Japan’s Hokkaido to Introduce Lodging Tax in 2026
Government of Hokkaido to Implement Lodging Tax
The government of Hokkaido, Japan’s northern island renowned for its popularity among tourists, will introduce a lodging tax of up to 500 yen (US$3) per night from April 2026, joining a growing number of prefectures and municipalities across Japan using such revenues to improve infrastructure and transportation amid a tourism boom.
Double Taxation for Lodgers
With around 20 local governments in Hokkaido, including the prefectural capital Sapporo, preparing to implement their own accommodation taxes, lodgers at hotels and inns will face double taxation, according to Kyodo News Agency.
Lodging Tax Ordinance
According to an ordinance adopted by the Hokkaido assembly in December, visitors to the island will be asked to pay 100 yen per night for a nightly room charge of less than 20,000 yen, while 200 yen will be imposed for a charge from 20,000 yen to under 50,000 yen. For a room charge per night of 50,000 yen or above, they will be required to pay 500 yen.
Revenue Generation
The imposition of a lodging tax is expected to generate around 4.5 billion yen for the Hokkaido government.
Municipalities’ Lodging Tax Rates
Among the municipalities in Hokkaido, Sapporo will request 200 yen per night for a room charge of less than 50,000 yen and 500 yen for fees exceeding 50,000 yen. This would mean a hotel guest with a 50,000 yen room charge would have to pay 1,000 yen in lodging tax.
Kutchan’s Flat Rate
In Kutchan, where the popular Niseko ski resort is located, a flat rate of 2% of the room charge is collected from visitors.
Precedent Set by Tokyo and Other Prefectures
Starting with Tokyo in 2002, accommodation taxes have already been introduced in Osaka and Fukuoka prefectures, as well as municipalities including Kanazawa and Kyoto.
Conclusion
The introduction of the lodging tax in Hokkaido is expected to generate significant revenue for the government, which will be used to improve infrastructure and transportation in the region. However, lodgers may face double taxation as multiple local governments in Hokkaido prepare to implement their own accommodation taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the lodging tax be implemented in Hokkaido?
A: The lodging tax will be implemented in April 2026.
Q: What is the maximum lodging tax rate in Hokkaido?
A: The maximum lodging tax rate in Hokkaido is 500 yen per night.
Q: Which municipalities in Hokkaido will implement their own lodging taxes?
A: Around 20 local governments in Hokkaido, including Sapporo, will implement their own accommodation taxes.
Q: What is the purpose of the lodging tax in Hokkaido?
A: The lodging tax is expected to generate around 4.5 billion yen for the Hokkaido government, which will be used to improve infrastructure and transportation in the region.