Kyoto’s Nijo Castle to implement dual pricing

This file photo taken in September 2016 shows the Ninomaru Palace of Nijo Castle in Kyoto. (Kyodo)

KYOTO (Kyodo) — Kyoto plans to introduce dual pricing for admission fees to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and for bus fares as early as fiscal 2027, charging out-of-town visitors more than city residents, a city government source said Thursday.

Under the new two-tier system, admission to the grounds of Nijo Castle and its Ninomaru Palace will cost 2,000 yen ($13) for nonresidents and 1,000 yen for city residents, while bus fares will likewise be set at 360 yen for non-residents and 200 yen for residents.

The western Japanese city decided to lower the admission price for residents from the current flat price of 1,300 yen, hoping that cheaper tickets will encourage more locals to visit.

The majority of visitors to the castle come from outside the city, and the city also hopes to use the additional revenue from higher admission fees for nonresidents for conservation and renovation purposes.

The city will also reduce bus fares for residents from the current 230 yen, hoping the measure will help promote coexistence with tourists, as some residents who rely on buses for daily transportation have complained about overcrowding caused by sightseeing visitors.

According to the city government, it would be the first case in Japan of a two-tier fare system being introduced for public transportation as a measure to address overtourism.

About 2.07 million people visited Nijo Castle in fiscal 2025, which ended in March. While detailed residency data are unavailable, a survey conducted during a limited period last fall found that residents accounted for about 2 percent of visitors, according to the city.

The move comes as more tourist destinations in Japan begin implementing dual pricing. Himeji Castle, also a World Heritage site, in Hyogo Prefecture introduced the practice in March this year, raising the adult admission fee to 2,500 yen for nonresidents while keeping it at 1,000 yen for Himeji residents aged 18 or above.