As the yen's depreciation has increased the number of tourists, local governments in Japan are rapidly moving to introduce accommodation taxes.
According to local media, including the Asahi Shimbun, Tokoname City in Aichi Prefecture, central Honshu, began collecting accommodation taxes last month. Additionally, it has been reported that 14 prefectures and cities, including Hiroshima Prefecture and Sapporo City, are planning to implement accommodation taxes this year.
The accommodation tax primarily involves an additional tax levied on users of lodging facilities. Kyoto City, which is considered one of Japan's representative tourist cities, has announced it will raise its existing accommodation tax from 1,000 yen to 10,000 yen, which is about 90,000 won.
Local governments in Japan explain that the revenue from accommodation taxes will be invested in expanding shuttle bus services, installing wireless internet for tourists, and producing guide maps to enhance tourism infrastructure. However, the perception of Japanese tourist destinations remains unfavorable.
Among internet users, there are negative sentiments expressed such as 'it's greedy' and 'I won’t go.'
The Asahi Shimbun reported that experts have expressed concerns that the increase in accommodation tax could lead to a decrease in tourists, stating, 'The purpose of implementing the accommodation tax and the plans for using the generated funds must be shared with residents and thoroughly monitored.'