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Historic City Faces Surge in Visitors
Kyoto, Japan’s cultural jewel known for its ancient temples and traditional districts, is set to impose a dramatic increase on its tourist tax. The city announced earlier this month that the accommodation tax will rise by as much as 900%, marking it as Japan’s highest-ever tourist levy.
Record Tourism Strains Infrastructure
The move comes amid escalating challenges caused by overtourism. Last year, Kyoto welcomed a record 10.88 million international visitors, placing severe pressure on city infrastructure and local life. Popular districts, including the famous geisha areas, have experienced street closures due to unruly tourist behavior, while overflowing trash bins have become a common sight.
City Officially Cites Purpose of Tax
In a statement posted on its official website on October 3, the city government said the additional revenue will be used to “promote tourism that makes use of its diverse and profound charms” and to “further promote harmony and compatibility between civic life and tourism.”
Tax Hike to Take Effect in March 2025
The new tax structure will go into effect on March 1, 2025. The increase applies to per-night accommodation fees, scaled according to hotel rates. The city council passed the proposal in February following a recommendation from Japan’s Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications.
Tiered Tax Structure Explained
The hike is steepest for high-end accommodations:
- Hotels under 6,000 yen (~$40) per night: Tax remains unchanged at 200 yen (~$1.33).
- Hotels 20,000–50,000 yen (~$133–$332) per night: Tax doubles from 500 yen (~$3.33) to 1,000 yen (~$6.65).
- Hotels 50,000–100,000 yen (~$332–$665) per night: Tax rises from 1,000 yen (~$6.65) to 4,000 yen (~$26.61), a 300% increase.
- Hotels 100,000 yen (~$665) or more per night: Tax skyrockets from 1,000 yen (~$6.65) to 10,000 yen (~$66.55), a 900% jump.
Kyoto Joins Global Trend Against Overtourism
Kyoto is following a growing global trend of tourist taxes aimed at curbing excessive visitor numbers. Destinations such as Greece, New Zealand, Bali, Amsterdam, and Venice have implemented similar measures to manage tourism sustainably.
Other Japanese Destinations Take Similar Steps
Earlier this year, Mount Fuji introduced a bill to establish entrance fees and scheduled time slots, responding to safety concerns and littering by climbers. The move underscores a broader push in Japan to balance tourism with environmental and cultural preservation.
