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.

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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