New accommodation tax approved in 11 locations in Japan

The introduction of accommodation taxes in nine cities and two prefectures in Japan was approved by its government on Friday, 21st March.

The implementation of the new taxes will begin in autumn of this year, and more local governments stand to impose similar duties amid a post-pandemic tourism boom.

Minister of internal affairs and communications Seiichiro Murakami approved the introduction of the tax in Miyagi and Hiroshima prefectures, as well as five cities in Hokkaido, two in Gifu Prefecture, and one each in Miyagi and Shimane prefectures.

This brings the total number of local governments that have received the minister’s consent to 24.

A necessary measure

According to officials, revenue earned from the new taxes will be used to support the tourism industry and address issues such as overtourism. 

The amount charged for the tax is dependent on the local government, but will range between 100 to 500 yen a night.

However, Kyoto, which has been hardest hit by overtourism, is set to charge up to 10,000 yen a night to mitigate its impact.

Shizuoka Prefecture is set to introduce the tax in Atami next month, though other areas are not set to implement their measures until November.