Tourist magnet Kyoto goes ahead with plan to hike hotel taxes – Kyoto Prefecture
Kyoto authorities announced plans to hike lodging taxes, as Japan’s ancient capital seeks to assuage grumbles from locals about too many tourists. Lured by its myriad sights and a weak yen, Japan has seen foreign tourism numbers explode in recent years, with arrivals in 2024 expected to have hit a record of more than 35 million. But like other hotspots worldwide such as Venice in Italy or Maya Bay in Thailand, this is not universally welcome, particularly in tradition-steeped Kyoto.
The city, which is a modest bullet train ride away from Tokyo — with a view of Mount Fuji on the way — is famed for its kimono-clad geisha performers and Buddhist temples. Residents have complained of disrespectful tourists harassing the geisha like paparazzi in their frenzy for photos, as well as causing traffic congestion and littering.
For rooms costing between 20,000 and 50,000 yen per night, visitors will now see their tax double to 1,000 yen per person per night, under the new plans. For accommodation over 100,000 yen per night it will soar tenfold to 10,000 yen. The new levies will take effect next year, subject to approval from the city assembly. Tensions are highest in the Gion district, home to teahouses where geiko — the local name for geisha — and their maiko apprentices perform traditional dances and play instruments. Last year authorities moved to ban visitors from entering certain narrow private alleys in Gion after pressure from a council of local residents. One council member told local media about an instance of a maiko’s kimono being torn and another who had a cigarette butt put in her collar. In 2019, the Gion district council put up signs saying “no photography on private roads” warning of fines of up to 10,000 yen.
Tourism has been booming for over a decade in Japan, with foreign arrivals rising five-fold between 2012 and when the Covid pandemic torpedoed foreign travel in 2020. Since restrictions were lifted, and the government is hoping to welcome 60 million tourists per year by 2030, almost double last year’s expected total.
Japanese bathe in icy water at Tokyo shrine to purify their souls – Tokyo Prefecture
Dozens of people soaked and splashed themselves in painfully icy cold water in a pool at a Tokyo shrine, adhering to Japanese tradition to purify the soul and pray for good health in the new year. Mostly half-naked men with just white loincloth around their hips and several women in white robes joined the annual cold endurance ritual at the Kanda Myojin, a Shinto shrine in downtown Tokyo.
About 40 participants jogged around the shrine and did some physical exercises to warm up before entering a pool of knee-high water chilled further with big chunks of ice. Taking turns, each ducked into the pool and poured water over their head, using a wooden bucket while shouting “Ei!” to pump themselves up as other participants and onlookers cheered.
Purification is key to Shinto rituals to keep away evil spirits. Worshipers can also wish for other things, such as traffic safety, success in business or exams and safe childbirth. Shinto is Japan’s Indigenous religion that dates back centuries and is part of the culture. It is a form of animism that believes in sacred spirits residing in living things and nature.
Number of New Year postcards nationwide 33% lower than in 2024 – Nationwide
Japan Post announced a preliminary figure for the number of New Year cards (nengajo) delivered on New Year’s Day. According to the report, about 491 million cards were delivered nationwide, down 33% from the previous year (743 million in 2024). The average number of cards delivered per person was 4 (6 in 2024). The decrease is thought to be due to the impact of postal fee hikes and social media. The postage for New Year postcards for 2025 has increased by 22 yen, from 63 yen to 85 yen.
