Tourist hot spot Kyoto plans big hike in hotel taxes

The authorities in Kyoto announced on Jan 14 plans for a big hike in hotel lodging taxes, as Japan's ancient capital seeks to assuage grumbles from locals about too many tourists.

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Japan has seen foreign tourist numbers explode post-pandemic, with visitor numbers in 2024 expected to have hit a record of more than 35 million.

But like other hot spots worldwide such as Venice or Maya Bay in Thailand, this is not universally welcome - in particular in tradition-steeped Kyoto. The city, a bullet train ride away from Tokyo, is famed for its kimono-clad geisha performers and Buddhist temples.

For rooms in Kyoto priced at 20,000 yen (S$174) to 50,000 yen a night, visitors will see their tax double to 1,000 yen per person per night, under the plans announced on Jan 14. For accommodation over 100,000 yen a night, it will soar tenfold to 10,000 yen.

The new levies will take effect in 2026, subject to approval from the city assembly.