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Higher Tourist Taxes? Japan’s Travel Hot Spots Mull Increases
As some locales in Japan consider implementing a tourist tax, places such as Osaka are considering increasing — even doubling — their existing levies.
By Marin Akasaka
With the recent rise in foreign tourists visiting Japan, local governments across the country are increasingly considering the implementation of accommodation taxes. Municipalities that have already adopted such measures are even contemplating raising their rates.
Current implementation and expansion
Local governments can establish the lodging tax, a non-statutory tax, for specific purposes such as promoting tourism. This tax is levied based on the number of nights a person stays.
Currently, nine municipalities, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Osaka Prefecture, Kyoto City, Kanazawa City, and Fukuoka Prefecture, have implemented the system. More than 30 other municipalities, such as Hokkaido, Niseko City in Hokkaido, and Atami City in Shizuoka Prefecture, are also considering introducing it.
