Japanese tourist hotspot Kyoto to hike hotel taxes
KYOTO: Authorities in Kyoto announced on Tuesday (Jan 14) plans for a big hike in hotel lodging taxes, as Japan’s picture-perfect ancient capital seeks to assuage grumbles from locals about too many tourists.
Japan has seen foreign tourist numbers explode post-pandemic, with visitor numbers in 2024 expected to have hit a record of more than 35 million.
But like other hotspots worldwide such as Venice or Maya Bay in Thailand, this is not universally welcome – in particular in tradition-steeped Kyoto, famed for its kimono-clad geisha performers and Buddhist temples.
For rooms in Kyoto priced at 20,000 to 50,000 yen (US$127 to US$317) per night, visitors will see their tax double to 1,000 yen per person per night, under the plans announced on Tuesday.
For accommodation over 100,000 yen per night, it will soar tenfold to 10,000 yen. The new levies will take effect next year, subject to approval from the city assembly.
“We intend to hike accommodation tax to realise ‘sustainable tourism’ with a high level of satisfaction for citizens, tourists and businesses,” a statement said.
Source: CNA