Kyoto (Japan): Authorities in Kyoto announced plans on Tuesday to drastically increase hotel accommodation taxes, as Japan’s model ancient capital seeks to calm locals’ complaints about too many tourists.
Japan has seen a surge in the number of foreign tourists following the pandemic, with the number of visitors expected to reach a record high of more than 35 million in 2024.
But like other hotspots around the world like Venice or Maya Bay in Thailand, it’s not universally welcomed – especially in tradition-filled Kyoto, famous for its kimono-clad geisha artists and Buddhist temples.
Under plans announced Tuesday, for rooms priced at 20,000-50,000 yen ($127-317) per night in Kyoto, the visitor tax will double to 1,000 yen ($6.35) per person per night.
This will increase tenfold to 10,000 yen for accommodations worth more than 100,000 yen per night. The new fees will take effect next year, subject to approval from the city assembly.
“We intend to increase the accommodation tax to realize ‘sustainable tourism’ with a high level of satisfaction for citizens, tourists and businesses,” it said in a statement.
– cigarette butts –
From Tokyo to Osaka and Fukuoka, major metropolises already charge tourists a few hundred yen per night for accommodation.
Kyoto residents have complained that tourists are harassing geishas like paparazzi as they take photos to impress their Instagram followers.
Tensions are highest in the Gion district, where tea shops where “geiko” – the local name for geisha – and their “maiko” apprentices perform traditional dances and play instruments.
Last year authorities banned visitors from entering some narrow private streets in Gion after pressure from a council of local residents.
One member previously told Japanese media about an incident when a maiko’s kimono was torn and another inserted a cigarette butt into the collar of her ancient dress.
In 2019, the Gion District Council put up “No photography on private roads” signs warning of fines of up to 10,000 yen.
According to a recent survey, Kyoto residents are also unhappy with traffic congestion and misbehavior of passengers.
– Fuji was blocked –
Tourists have been attracted to Japan since pandemic restrictions were lifted, attracted by its sights, culture, nature and a weak yen.
Authorities have also taken steps beyond Kyoto, including imposing entrance fees and daily limits on the number of hikers allowed to climb famed Mount Fuji.
It appeared to be working, with preliminary data showing that the number of climbers dropped by 14 percent during the summer hiking season from July to September last year.
Last year a barrier was erected outside a convenience store with a spectacular view of Mount Fuji, becoming a draw for photo-hungry visitors.
And in December Ginzan Onsen, the Japanese hot spring town popular for its photogenic snowy scenes, launched a trial plan to limit entry to day trippers.
Only people staying in local hotels are allowed to enter the city after 8:00 pm, while those wishing to travel between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm will need a reservation.
