Japan’s New Tourism Tax Can Cost Travelers Up to $65 a Night—What to Know

Visiting one of the most famous cities in Japan will soon cost more. 

Government leaders are raising the hotel accommodation tax for overnight visitors in the popular city of Kyoto, Japan, according to international news reports. The new updates are set to take effect in March 2026 and some travelers may see an increase of as much as ¥10,000 ($65.33) per night. 

The fee will scale in proportion to the room rate. Rooms costing under ¥19,999 ($130.66) will be required to pay a ¥400 ($2.61) fee, EuroNews reported. For more expensive and luxury stays above ¥100,000 ($653.32), a maximum tax of ¥10,000 ($65.33) will be charged, according to The Asahi Shimbun, a Japanese newspaper.

Accommodations below ¥6,000 ($39.19) will be responsible for paying a ¥200 ($1.31) fee.

“The Accommodation Tax is used to cover costs involved in enhancing the attractions of Kyoto as an International Culture and Tourism City, and in promoting tourism,” Kyoto’s government wrote on its official website, which lists the old accommodation tax fees. 

The government said the tax helps preserve Kyoto’s history and eases “congestion on roads and walkways.”

For years, travelers have complained of crowding in the renowned tourist city.

“Out of all the places in Japan, Kyoto definitely has an over tourism problem,” one traveler wrote in a Reddit post. “The increased tax isn’t even that much anyway; if you are a tourist you can afford it.”

Previous versions of the accommodation tax have included waivers and fee reductions in the event of a natural disaster or emergency to aid tourists in a time of need. The tax will also not apply to school groups, according to the waivers. 

Known for its cherry blossoms, temples, and historical significance, Kyoto has long been a popular destination for tourists in Japan. The city was named the “most mindful” in all of Asia in a July ranking of mindfulness thanks to features like its zen gardens and ancient temples. Travelers who go there enjoy exploring the covered Nishiki Market, taking in the Sanjusangendo Temple, and learning about the city’s sake brewing culture.

Overseas travel to Japan has been hitting record numbers since COVID-19 travel restrictions were lifted. Each month has been a record high with 3.4 million people visiting Japan in July, compared to only 3.3 million during the same time period in 2024 and 2.3 million in 2023, according to data from the JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co.