Travel Tips
Currency Exchange & Taxes
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.
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.
*Kyoto City’s accommodation tax will change on March 1, 2026. See below for details.
Current Accommodation Tax (until the end of February, 2026)
| Accommodation Fee (Per Person Per Night) | Tax Amount |
|---|---|
| Under 20,000 yen | 200 yen |
Over 20,000 yen to 49,999 yen | 500 yen |
| Over 50,000 yen | 1,000 yen |
New Accommodation Tax (from the beginning of March, 2026)
| Accommodation Fee (Per Person Per Night) | Tax Amount |
|---|---|
| Under 6,000 yen | 200 yen |
| 6,000 yen to 19,999 yen | 400 yen |
| 20,000 yen to 49,999 yen | 1,000 yen |
| 50,000 yen to 99,999 yen | 4,000 yen |
| 100,000 yen or more | 10,000 yen |
Please see here for more information about 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 yen per person per night
General onsen entry: 100 yen per person per day
Related Article
Consumption taxes and tax-free shopping in Japan
Please see here for more information about consumption taxes and tax-free shopping in Japan.
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.
- Information for Foreign Tourists (Tax-Free Shopping System) (Japan Tourism Agency)
- Tax-free: Tips to enjoy shopping safely in Japan (Japan Shopping Now)
Please see the following external links for information about customs.
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