Kyoto tackles overtourism with new $65 per night hotel tax starting 2026
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Japan’s former capital is taking drastic steps to curb overtourism.
Starting in March 2026, Kyoto will introduce the highest accommodation tax in Japan, charging visitors more to stay in hotels, hostels and guesthouses in the city.
Under the new system, tourists at high-end hotels will be able to pay a tourist tax of up to ¥10,000 (about $65) per person per night; This represents a tenfold increase over current rates.
Budget travelers will also see increases from ¥200 to ¥400 per person (about $1.30 to $2.60), while mid-range rooms will see increases from ¥500 to ¥1,000 (about $3.30 to $6.50) per person.
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Hotel prices across Kyoto are also expected to rise as the city’s infrastructure and crowd control funding doubles. (iStock)
The extra funds are expected to more than double Kyoto’s tourism tax revenue and will be used to manage crowds, protect cultural sites and ease pressure on local infrastructure, city officials say.
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In applying for the fee increase, Kyoto travel officials insisted that tourists cover the cost of maintaining the attractions that draw them to the city.
Local residents in Kyoto neighborhoods complained about overcrowding and disrespectful behavior from tourists. (Philip Fong/AFP via Getty Images)
While tourism drives Kyoto’s economy, many residents say the city becomes almost uninhabitable during peak seasons. Narrow streets clogged with selfie-taking visitors and popular areas like Gion, known for its traditional teahouses and geishas, are trying to crack down on tourists after incidents of trespassing and offensive photography. Japanese media report that these efforts have failed.
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The new tax aims to fund enforcement and reduce friction between visitors and locals, but critics warn it may not go far enough. Japan welcomed more than 35 million foreign tourists in 2024, and officials hope that number will reach 60 million by 2030.
The city hopes that higher hotel fees will fund crowd control and protect Kyoto’s cultural heritage from mass tourism. (iStock)
Kyoto is not alone in feeling this pressure. Fox News Digital has previously reported that Mount Fuji, another of Japan’s iconic destinations, is dealing with its own fallout from booming tourism.
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Litter, overcrowding, and safety concerns became so serious that officials began calling the landmark “garbage mountain.”
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Visitors are being asked to pick up their trash and abide by new crowd limits as local authorities strive to preserve the mountain’s natural beauty.
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Kyoto’s move could be a sign of what’s to come in other tourist-heavy areas. As Japan’s popularity grows, cities are forced to choose between economic opportunities and preserving the peace that made them so popular.
