Kyoto to Hit Visitors With Japan’s Highest-Ever Hotel Tax

Key Points

• Kyoto will implement Japan's highest-ever hotel tax, charging up to 10,000 yen ($67) per person per night for luxury stays starting March 1, 2026.
• The new tax rates aim to help the city manage overtourism and improve infrastructure, with projected lodging tax revenue expected to double.
• Other Japanese regions, including Okinawa, are also adopting or considering new accommodation taxes in response to record-high tourist arrivals.

Summary

Kyoto has received approval to impose Japan's highest hotel tax, charging up to 10,000 yen ($67) per person per night for accommodation costing 100,000 yen or more, starting March 1, 2026. The increased tax—part of a broader strategy to tackle overtourism and upgrade infrastructure—will result in Kyoto's lodging tax revenue nearly doubling. This move comes amid record tourism numbers across Japan, prompting other regions like Okinawa to introduce similar taxes to support their tourism sectors.