KANAGAWA, Oct 01 (News On Japan) - Kamakura City in Kanagawa Prefecture has approved the introduction of a bathing tax, but the measure is drawing strong criticism from local hot spring operators since only two facilities fall under the new levy.
The city council passed an ordinance on September 30th, imposing a 150 yen bathing tax on visitors using hot spring facilities starting in October next year. The city expects to collect about 5 million yen annually and plans to allocate the revenue to measures addressing overtourism, such as upgrading public toilets and information boards.
Tourists generally welcomed the idea, with one saying that better infrastructure, such as more garbage bins, could help reduce littering.
However, opposition is fierce among operators, particularly at Inamuragasaki Onsen, the only natural hot spring in Kamakura. Director Jiro Yoshizawa expressed frustration, saying, "I just cannot understand why the city would collect money from us alone and then spend it elsewhere. Some people come here every day because they love Inamuragasaki Onsen. I don’t want to raise fees if I can avoid it."
Operators fear that the additional charge will discourage visitors. Although Yoshizawa hopes to absorb the tax without raising admission prices, higher utility costs make the decision more difficult.
Asked why the city would impose the tax when so few facilities exist, a municipal official explained that the bathing tax is stipulated under the Local Tax Law and was introduced as part of a broader tax framework, not to target specific businesses.
Kamakura is also considering the introduction of an accommodation tax in the future as part of its strategy to manage the pressures of rising tourism.
Source: TBS
