If you plan a trip to Kyoto in the coming years, you must factor in a major change in accommodation costs. Starting in March 2026, the city will substantially increase its lodging tax, meaning visitors may need to adjust their travel budgets accordingly.
Kyoto Hotel Airbnb Tax Hike 2025
Under the revised system, the highest tax rate will skyrocket to 10,000 yen ($64) per person per night, a tenfold increase from the current maximum of 1,000 yen. This dramatic hike aims to generate additional revenue to support the city’s tourism infrastructure and disaster preparedness efforts, reflecting Kyoto’s strategy to manage its growing number of visitors more effectively.
While budget travelers staying in lower-cost accommodations will see only a moderate tax increase, those opting for luxury hotels and high-end ryokan stays will experience a significant rise in overall expenses. This change makes it more critical to consider your accommodation choices carefully when planning a Kyoto getaway.
What’s Changing?
Kyoto introduced its three-tiered accommodation tax system in 2018, charging visitors between 200 yen and 1,000 yen per night, depending on room rates. However, with a rising influx of tourists and the need for better infrastructure, the city has decided to revamp the system.
The new tax structure will be split into five tiers:
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200 yen – Rooms under 6,000 yen per night
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400 yen – Rooms between 6,000 and 20,000 yen
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1,000 yen – Rooms between 20,000 and 50,000 yen
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4,000 yen – Rooms between 50,000 and 100,000 yen
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10,000 yen – Rooms costing 100,000 yen or more
This means luxury travelers will see the biggest tax increase, while budget travelers staying in lower-priced accommodations will experience minimal impact.
Why the Tax Increase?
The Kyoto government expects to generate 12.6 billion yen yearly from this tax, more than double the 5.2 billion yen collected in fiscal 2023. The extra revenue will go toward:
- Supporting Kyoto’s tourism industry
- Improving disaster preparedness for both residents and visitors
With Japan’s tourism booming post-pandemic, cities like Kyoto seek ways to balance economic benefits with sustainability.
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
If you plan to visit Kyoto in the future, consider the higher accommodation costs when budgeting your trip. If you’re staying in high-end hotels, expect a steep increase in overall expenses. On the other hand, those opting for budget-friendly stays won’t see a dramatic difference.
Kyoto isn’t alone in implementing lodging taxes—11 municipalities in Japan have similar policies. For example, Kutchan in Hokkaido (home to the Niseko ski resort) charges a 2% tax on stays.
Conclusion
As Kyoto continues to balance tourism growth with sustainability, these changes signal a shift toward more responsible travel policies. Will other major tourist destinations in Japan follow suit? Only time will tell.
For those planning a trip here, take note of the Kyoto Hotel Airbnb tax hike in 2025, which will impact long-stay middle-segment tourists. It may sound a lot for first-timers, but on average, it is still acceptable, unless you choose a lavish vacation here.