan is keeping it one hundred about who they want coming through their airports. They aren't trying to please everyone, and they definitely aren't apologizing for raising the prices. If you want to touch down in Tokyo, you better have your paper right, because the discount days are officially over.

Sources: * Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (mofa.go.jp) * Japan National Tourism Organization (jnto.go.jp) * Japan Tourism Agency (mlit.go.jp/kankocho)