News On Japan

Osaka Ramps Up Tourist Tax to Tackle Overtourism

OSAKA, Nov 06 (News On Japan) - Osaka Prefecture’s legislative assembly approved an amendment on Tuesday to raise the accommodation tax imposed on travelers as a measure against overtourism.

The approved amendment, which aims to tackle overtourism, will increase the accommodation tax Osaka Prefecture levies on hotel guests by up to 200 yen. Currently, the tax is applied to accommodation rates of 7,000 yen or more per person per night, but under the new rules, it will apply to rates of 5,000 yen or more. The tax itself will also increase, from the current range of 100 to 300 yen, to between 200 and 500 yen.

Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura of Osaka Prefecture remarked, "We want to use these funds to enhance the city’s cleanliness and further promote Osaka’s appeal as a tourist destination."

The revised accommodation tax will be implemented following national approval and a public awareness period. With this change, Osaka Prefecture’s tax revenue is expected to increase from the current 2.5 billion yen to around 8 billion yen.

Source: YOMIURI

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

President Trump arrived in Tokyo on October 27th for his first visit to Japan since beginning his second term, with the goal of reinforcing the Japan-U.S. alliance and strengthening deterrence amid growing regional tensions involving China and North Korea.

The Nikkei Stock Average surpassed the 50,000-yen mark for the first time ever as trading began on Monday in Tokyo, marking a historic milestone for Japan’s equity market. The breakthrough occurred just three minutes after the opening bell at 9 a.m., with traders at some securities firms preparing to celebrate with a traditional kagami-biraki sake ceremony.

Japan’s H3 Rocket No. 7, carrying a newly developed unmanned cargo spacecraft, successfully launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture at 9 a.m. on October 26th, marking another milestone for the nation’s space program.

A Tokyo District Court has ruled that addressing a colleague using the 'chan' suffix constitutes sexual harassment, ordering a male employee to pay 220,000 yen in damages.

Fonts are an invisible part of daily life, yet they profoundly shape how we perceive information and emotion. From the elegant Mincho to the bold Gothic, these designs are chosen according to purpose—whether to convey clarity, trust, or impact—and their influence extends beyond readability into branding and communication.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Travel NEWS

Kyoto, long celebrated as Japan’s iconic autumn destination, is now facing a striking shift in its tourism landscape. In the city’s most famous spots, foreign tourists far outnumber Japanese visitors, raising questions about over-tourism and the city’s future balance between hospitality and livability.

The King and Queen portraying Ryukyu royalty promoted highlights of the upcoming Shuri Castle Restoration Festival, which will begin on November 1. The annual festival celebrates the culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom and aims to build momentum for the ongoing restoration of Shuri Castle, which was destroyed by fire in 2019.

A factory tour offering a close look at Shinkansen maintenance facilities began on October 25th at JR Central’s Hamamatsu Works in Hamamatsu City, drawing large crowds of railway enthusiasts and families. The event, titled “Go to JR Central Hamamatsu Factory,” has been held annually since 2022 to help visitors experience the Shinkansen up close.

Around 500 blazing torches lit up the night sky on October 22nd as Kyoto’s famed Kurama Fire Festival, one of the city’s three most extraordinary festivals, took place around Yuki Shrine in Sakyo Ward.

After having travelled to Japan's most famous tropical locations (Okinawa, Amami, Miyakojima etc), I wasn't expected Niijima to hold a candle to them, but I was wrong! I can't believe that the best beaches in the country are in Tokyo... (Currently Hannah)

With the arrival of autumn, Osaka’s Abeno Harukas is offering visitors breathtaking sunset views from the 58th-floor observatory 300 meters above ground.

Hoshino Resorts announced on October 22nd that it will open seven new facilities across Japan in 2026, with a particular focus on regional areas.

The Kofu Local Meteorological Observatory announced on October 23rd that the season’s first snow had been observed on Mount Fuji, which stands 3,776 meters tall. Around 6 a.m., an official visually confirmed that snow had clearly accumulated near the summit.