Kyoto, one of Japan’s top tourist attraction cities, is raising its daily tourism taxes drastically in part to deter too many visitors and in part to cover the costs of huge waves of visitors. The new rates go into effect March 1st.
Known for its rich cultural heritage, Kyoto has been struggling with visitor numbers; last year, a record 10.88 million foreign visitors visited the city. Locals say the influx of visitors has strained the city’s infrastructure and quality of living.
“The increased tax revenue resulting from the review will be used to ‘promote tourism that makes use of its diverse and profound charms’ and ‘further promote harmony and compatibility between civic life and tourism,'” the city announced on Oct. 3 on its official website.
The tax rates are per person, and are based on how much the visitor is paying for accommodation; the top rate is going from about $6.65 a night to $66.65.
- For stays under 6,000 yen (about $39.92) per night, the new tax will remain unchanged at 200 yen (about $1.33).
- For hotels between 20,000 and 50,000 yen (about $133 to $332), the current tax of 500 yen (about $3.33) will rise 100% to 1,000 yen (about $6.65).
- For hotel rates between 50,000 and 100,000 yen (about $332 and $665), the 1,000 yen (about $6.65) tax will go up to 4,000 yen ($26.61) – a 300% increase.
- Hotels that cost 100,000 yen (about $665) will have their current 1,000 yen (about $6.65) tax skyrocket 900% to 10,000 yen per night (about $66.55).
