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Kyoto, Japan hikes tourist tax by 900% to crack down on overtourism

Travelers wanting to see the ancient temples and shrines in Kyoto will soon need to increase their budget as the historic city announced a 900% hike on its tourist tax earlier this month. This will mark Japan’s highest tourist tax.

Known for its rich cultural heritage, Kyoto has been struggling with overtourism. Last year, a record 10.88 million foreign visitors descended upon the city. The high influx of visitors has strained the city’s infrastructure and quality of living for residents, from closing streets in its famous geisha district due to poorly behaved tourists to trash cans overflowing with garbage.

“The increased tax revenue resulting from the review will be used to ‘promote tourism that makes use of its diverse and profound charms’ and ‘further promote harmony and compatibility between civic life and tourism,'” the city announced on Oct. 3 on its official website.

Kathleen Wong

USA TODAY

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