Japan approved on Friday the introduction of accommodation taxes in nine cities and two prefectures starting this fall, as more local governments move to impose such levies amid a post-pandemic tourism boom.
Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Seiichiro Murakami approved the implementation of the tax in Miyagi and Hiroshima prefectures, as well as in five cities in Hokkaido, two in Gifu Prefecture, and one city each in Miyagi and Shimane prefectures. With this latest move, a total of 24 local governments have now received ministerial consent to introduce the accommodation tax.
Revenue from the tax will be used to support the tourism industry and tackle issues such as overtourism. Among the approved cities are Otaru in Hokkaido, known for its picturesque canals, and Gero in Gifu Prefecture, a well-known hot spring resort.
The tax amount will vary by local government, ranging from 100 yen (approximately $0.70) to 500 yen per person per night. Students on school trips will be exempt from the tax.
Since Tokyo first introduced a lodging tax in 2002, 11 local governments, including Osaka Prefecture and the historic city of Kyoto, have implemented similar measures.
Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture is set to introduce the tax in April, while Akaigawa village in Hokkaido will follow in November. Chiba and Okinawa prefectures are also making preparations to implement the tax in the near future.
Kyoto, one of the cities most affected by overtourism, has announced plans to revise its current three-tiered accommodation tax system, with the maximum rate expected to increase from 1,000 yen to 10,000 yen.
Source: Kyodo
