Planning a trip to Kyoto? Get ready for some changes in how the city funds its tourism infrastructure. The city has proposed a significant update to its accommodation tax that will impact travelers across different budget ranges.
What’s Changing in Kyoto’s Accommodation Tax?
The proposed tax revision aims to support Kyoto’s cultural heritage and tourism development. Here’s a breakdown of the new tax rates based on your hotel’s nightly rate:
| Nightly Room Rate | Current Tax | Proposed Tax |
|——————-|————-|————–|
| Under ¥6,000 | ¥200 | ¥200 (unchanged) |
| ¥6,000 – ¥20,000 | ¥200 | ¥400 |
| ¥20,000 – ¥50,000 | ¥500 | ¥1,000 |
| ¥50,000 – ¥100,000 | ¥1,000 | ¥4,000 |
| Over ¥100,000 | ¥1,000 | ¥10,000 |
Why the Tax Increase?
Kyoto is investing approximately 13 billion yen into:
- Preserving cultural heritage
-
Enhancing tourism infrastructure
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Improving city facilities
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Creating value through cultural experiences
Key Traveler Insights
Pro Tip: The tax is designed to be more progressive, with higher-end accommodations paying proportionally more. Importantly, the city has maintained existing exemptions, such as those for school trip participants.
When Will This Take Effect?
The city plans to propose the changes in February’s city council meeting, with a potential implementation from March 2026, pending final approvals.
Financial Context
In 2023, Kyoto already collected a record 5.2 billion yen in accommodation taxes, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The new proposal could raise this to around 12.6 billion yen annually.
While the tax increase might seem significant, it supports Kyoto’s commitment to maintaining its status as a world-class cultural and tourism destination. Travelers can feel good knowing their contribution helps preserve the city’s unique charm and infrastructure.
