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Japan’s Overtourism Concerns Spark Hotel Tax Increase in Kyoto

Japan's Overtourism Concerns Spark Hotel Tax Increase in Kyoto

Japan is experiencing a surge in tourism, with over 36.8 million visitors recorded last year, surpassing 2019’s figures. This increase has led to rising tensions among locals, prompting officials in Kyoto, one of the country’s top tourist destinations, to announce plans to raise hotel lodging taxes to as much as 10,000 yen (£51) per night.

Kyoto Mayor Koji Matsui stated that the additional revenue would be directed toward enhancing local infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, ensuring that residents “tangibly feel” the benefits of tourism in their daily lives. This move comes after the city previously restricted access to certain alleyways in the historic Gion district to combat reports of tourists harassing geishas.

Other municipalities in Japan are also taking steps to manage the stresses of increased tourism. For instance, the town of Fujikawaguchiko, near Mount Fuji, installed barriers at a popular social media hotspot to control the influx of visitors eager to capture the iconic view of the mountain seemingly “floating” above a convenience store. The barriers aim to address overcrowding and potential safety concerns for the local community.

In June, Himeji Mayor Hideyasu Kiyomoto suggested charging foreign tourists six times the entry fee of local residents to visit the UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle, a proposal that ignited debate.

Despite the recent surge in tourism, Japan still attracts significantly fewer visitors per capita compared to top destinations like France, Italy, and Spain. The Japanese government aims to draw 60 million visitors annually by 2030 as part of its tourism strategy, but the challenges posed by overtourism remain a pressing concern for many communities.

Credit: Express

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