Travel Tips

Currency Exchange & Taxes

This page provides information on money exchange services in Kyoto and explains Japan's tax rules and regulations.

Kyoto is home to many original souvenirs, not found anywhere else in Japan, including traditional crafts and products. Knowing about tax-free services in Japan can help you to more easily shop for these sorts of items and any other goods you are interested in.

It is also helpful to know about city ordinances that tourists are subject to.

Currency Exchange

We recommend exchanging currency in advance because many purchases and temple admission fees can only be paid in cash.

The following URL has information about money exchange services at Kyoto Station.

Money Exchange Offices around Kyoto Station (PDF)

Tourism-Related Taxes in Kyoto

There are a number of taxes that are important to keep in mind when visiting Kyoto as a tourist. Read on to learn more about them.

Accommodation Tax

In order to improve the attractiveness of Kyoto City as an international tourism destination and plan for tourism promotion, Kyoto City started imposing a municipal accommodation tax on all guests staying within Kyoto City limits starting on October 1, 2018. The municipality plans to use the tax revenue to conduct a more balanced method of city planning that makes Kyoto a favorable place to both live in and to visit.

The tax is levied on guests staying at accommodation facilities/residences which accept accommodation fees as stipulated in the Hotel and Ryokan Management Law. This includes hotels, ryokans, simple accommodations, as well as minpaku (residence rentals) stipulated in the Private Lodging Business Law.

Accommodation Fee Person Per Night	Tax Amount
Under 20,000 JPY	200 JPY
Over 20,000 JPY to 49,999 JPY	500 JPY
Over 50,000 JPY	1,000 JPY

Please see here for more information about the accommodation tax.

Guide to the Accommodation Tax

Onsen Tax

Entrance into onsen in Kyoto is subject to taxation. Ryokan inns with onsen are also subject to this tax.

Onsen entry included in stay: 150 JPY per person per night

General onsen entry: 100 JPY per person per day

Onsen & sento (public baths)

Consumption taxes and tax-free shopping in Japan

Please see here for more information about consumption taxes and tax-free shopping in Japan.

Japan Shopping Guide: How to Shop - Consumption tax and tax-free shopping (Japan Guide)

Please see the following external links for explanations of Japan’s tax exemption system, details about which shoppers and what items are eligible for tax exemption, and requirements for tax exemption procedures.