Japan is revising and expanding its accommodation tax system as part of ongoing efforts to support sustainable tourism and preserve cultural heritage.
Hotel taxes are already in place in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, and now over the coming year, several popular destinations will introduce or revise similar charges, with phased rollouts expected throughout 2025 and beyond.
Takayama City, Nagano and Hiroshima Prefectures, along with the cities of Sendai and Sapporo, are set to implement new accommodation taxes later this year. The exact calculation methods will vary by location—some will charge a flat fee per person per night, while others will base the amount on the cost of the room.
Meanwhile, Kyoto is preparing a significant revision to its existing tax structure. Although the implementation date has yet to be confirmed, authorities have indicated that the current maximum of JPY 1,000 per person per night could rise to as much as JPY 10,000, depending on the room rate.
While these changes may result in slightly higher costs for travellers, they are seen as vital for maintaining essential tourism infrastructure and protecting the cultural appeal of Japan’s most visited regions.
For more information about these changes, get in touch with our reservation team in Japan at:
[email protected]
