Kyoto raised its accommodation tax in March 2026 to manage overtourism, with the top rate jumping from ¥1,000 to ¥10,000 per night — among the highest hotel taxes in the world. For most mid-range travellers, though, the change is small. Rates below are from the official Kyoto City tourism site.
Kyoto accommodation tax rates (from 1 March 2026)
| Room rate per person per night | Tax per person per night | Before March 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Under ¥6,000 | ¥200 | ¥200 |
| ¥6,000 – ¥19,999 | ¥400 | ¥200 |
| ¥20,000 – ¥49,999 | ¥1,000 | ¥500 |
| ¥50,000 – ¥99,999 | ¥4,000 | ¥1,000 |
| ¥100,000 and above | ¥10,000 | ¥1,000 |
The rate is based on the accommodation price per person (room price divided by guests), not the total room price.
How it works
- Who pays: all overnight guests in hotels, ryokan, guesthouses and licensed private lodging in Kyoto City.
- How: collected by your accommodation, usually at check-in or check-out, or added to your bill. Some booking sites include it; many don’t.
- Exemptions: limited; check the official guide or ask your hotel (for example, for school trips).
Example costs
| Trip | Price per person per night | Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Couple, 3 nights, ¥24,000 double room | ¥12,000 | 2 × 3 × ¥400 = ¥2,400 |
| Couple, 2 nights, ¥60,000 ryokan with dinner | ¥30,000 | 2 × 2 × ¥1,000 = ¥4,000 |
| Solo, 4 nights, ¥5,000 hostel bed | ¥5,000 | 4 × ¥200 = ¥800 |
| Couple, 2 nights, ¥240,000 luxury suite | ¥120,000 | 2 × 2 × ¥10,000 = ¥40,000 |
Is Kyoto still affordable?
Yes. Most hotels fall in the ¥6,000–19,999 per person band, where the tax is ¥400 a night. Only luxury ryokan and high-end hotels see a big jump. Compare total prices including tax — see where to stay in Kyoto or compare hotels in Kyoto.
Other costs and changes to know
- Temple fees: Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera ¥500; Ginkaku-ji rose to ¥1,000 in April 2026; Nijo Castle ¥1,300 with the palace.
- Free sights: Fushimi Inari and the Arashiyama bamboo grove.
- Buses: ¥230 flat fare for now; a higher fare for non-residents is planned from fiscal 2027 at the earliest.
- Japan’s departure tax: ¥3,000 per person since 1 July 2026 (up from ¥1,000), usually included in your air ticket (JNTO).
- Tax-free shopping: Japan is moving to a refund system for tourists; keep receipts and passports handy.
More Kyoto guides
- Kyoto itinerary
- Best things to do in Kyoto
- Where to stay in Kyoto
- Best time to visit Kyoto (cherry blossoms and autumn leaves)
- Tokyo to Kyoto by shinkansen
- Kansai airport to Kyoto
- Fushimi Inari guide
- Kyoto travel guide
FAQ: Kyoto accommodation tax
How much is the Kyoto accommodation tax in 2026?
From ¥200 to ¥10,000 per person per night, depending on the room rate per person, since 1 March 2026.
Is the Kyoto accommodation tax included in my booking?
Sometimes. Many hotels collect it separately at check-in or check-out.
Is the tax per room or per person?
Per person, per night, based on the price per person.
Why did Kyoto raise its hotel tax?
To manage overtourism and fund services such as transport and the upkeep of the city.
Does Osaka have a hotel tax too?
Yes, Osaka and Tokyo also charge accommodation taxes, at different rates.
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