Kyoto Imposes Tiered Accommodation Tax to Manage Overtourism Surge

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.

The tax system will significantly increase overnight rates, especially for higher-end stays. Travelers staying in Kyoto will pay an extra $1.30 per night for rooms under $40, $2.60 for stays between $40 and $130, $6.50 for rooms costing $130 to $330, and up to $65 per person per night for luxury stays over $665. The tax revenue will help support public infrastructure, including expanding public transportation, creating timed entry slots for crowd control, and maintaining cultural heritage protection.

Despite the rising costs, Kyoto offers many free cultural sites and outdoor attractions for visitors to enjoy, such as the Shimogamo Shrine, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden. Travelers seeking to stretch their yen may also consider staying in nearby cities like Osaka, Kobe, or Nara.