Japan officials raising tax on hot springs bathing as country sees tourism boom
Several cities in Japan are grappling with overtourism as native governments take totally different approaches to curbing crowds.
Japan is understood for its hot springs (onsens) and bathing services surrounded by inns, drawing vacationers from around the globe.
Many of Japan’s onsen cities have imposed so-called “bathing taxes” in an effort to help the maintenance of the scenic locations, however are restricted within the scope of what the tax covers.
MEXICO CRUISE TAX DELAYED FOLLOWING INDUSTRY BACKLASH: WHAT TO KNOW
The normal bathing tax is presently round $0.98 (150 yen) per day, in keeping with the Japanese paper, The Asahi Shimbun.
Officials with Japanese onsen cities are discussing including a lodging payment along with rising bathing charges. (iStock)
Kumano Travel, the community-based reservation system for the Kumano area of Japan, lists details about the onsen tax on its web site.
“Hot-spring accommodations throughout Japan are required by their municipal governments to charge an onsen tax equivalent to 150 yen per one adult per one night,” the web page says.
“This onsen tax is not included in the KUMANO TRAVEL price so please pay the fee with cash at the accommodation.”
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
In March 2025, the hot spring city of Higashi-Izu will increase its bathing tax to round $2 (300 yen), reported TTG Asia, an Asia-Pacific journey commerce enterprise useful resource.
Atagawa Yamatokan, a beachfront resort situated in Higashi-Izu, lists on its web site the upcoming improve within the hot spring tax.
“Due to an agreement with Higashiizu Town, the hot spring tax will be changed. Until February 28, 2025, 150 yen per person per day (per night). From March 1, 2025, 300 yen per person per day (per night),” the positioning says.
Three municipalities on the northern island of Hokkaido have launched a lodging tax along with bathing taxes, with 16 different municipalities contemplating the tax, says The Asahi Shimbun.
Nearly two million Americans visited Japan from January by means of August this 12 months, marking a brand new document, stated Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in a public speech made in September. (iStock)
“Raising both the bathing tax and introducing the lodging tax would create a double burden on hot spring resort guests,” the information supply famous.
Nearly two million Americans visited Japan from January by means of August this 12 months, marking a brand new document, stated Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in a public speech made in September.
Thirty p.c of holiday makers famous experiencing overcrowding at in style spots, in keeping with a Japan Tourism Board (JTB) Foundation and the Development Bank of Japan report.
For extra Lifestyle articles, go to foxnews.com/life-style
Japan’s summit mountain of Mount Fuji carried out a climber tax of about $13 (2,000 yen) calling it a “voluntary donation” whereas additionally limiting solely 4,000 hikers per day, in keeping with the official web site for Mount Fuji climbing.
Mount Fuji carried out a climber tax of about $13 (2,000 yen) calling it a “voluntary donation” whereas additionally limiting solely 4,000 hikers per day. (iStock)
Other worldwide trip locations have carried out taxes in an effort to curb tourism.
The Maldives has carried out a departure tax charging vacationers on their flights out of airports on the islands.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Greece plans to implement a 20 euro ($22) tax for guests cruising to Santorini or Mykonos and Bali began charging all overseas vacationers a $10 payment to advertise extra sustainable tourism, Fox News Digital reported.
Fox News Digital reached out to Atagawa Yamatokan resort and the Japan Tourism Agency of the Japanese authorities for remark.
