In Hokkaido, a popular destination for tourists in northern Japan, the government has announced plans to cap accommodation costs at 500 yen per night starting from April 2026. This initiative is part of a broader effort by Japanese prefectures and municipalities to boost tourism and improve transportation infrastructure. Officials anticipate using revenue generated from this measure to fund advancements in infrastructure and transportation.
Approximately 20 local governments in Hokkaido, including the prefectural capital Sapporo, are preparing to implement regulations requiring tourists to pay a maximum of 500 yen for overnight stays. Following the implementation of these rules, visitors will likely encounter higher prices at hotels and inns. According to a decree passed by the Hokkaido Assembly in December, incoming travelers to the region will be charged varying fees for accommodations, ranging from less than 20,000 yen to over 50,000 yen per night. Those paying 50,000 yen or more will be required to pay an additional 500 yen per night for their room.
After the accommodation pricing scheme is enforced, the Hokkaido government expects to generate an annual income of around 4.5 billion yen. This initiative mirrors similar policies that have been in place since 2002 in municipalities like Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Kanazawa, and Kyoto, where accommodation fees for visitors were regulated earlier.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: December 30, 2024 8:35 am
