he city of Kyoto, Japan has announced a significant hike in its accommodation tax, effective March 2026. For high-end rooms, the new tax could be as much as ¥10,000 (~$65) per night, euronews.com reports.
Tax tiers and logic
-
High-end rooms priced above ¥100,000 will incur the full ¥10,000 fee.
-
Mid-range rooms (¥20,000–¥100,000) will carry a ¥400 surcharge.
-
Budget stays under ¥6,000 will face a ¥200 tax.
Officials state that the tax is intended to protect cultural heritage, manage tourist congestion, and help maintain local infrastructure.
Kyoto has long wrestled with the downsides of overtourism: narrow lanes, overloaded public infrastructure, and massive crowds around temples. The tax aims to discourage excessive overnight stays and ease local strain.
Implications for travelers
-
Higher lodging costs.
Plan ahead — luxury hotels could see per-night surcharges of dozens of dollars. -
Shift toward budget options.
Hostels, guest houses, and private stays may gain appeal under steep taxes for upscale rooms. -
Alleviation of overcrowding.
Fewer overnight tourists may ease pressure on popular sites, transport, and local amenities. -
Exemptions and waivers.
School groups will not be subject to the tax; waivers may be issued during emergencies or disasters. -
Booking strategies shift.
Travelers may prefer earlier check-ins, lower-tier rooms, or accommodations outside high-tax zones.
