Core Insights - Japan's tourism market is projected to perform exceptionally well in 2024, with nearly 37 million inbound foreign tourists and tourism spending exceeding 8.1 trillion yen. The government aims to attract 60 million foreign tourists and achieve 15 trillion yen in spending by 2030, making tourism a vital growth engine amid domestic market contraction due to aging population and low birth rates [1][2] Group 1: Tourism Growth and Challenges - The influx of tourists has led to significant economic benefits but also created challenges such as overcrowding, rising housing prices, and environmental degradation in popular tourist destinations like Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Kyoto, and Osaka [1][2] - To mitigate the negative impacts of overtourism, several local governments in Japan are implementing "accommodation taxes" to compensate for the strain on public services caused by tourism [1][2] Group 2: Accommodation Tax Implementation - As of July 2023, 42 local governments have started or plan to implement accommodation taxes, with over 90 considering it. By the end of July, 35 plans had been approved, with 12 already in effect and 23 expected to start by 2026 [2] - Osaka Prefecture, which introduced accommodation tax in 2017, recently adjusted its tax coverage from accommodations costing over 7,000 yen per night to those over 5,000 yen, potentially generating additional revenue in the tens of billions of yen for the local government [3] Group 3: Regional Responses and Future Plans - Kyoto, significantly impacted by overtourism, saw a 53% increase in foreign visitors in 2024, reaching 10.88 million. The city plans to raise its accommodation tax to a maximum of 10,000 yen per person per night starting March 2026, which is expected to generate around 13 billion yen for infrastructure and public services [3][4] - Experts express skepticism about the effectiveness of accommodation taxes in addressing overtourism issues, suggesting that a more comprehensive approach is needed, including visitor caps and better distribution of tourists across less-known regions [4] Group 4: Broader Implications and Concerns - The limited geographical area of Japan poses inherent constraints on its tourism capacity, necessitating total visitor control measures before addressing structural issues [4] - Concerns arise that reliance on accommodation taxes may lead to a government mindset of "collecting money to solve problems," which could hinder effective governance and Japan's international tourism image [4][6]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles highlights that Japan is implementing or planning to implement an "accommodation tax" in response to the surge in foreign tourists, which is putting pressure on local infrastructure [1][2][3] - Currently, 42 local governments in Japan have started or are planning to impose this accommodation tax, with over 90 local governments seriously considering it [2] - The tax rates are set at approximately 200 yen (about 10 RMB) per person per night for many areas, while some high-end accommodations may charge up to 1000 yen (about 49 RMB) or more per person per night [3] Group 2 - The increase in accommodation costs due to the new tax is leading some potential tourists, like a family from Guangzhou, to reconsider their travel plans to Japan in favor of domestic travel [3] - The Japanese government has already taken various measures to address issues related to overtourism, including considering the cancellation of tax-free shopping for foreign tourists and increasing departure taxes [3][16] - The rise in the yen's exchange rate has made purchasing luxury goods like LV less advantageous for tourists compared to previous years, with a 9% increase in the yen against the dollar since early 2025 [5][6] Group 3 - Japan's core Consumer Price Index (CPI) excluding fresh food rose by 3.1% year-on-year in July, marking an increase for eight consecutive months, with significant price hikes in food and accommodation [7] - Specific examples of price increases include a 30 yen rise in the price of a common rice product and a 400 yen increase for canned coffee, indicating a broader trend of rising living costs in Japan [8][9] - Despite the rising costs, the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan continues to grow, with 2024 projected to see 36.86 million visitors, a record high [11][13] Group 4 - The Japanese government is considering increasing the "International Tourist Tax" from 1000 yen (about 48.5 RMB) to between 3000 and 5000 yen (about 145.6 RMB to 242.7 RMB) per person [19] - A proposal suggests that increasing the departure tax could raise government revenue from 49 billion yen to approximately 250 billion yen (about 121.4 million RMB) [20] - While these measures aim to alleviate overtourism issues, there are concerns among local businesses that such policies could negatively impact Japan's tourism and retail sectors [20]

Group 1 - Japanese local governments are beginning or planning to impose accommodation taxes to address infrastructure pressures from an increase in foreign tourists [1] - A survey indicated that 42 local governments have started or plan to implement accommodation taxes, with over 90 more considering it [1] - The accommodation tax rates are set at approximately 200 yen (about 9.8 RMB) per person per night, with some high-end accommodations charging up to 1000 yen (about 48.8 RMB) or more [1] Group 2 - Concerns exist among some local governments regarding the accommodation tax, particularly about the clarity of tax usage and the burden on small accommodation operators [2] - Japan's core Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 3.1% year-on-year in July, marking eight consecutive months of inflation above 3% [2] - The increase in food prices is the primary driver of inflation, with significant price hikes in various food categories [2] Group 3 - Japan's real GDP grew by 0.3% quarter-on-quarter in the second quarter, translating to an annualized growth rate of 1.0% [3] - Economic risks remain a concern, especially in light of past economic downturns linked to external factors such as U.S. tariffs [3]

Core Insights - The number of foreign tourists in Japan is continuously increasing, putting significant pressure on local infrastructure [1] - Multiple local governments in Japan are actively promoting accommodation tax collection plans to address this challenge [1] Tax Collection Progress and Standards - Local governments must obtain central government approval to levy accommodation taxes; as of the end of July, 35 local governments have received approval, with 12 regions officially collecting the tax [3] - The remaining 23 approved regions plan to implement the tax by 2026 at the latest [3] - At least 7 local governments have completed the drafting of tax regulations and are preparing to apply for central government approval [3] - Tax rates vary significantly, with most regions setting the rate at approximately 200 yen per person per night (about 9.8 RMB), while high-end accommodations may charge 1,000 yen or more (approximately 48.8 RMB) [3] - Among local governments yet to decide on the tax, 728 expressed interest in introducing it, while 506 showed disinterest [3] Use of Funds and Implementation Concerns - The planned use of accommodation tax revenue is diverse, with 537 local governments intending to invest in tourism facilities, 434 in overall tourism promotion, 242 in historical and environmental protection, and 228 in improving the reception environment for foreign tourists [4] - Some local governments have significant concerns regarding the introduction of the accommodation tax, particularly about the transparency of tax revenue usage and the impact on small accommodation providers [4] - These concerns highlight the challenges local governments face in balancing tax revenue generation with industry development, emphasizing the need for fair and effective policy implementation [4]

Core Viewpoint - Japanese local governments are increasingly considering or implementing accommodation taxes to manage the influx of foreign tourists and improve tourism infrastructure [1][2]. Group 1: Accommodation Tax Implementation - Over 90 local governments in Japan are seriously considering the introduction of accommodation taxes, with 42 already having implemented or planning to implement such taxes [1]. - A survey conducted by Kyodo News revealed that 92 municipalities are contemplating the addition of this tax, with 42 municipalities already in the process of implementation [1]. - The majority of municipalities that have set accommodation taxes have established a rate of around 200 yen (approximately 9.7 RMB) per person per night, while some high-end accommodations charge over 1000 yen (approximately 48.6 RMB) [1]. Group 2: Purpose and Use of Tax Revenue - The primary use of the revenue generated from accommodation taxes is for the construction of tourism infrastructure, followed by general tourism promotion, protection of historical and natural environments, and improvement of facilities for foreign tourists [1]. - Local governments are aiming to utilize the tax revenue to address issues related to overtourism, such as congestion, noise, and security concerns arising from the surge in visitors [1]. Group 3: Concerns and Challenges - Some municipalities have expressed concerns regarding the implementation of accommodation taxes, such as the need for clear communication on tax usage and the potential administrative burden on small accommodation providers [2]. - The introduction of accommodation taxes represents a significant shift in how local governments manage tourism financing, although not all are prepared to implement such taxes [2]. - There are worries that imposing accommodation taxes in less popular areas may drive tourists to other destinations, and without accompanying measures to attract visitors, the implementation may face difficulties [3].

Core Viewpoint - Japanese local governments are beginning or planning to impose accommodation taxes to fund tourism infrastructure and related initiatives [1][3]. Group 1: Accommodation Tax Implementation - A survey by Kyodo News indicates that 42 local governments in Japan have started or are planning to implement accommodation taxes, with over 90 local governments seriously considering this tax [3]. - As of the end of July, 35 local governments have had their tax plans approved, with 12 already collecting the tax and 23 planning to start by 2026 [3]. - At least 7 local governments have completed the drafting of tax regulations and are preparing to submit them for approval [3]. Group 2: Tax Rates - The accommodation tax is set at approximately 200 Japanese yen (around 9.8 RMB) per person per night in many regions, while some high-end accommodations may charge up to 1000 Japanese yen (approximately 48.8 RMB) or more per person per night [3]. Group 3: Purpose of the Tax - Most local governments intend to use the revenue from the accommodation tax for "building tourism facilities," with other common purposes including tourism promotion, preservation of historical sites and natural environments, and improving facilities for foreign visitors [5]. - Some local governments express concerns about the tax, fearing that a lack of clear communication regarding its use may hinder taxpayer support or increase the burden on small accommodation operators [5].