Japan is taking bold steps to manage its booming tourism industry. Starting in fall 2025, the country will introduce new accommodation taxes in several key regions. This move aims to address the challenges of overcrowding and promote sustainable travel.
The new taxes will apply to popular destinations like Miyagi and Hiroshima prefectures, as well as cities in Hokkaido, Gifu, and Shimane. This will bring the total number of local governments with accommodation taxes to 24. Tourists visiting places like Otaru, known for its scenic canals, or Gero, famous for its hot springs, will pay between 100 yen (about $0.70) and 500 yen per night. However, school groups will be exempt from these charges.
This policy follows the example set by Tokyo, which first introduced an accommodation tax in 2002. Since then, other major cities like Osaka and Kyoto have adopted similar measures. More recently, Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture announced it will implement the tax in April 2025, with Akaigawa village in Hokkaido following later that year. Prefectures like Chiba and Okinawa are also preparing to join the initiative.
Kyoto, one of Japan’s most visited cities, is taking even stronger action. It plans to raise its maximum accommodation tax from 1,000 yen to 10,000 yen per night. This reflects the growing strain on the city as tourism numbers rebound post-pandemic.
Japan’s tourism sector has seen a remarkable recovery. In February 2025, the country welcomed over 3 million foreign visitors in a single month for the first time. This marked a 16.9% increase compared to February 2024. The surge was driven by events like the Lunar New Year, which attracted visitors from China and other Asian countries. Winter sports also drew tourists from places like Australia and the United States.
However, the majority of tourists are concentrated in major cities like Tokyo, Aichi, and Kansai. This has put pressure on local infrastructure and residents. To address this, Japan is encouraging travelers to explore rural areas. The government hopes this will ease overcrowding in cities and spread the economic benefits of tourism more evenly.
The new accommodation taxes are part of a broader strategy to balance economic growth with community well-being. By managing tourist numbers and promoting less-visited regions, Japan aims to create a more sustainable tourism industry. These efforts are crucial for ensuring that tourism benefits both travelers and local residents.
In summary, Japan’s new accommodation taxes are a response to the challenges of post-pandemic tourism growth. They reflect the country’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental preservation. By diversifying tourist destinations and addressing overcrowding, Japan is paving the way for a more inclusive and balanced tourism future.
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