Photo/Illutration Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

OSAKA--The Osaka prefectural government is considering imposing a levy on foreign tourists to finance measures against overtourism and related expenses, Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura said on March 6.

The governor emphasized the need to combat overcrowding and to implement more beautification projects throughout the prefecture since tourism demand has recovered with the COVID-19 pandemic subsiding.

Inbound tourism is only expected to increase further.

To cover these expenses, Yoshimura said a levy system separate from an accommodation tax already in place should be introduced targeting inbound tourism.

The prefectural government is aiming to begin collecting the tax in April 2025, when the Osaka Kansai Expo opens.

An expert panel will be set up in April this year to discuss the new system, along with a review of the existing accommodation tax.

The governor added that the prefecture is considering raising the accommodation tax it collects from all guests, both Japanese and foreign nationals, to promote tourism.

“We will review whether the accommodation tax amount is appropriate,” Yoshimura told reporters.

The prefecture currently levies an accommodation tax of 100 yen ($0.67) for each guest staying in rooms at hotels and inns priced between 7,000 and 15,000 yen per night.

A 200-yen tax is charged for room rates below 20,000, and for rates of 20,000 yen or more, the tax is 300 yen per person.

The accommodation tax revenue for fiscal 2022 amounted to roughly 1.06 billion yen, which has been used to enhance the tourism infrastructure and promote Osaka’s attractions, according to the prefectural government.

“For us to make Osaka Prefecture more comfortable and attractive by implementing various tourism policies, shouldn’t we ask for a little more?” Yoshimura said.

Related News