In recent years, Kyoto has seen an unprecedented surge in international visitors. As one of Japan’s most popular destinations thanks to iconic spots like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and Kiyomizudera Temple, the influx of tourists has led to significant overcrowding and strain on local infrastructure. To address these challenges, Kyoto’s municipal government is set to increase its lodging tax, with the goal of managing the effects of overtourism and funding necessary improvements.
What travelers need to know about Kyoto’s lodging tax
Since 2018, Kyoto has implemented a lodging tax that applies to guests staying at hotels, traditional inns (ryokan), and other accommodations within the city. The current tax ranges from 200 JPY to 1000 JPY per night, depending on the price of the stay. However, with the continued rise in tourism, Kyoto plans to revise the tax rates significantly from March 2026.
The updated rates will see the most notable increases at the luxury end. Guests staying in accommodations that cost 100,000 JPY or more per night will face a tax of 10,000 JPY per night—ten times the current rate. The table below outlines the planned changes:
| Price per Night | Current Tax | Revised Tax (from March 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6,000 JPY | 200 JPY | 200 JPY |
| 6,000–19,999 JPY | 200 JPY | 400 JPY |
| 20,000–49,999 JPY | 500 JPY | 1,000 JPY |
| 50,000–99,999 JPY | 1,000 JPY | 4,000 JPY |
| 100,000 JPY and over | 1,000 JPY | 10,000 JPY |
Please note that student groups on school excursions will continue to be exempt from the tax.
A look at lodging taxes across Japan
Kyoto isn't the only destination implementing a lodging tax. Tokyo introduced a similar tax in 2002, followed by Osaka in 2017. As of April 2025, 13 municipalities across Japan have adopted lodging taxes, with nearly 50 more considering similar measures—particularly in high-tourism areas like Hokkaido, Nagano, Mount Fuji, Ise-Shima, and Okinawa. Currently, the highest lodging tax rate in Japan is 2,000 JPY in Hokkaido's winter sports hub of Niseko, but Kyoto’s revision will introduce a much steeper rate at the luxury level.
How this impacts travelers
For most visitors, the increase in Kyoto’s lodging tax will result in a minor additional expense. Budget and mid-range travelers will see a slight rise in costs, while those staying at high-end accommodations will experience a more substantial increase. The additional revenue is expected to support infrastructure improvements, sustainable tourism initiatives, and measures to alleviate the pressures of overtourism, hopefully resulting in a smoother, more pleasant stay for all visitors to the region.
