TRAVELING TO KYOTO WILL BE MORE EXPENSIVE DUE TO ACCOMMODATION TAX

Japan's allure, even beyond the beloved cherry blossom season, continues its powerful draw, with tourism numbers reaching impressive levels, though not without consequence. In 2024, international visitor counts jumped to 36.9 million – quite a leap (approximately 47.1%) from the previous year. This, while bolstering the economy, puts a real squeeze on some favored spots.

Consider the bustling Shibuya crossing in Tokyo, or those tranquil, traditional onsen destinations out in the countryside. Kyoto, perhaps, highlights this tension most acutely. Its ancient temples are, in a sense, overwhelmed by the sheer number of visitors wanting to capture their image. Even the quiet historic streets now often reverberate with the voices and frustrations of those who live there.

Japan's Visitor Boom Overwhelms Icons

To address this, on October 3rd, 2025, Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications gave the go-ahead for an increase to the hotel accommodation tax within Kyoto itself. This change will come into effect on March 1st, 2026. Importantly, it's not a broad discouragement of travel, more of a carefully aimed effort to provide funds for preservation in the face of these increased visitor numbers. For high-end stays, this could mean an additional cost of potentially around €56.84 per night. Kyoto is thus adding its voice to an international discussion – from entrance charges in Venice to restrictions in Bali – emphasizing a crucial shift: tourist numbers should not come at the cost of the heritage that draws them.

The comeback of Japan as a top destination has been remarkably swift, you might say. A weaker yen, the easing of visa requirements, plus all that travel many put off during COVID, all came together to push arrival figures 16% past the 31.9 million recorded back in 2019. Locations such as Kyoto have been especially affected. Those winding streets that were once peaceful settings for poetry and tea are now often thronged with large groups, sometimes even leaving litter in their wake. Locals, understandably, miss the quiet. Take the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), for example. It sees upwards of 10,000 visitors daily. And those iconic red gates at Fushimi Inari-taisha? Well, some might argue they feel more like crowded queues than spiritual paths now.

The impact on daily life is clear. In March of 2024, Kyoto representatives expressed concern about a rise in what they called "inappropriate behavior." One element of this was tourists chasing, photographing, or otherwise bothering geisha within the lantern-lit Gion district. This led to a partial access restriction on some private lanes as of April 1. "These are working artists, not tourist attractions", one advocate for the area stated, after videos showing harassed maiko went viral, somewhat damaging the image of the cultural traditions that bring so many tourists. As 2025 predictions point to potentially 40 million visitors nationwide, Kyoto's own count of 8 million annually – a 20% increase since 2023 – suggests it is critical to implement new solutions.

Tiered Taxes: A Pricey Prescription for Preservation

The new accommodation tax is an extension of an existing tax from 2018. The idea is to better manage crowds and direct finances toward proper upkeep. Kyoto authorities aim to generate around ¥20 billion each year – or approximately €113.6 million. This money would go towards essential infrastructure improvements. These include upgrades to the sewage systems in areas that are now overwhelmed, and renovations to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Kiyomizu-dera temple. It differs from a flat fee approach: the accommodation tax is tied to the price of the room, meaning that it has less impact on budget travelers and focuses more on higher-end, luxury accommodation.

To illustrate, consider a stay at The Ritz-Carlton in Kyoto. There, a suite costing ¥150,000 (or more) could incur the full ¥10,000 tax, which would bring the overall price up to nearly €900. A mid-range ryokan (a traditional inn) costing around ¥30,000 might only add a ¥1,000 charge, making the difference pretty negligible for most. The accommodation tax, which is charged at checkout, does not apply to locals or to business travelers, but it does affect those visiting for leisure purposes. One city representative clarified: "It is about having a fair contribution from those who receive the most benefit". It is a move that seems to echo, perhaps, Venice's introduction of a €5 charge for day visitors.

Echoes on the Mountain: Mount Fuji's Parallel Path

What's happening in Kyoto reflects Japan's overall rethinking of how we value important places. Think about Mount Fuji, that classic snow-covered symbol of Japan. Just last year, they decided to bump up the climbing fee—it'll be ¥4,000 (€22.73) in 2025, a jump from ¥2,000. Why? To deal with the sheer number of people on its sacred slopes. The Yoshida Trail, you know, the most popular one, now has a daily limit of 4,000 climbers. You have to book online between April and September. This is really aimed at stopping "bullet climbing"—those crazy overnight climbs that used to pack the trails with over 20,000 hikers. The money they collect goes to fixing up the trails, cleaning up waste, and maintaining those safety huts—all to help with things like exhaustion-related accidents and, yes, even litter avalanches. Down in Shizuoka Prefecture, they also have the ¥4,000 fee, but no quotas. Still, the message is pretty clear: if you want to enjoy these iconic spots, you've got to take some responsibility.

And it's not just one or two places doing this. Osaka's thinking about similar price hikes, and Tokyo is considering charging people to use Shibuya Crossing when it's super crowded. Nationally, they've had that ¥1,000 "international tourist tax" since 2019, added to airfares. It's brought in ¥50 billion for promotion of tourism, but some locals are pushing for ways to deal with the problems more locally.

Can Taxes Tame the Tide Without Turning It?

Lots of people see the tax as a win-win situation. Visitors are paying a little extra, which helps ensure Kyoto's special places, like the bamboo groves and those amazing meals, can be maintained. However, some critics, including folks in the hotel business, are worried that the higher prices might scare away some of those big-spending tourists from Europe or America—who are really important now with so many people traveling in Asia after the pandemic. But early signs suggest it might not make a huge difference. A survey by the Japan Tourism Agency in 2025 showed that about 70% of foreign tourists would be okay with paying a bit more for sustainability.

When 2026 rolls around, Kyoto's approach could be a model for others: smart pricing that helps pay for upkeep without making things inaccessible. In a world where tourism puts a strain on so many amazing places, Japan – from Mount Fuji to Kyoto – reminds everyone that looking after travel treasures is vital. So, pack efficiently, tread softly, and plan for that extra yen. It's what it costs to help preserve Kyoto's unique atmosphere.