Elliott Confidential

Elliott Confidential

CONSUMER ALERT: Tourist taxes are rising — here’s what it means for you

Kyoto is the latest destination to raise taxes on visitors. Here are the most taxing places for travelers.

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Christopher Elliott
Oct 20, 2025
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If you think your next trip to Japan will cost the same as last time, think again. Starting in March 2026 — just in time for the cherry blossom season — Kyoto will impose a 900 percent increase in its tourist accommodation tax, turning what was once a small fee into a serious hit to your travel budget.

The new rate means you’ll pay up to $70 extra a night for a stay in a high-end hotel.

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