Heads-Up: Kyoto’s Lodging Tax Is About to Jump—Big Time (March 2026)

Heading to Kyoto after March 1, 2026? Get ready—the city is sharply increasing its lodging tax on all accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury ryokan. The tax applies to everyone, whether you're a visitor from abroad or a Japanese resident.

First introduced in 2018, Kyoto’s lodging tax ranged from ¥200 to ¥1,000 per person, per night. But with a sharp rise in post-pandemic tourism, the city is now updating the tax to help fund essential services and infrastructure.

The revenue will support efforts to maintain Kyoto’s historic sites, manage crowd-related stress on transportation, and preserve the cultural environment for both residents and visitors.

From bamboo groves to historic streets, Kyoto’s most famous spots are feeling the pressure. The city’s updated lodging tax is one step toward managing the crowds.

The new rates are based on the nightly price of your accommodation. The biggest change? If you're staying somewhere that costs ¥100,000 or more per night, you'll be paying a hefty ¥10,000 per person/per night in lodging tax—ten times the current top rate.

Here’s how the new tax rates will break down by accommodation cost:

Room Price (Per Person, Per Night)	Current Tax	New Tax (From March 2026)
Under ¥6,000	¥200	¥200
¥6,000–¥19,999	¥200	¥400
¥20,000–¥49,999	¥500	¥1,000
¥50,000–¥99,999	¥1,000	¥4,000
¥100,000 and above	¥1,000	¥10,000

Kyoto’s new lodging tax, effective March 2026, increases sharply for higher-end accommodations.

🔍 Pro Tip: Check the Total Cost

Most hotel prices—especially on third-party booking sites—do not include Kyoto’s lodging tax in the quoted rate. While some platforms offer a “total price with taxes” view, others simply note that local taxes will be added at check-in. To avoid surprises, always confirm the total amount due, including local lodging taxes, before finalizing your booking.

For the full details on the approved five-tier structure and municipal rationale, see the Kyodo News report.

What This Means for You

Kyoto’s new lodging tax affects everyone—from backpackers to luxury travelers.

Kyoto is not alone in imposing traveler surcharges. As of now, nine municipalities—including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kanazawa—already levy lodging taxes. In March 2025, Japan’s national government approved lodging taxes in 11 additional areas—nine cities and two prefectures—such as Otaru (Hokkaido), Gero (Gifu), and the prefectures of Miyagi and Hiroshima. Some will begin collection as early as late 2025, while others are set to roll out in 2026 and beyond.

Tax rates vary across regions—typically between ¥100 and ¥500 per person per night—and will be used to fund infrastructure improvements and manage overtourism nationwide.

As these traveler taxes expand nationwide, it’s more important than ever to stay informed—so you can plan smarter, travel deeper, and avoid surprises along the way.

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