Kyoto in Japan is one of the best tourist places to visit, with numerous Buddha temples, gardens, palaces, and more. However, if you’re planning to visit the city next year, you might have to pay extra. Starting March 1, 2026, tourists spending the night in Kyoto will face a sharp rise in accommodation taxes. This decision is considered a bold step in terms of tourism–it could either help the city’s local economy or have negative effects. Keep reading for more details.
Kyoto To Increase Hotel Taxes
Kyoto is the heart of Japanese culture and is known for attracting millions of tourists every year. From its various Buddhist temples to its picturesque surroundings, it’s no wonder travellers from all over the world flock to this beautiful city. But with popularity comes pressure — and Kyoto has been struggling with over-tourism, strained public facilities, and challenges in maintaining its cultural heritage.
As per Travel Trade Journal, addressing these issues, the Kyoto City Council, earlier this year, approved a new structure for tourist accommodation taxes. The new structure was later confirmed by Japan’s Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications on October 3. The new measures will make Kyoto’s hotel tax the highest in Japan, with certain categories seeing increases of up to ten times the current rate.
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What Will Be The New Accommodation Taxes
Starting from March 1, for accommodations costing less than 6,000 yen (around ₹3,551), the tax will be 200 yen (approximately ₹115). According to Travel Trade journal, stays between 6,000 and 19,999 yen (₹3,551–₹11,808) will incur a 400 yen (₹239) tax. For accommodations priced between 20,000 and 49,999 yen (₹11,897–₹29,566), the tax will rise to 1,000 yen (₹594), while stays costing 50,000 to 99,999 yen (₹29,655–₹59,222) will have a 4,000 yen (₹2,397) tax. For luxury accommodations priced at 100,000 yen (₹59,310) and above, the tax will be 10,000 yen (around ₹5,948).
So, if you’re planning to visit Kyoto next year, make sure you keep these new changes in mind.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Gagliardi Photography