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Kyoto Imposes Tiered Accommodation Tax to Manage Overtourism Surge
14 Nov
Summary
- Kyoto recorded 10.88 million international visitors in 2024, a record high
- New accommodation tax to launch in March 2026, ranging from $1.30 to $65 per night
- Tax revenue to fund infrastructure, crowd control, and cultural heritage preservation
As of November 2025, Kyoto, Japan's iconic tourist destination, is grappling with the growing pains of its own popularity. The city has been dubbed one of the world's "most disappointing" tourist spots, as well as one of the 13 most beautiful destinations ruined by overtourism.
According to a tourism report released by the Kyoto city government in June 2025, the city recorded an unprecedented 10.88 million international visitors in 2024, contributing to a total of 56.06 million tourists overall - the second-highest figure since 2015. To address the strain on Kyoto's infrastructure and heritage, the city will introduce a new tiered accommodation tax starting in March 2026.
