Saturday, March 22, 2025 In a strategic move to manage the surge in international tourism, Japan has announced the introduction of new accommodation taxes across key cities and prefectures. The decision, unveiled on March 21, 2025, is aimed at controlling the impacts of rising tourist numbers and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the nation’s tourism sector. Set to take effect in the fall of 2025, the accommodation taxes will apply to several prominent regions, including Miyagi and Hiroshima prefectures, as well as cities in Hokkaido, Gifu, and Shimane.
With this new initiative, 24 local governments in Japan will now be authorized to impose these taxes. Cities such as Otaru, renowned for its picturesque canals, and Gero, famous for its hot springs, will implement a per-night tax ranging from 100 yen (approximately $0.70) to 500 yen, depending on the location.
Notably, school groups will be exempt from these charges. The introduction of accommodation taxes mirrors the policy first adopted by Tokyo in 2002, which has since been extended to other major cities like Osaka and Kyoto. More recently, Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture has confirmed its plans to implement the tax in April 2025, followed by Akaigawa village in Hokkaido later in the year.
Additionally, prefectures like Chiba and Okinawa are preparing to follow suit, indicating a nationwide shift toward managing tourism growth through such measures. Kyoto, one of the most heavily visited areas in Japan, is also adjust.
