Local governments in Japan are considering travel taxes as a means to fund tourism-related policies and infrastructure, while also addressing the issue of overtourism.

From TTG Asia, more than 50 local governments are exploring the implementation of an accommodation tax. The 13 local governments that already do so use the revenue for such support as tourist information centres, Wi-Fi access and local bus services.

In Hokkaido, the prefectural government has decided to introduce an accommodation tax of 100 to 500 yen (US$0.67 to US$3.33) per person per night, beginning April 2026.

However, in prefectures like Miyagi, accommodation providers have hindered government plans, citing concerns that managing the fees would be burdensome and the added cost could deter potential customers.