A limited express sightseeing bus is seen in Kyoto’s Shimogyo Ward, June 1, 2024. The Kyoto Municipal Government began operating the service that day. (Mainichi/Kazuki Yamazaki)
KYOTO — The mayor of this ancient Japanese capital has announced a plan to introduce a dual bus fare system by lowering the fare for locals and collecting more from nonresidents as part of measures against overtourism. If implemented, this will be Japan’s first dual fare system.
Kyoto Mayor Koji Matsui on Feb. 25 revealed a proposal to lower the current flat rate of 230 yen (about $1.50) within the city to 200 yen (roughly $1.30) for Kyoto citizens, and have noncitizens pay more, thereby redistributing the benefits of hosting a large number of tourists to residents.
Kyoto Mayor Koji Matsui addresses the dual fare system for city buses during his response at a Feb. 25, 2026, municipal assembly meeting. (Mainichi/Yoko Minami)
The city aims to seek approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and implement the system in fiscal 2027.
With a population of 1.43 million, Kyoto received 56.06 million tourists in 2024, including a record 10.88 million foreign visitors. Bus congestion and delays have become symbols of overtourism.
Mayor Matsui, who was first elected in February 2024, pledged to set different fares for city buses and other services between citizens and noncitizens. However, the Road Transportation Act prohibits unjust discriminatory treatment in fares for specific travelers, and officials have been in consultation with the transport ministry, which demands that a “reasonable reason” be presented for the change.
During the Feb. 25 municipal assembly meeting, Matsui stated that discussions with the ministry and private operators were underway, adding, “Due to overtourism measures and rising costs, fares are expected to be 350 to 400 yen (around $2.30 to $2.60), but we want to offer discounts to citizens.”
A limited express sightseeing bus, background, is seen in Kyoto’s Shimogyo Ward, June 1, 2024. The Kyoto Municipal Government began operating the service that day. (Mainichi/Kazuki Yamazaki)
In a city survey in 2024, 79.9% of respondents reported being inconvenienced by public transportation congestion and tourists’ poor manners. The city government prioritizes “harmonizing citizen life with tourism” as a key issue. Additionally, Kyoto is increasing its accommodation tax rate starting March 1 to boost tax revenue while also strengthening regulations on private lodgings.
(Japanese original by Yoko Minami, Kyoto Bureau)
AloJapan.com