Authorities in Kyoto announced Tuesday plans for a big hike in hotel lodging taxes, as Japan's picture-perfect ancient capital seeks to assuage grumbles from locals about too many tourists.
Japan has seen foreign tourist numbers explode post-pandemic, with visitor numbers in 2024 expected to have hit a record of more than 35 million.
But like other hotspots worldwide such as Venice or Maya Bay in Thailand, this is not universally welcome -- in particular in tradition-steeped Kyoto, famed for its kimono-clad geisha performers and Buddhist temples.
For rooms in Kyoto priced at 20,000-50,000 yen ($127-317) per night, visitors will see their tax double to 1,000 yen ($6.35) per person per night, under the plans announced Tuesday, AFP reported.
For accommodation over 100,000 yen per night it will soar tenfold to 10,000 yen. The new levies will take effect next year, subject to approval from the city assembly.
"We intend to hike accommodation tax to realize 'sustainable tourism' with a high level of satisfaction for citizens, tourists and businesses," a statement said.
From Tokyo to Osaka and Fukuoka, major metropolises already levy tourists a few hundred yen per night for accommodation.
Kyoto residents have complained of tourists harassing the geisha like paparazzi in their frenzy for photos to wow their Instagram followers.
According to a recent survey, Kyoto residents are also unhappy about traffic congestion and misbehavior by travelers.
Authorities have also taken steps beyond Kyoto, including introducing an entry fee and a daily cap on the number of hikers climbing the famous Mount Fuji.
This appeared to work, with preliminary figures showing the number of climbers down by 14 percent in the summer hiking season from July to September last year.
Last year a barrier was briefly erected outside a convenience store with a spectacular view of Mount Fuji that had become a magnet for photo-hungry visitors.
