Economy
Should Tourists Be Responsible for Higher Taxes to Preserve Kyoto’s Cultural Heritage?
Should Tourists Be Responsible for Higher Taxes to Preserve Kyoto’s Cultural Heritage?
Here’s The Scoop
Japan’s historic city of Kyoto is taking bold steps to tackle the overwhelming influx of tourists that has turned its serene streets into bustling thoroughfares. Starting in March 2026, Kyoto will impose the highest accommodation tax in Japan, targeting visitors staying in the city’s hotels, inns, and guesthouses.
Under this new plan, tourists staying in high-end hotels could face a tourism tax of up to ¥10,000 (around $65) per person, per night—a staggering tenfold increase from the current rates. Even budget travelers will see their costs double, while mid-range accommodations will also experience significant hikes.
City officials argue that these additional funds will more than double Kyoto’s tourism tax revenue, which will be used to manage the overwhelming crowds, preserve cultural sites, and alleviate the pressure on local infrastructure. The aim is to ensure that tourists contribute to the upkeep of the attractions they flock to see.
However, many Kyoto residents are at their wits’ end, comparing their neighborhoods to Disneyland due to the post-Olympics tourism surge. Narrow streets are often clogged with tourists, and popular areas like Gion, famous for its traditional tea houses and geisha, have struggled to control tourist behavior, including trespassing and aggressive photography.
While the new tax is intended to ease tensions between locals and tourists, some critics argue it might not be enough. With Japan welcoming over 35 million foreign tourists in 2024 and aiming for 60 million by 2030, the pressure on these beloved sites continues to mount.
Kyoto is not alone in this struggle. Mount Fuji, another iconic Japanese destination, is grappling with its own tourism-related issues, including trash, overcrowding, and safety concerns. Officials have resorted to calling it a “trash mountain,” urging visitors to be more responsible.
As Japan’s global allure grows, cities like Kyoto face tough decisions between capitalizing on economic opportunities and maintaining the tranquility that draws visitors in the first place. The outcome of Kyoto’s new tax initiative could set a precedent for other tourist-heavy regions worldwide.
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