Japan expands accommodation tax: 9 cities and 2 prefectures to implement levy this fall

World

2025.03.22 14:03

The Japanese government has recently approved the introduction of accommodation taxes in multiple regions. (Internet)

The Japanese government has recently approved the introduction of accommodation taxes in multiple regions, including Miyagi and Hiroshima prefectures, as well as cities such as Otaru in Hokkaido and Gero in Gifu Prefecture. A total of nine cities and two prefectures are set to roll out the policy starting this fall.

Under the new regulations, visitors will be charged between 100 and 500 yen per person per night. Japan's Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, Seiichiro Murakami, explained that the initiative aims to support the development of local tourism infrastructure and promote environmental conservation.

With this decision, the number of areas authorized to impose accommodation taxes in Japan has risen to 24, including major tourist destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto.

Notably, Kyoto, which has been grappling with excessive tourist traffic, plans to raise its accommodation tax next spring. The current rate of 200 to 1,000 yen per person per night is expected to increase to a maximum of 10,000 yen.

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