(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)
Kyoto, known for its many shrines, temples and attractions, is a hot spot for tourists seeking a taste of feudal Japan along it’s cobblestone streets and wooden buildings of the old capital.
In recent years, Kyoto has been inundated with an influx of tourists. In 2024 alone, the old capital welcomed a whopping 56,060,000 tourists, including nearly 11 million overseas visitors, according to city officials.
To mitigate the challenges of overtourism, the city will increase lodging taxes at Kyoto’s hotels starting March 1, 2026. This is the first tax increase since the tax was introduced in 2018.
After the tax hike takes effect, officials estimate the yearly revenue generated from the taxes will increase from 5.91 billion yen to 12.6 billion yen. According to the Kyoto City official website, the revenue will be used to improve city infrastructure and measures to ease congestion.
For more information, visit the Kyoto City official website.
Revised lodging taxes (Starting March 1, 2026)
Room price (per person, per night)
Lodging tax
6,000 yen or below
200 yen
6,000 to 19,999 yen
400 yen
20,000 to 49,999 yen
1,000 yen
50,000 to 99,999 yen
4,000 yen
100,000 yen or more
10,000 yen
Kyoto City website
AloJapan.com