Kyoto, one of Japan’s most iconic travel destinations, is set to roll out the country’s steepest hotel tax yet. The new measure, approved by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on October 3, follows a record-breaking year for tourism that saw nearly 37 million international visitors to the country. City officials claim the increased levy will help manage overtourism and support cultural preservation efforts.
Under the new tiered system, the current flat tax of ¥1,000 (US$6) per night will be replaced by rates tied to accommodation prices. Guests staying in luxury hotels will pay ¥10,000 ($57) per night, while those in mid-range accommodations will be charged between ¥1,000 ($6) and ¥4,000 ($23). Budget travelers will pay ¥200 (U$1) to ¥400 (U$2) per night. The reform is expected to more than double the city’s annual accommodation tax revenue from ¥5.2 billion (U$34 million) to ¥12.6 billion (U$82 million).
First introduced in 2018, Kyoto’s accommodation tax has long been seen as a model for sustainable tourism in Japan. The new system aims to strike a balance between protecting the city’s cultural heritage and accommodating a booming influx of travelers.
If you’ve traveled before, you’ve probably paid a tourist tax without realizing it, as they're often built into hotel bills or airfare. Initially meant to curb overtourism, such levies now help protect natural and cultural sites around the world. Curious which countries charge tourists extra to visit? Click on to find out.