Everything You Need to Know About Tokyo's New 3% Accommodation Tax for Tourists
The new policy takes effect in April 2027.
Published on Jul 14, 2026
(SPOT.ph) Japan is undoubtedly a top-tier destination for Filipinos, and with the recent rollout of e-visas, flying to Tokyo has never been easier. However, a recent tax update means you might have to revisit your budget for next year’s trip. Starting April 1, 2027, guests staying in Tokyo will be required to pay a 3% tax on their lodging fees.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming tax overhaul in our favorite city.
What to know about Tokyo’s new accommodation tax for tourists
Accommodation taxes aren’t actually new in Tokyo—though the current rates might seem minimal next to your shopping bill. However, according to an official press release, the central government has now formally approved a major restructuring of the local tax code. Moving away from a decades-old fixed-rate system, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will be implementing a 3% tax on lodging fees starting April 1, 2027.
Right now, guests staying in standard hotels and traditional ryokans pay a flat JPY 100 (about P38) per person, per night for rooms that cost between JPY 10,000 and JPY 15,000 (P3,794–P5,690) per person, per night. If that individual room rate exceeds JPY 15,000, the fee caps at JPY 200 (P76). Anything under JPY 10,000 is completely tax-exempt.
The upcoming system shifts to a 3% tax rate per person, per night for any room that costs over JPY 13,000 (P4,932) per person, per night. Unlike the current rules, this taxation applies to Airbnbs and private home-sharing services (minpaku), too.
Here's the new Tokyo accommodation tax, explained:
Below JPY 13,000: If you and a friend share a standard hotel room that costs JPY 24,000 (around P9,100) per night, your individual share is JPY 12,000. Because that is below the new JPY 13,000 threshold, you are completely tax-exempt and pay zero tax.
JPY 13,000 or More: If your shared room bumps up to JPY 28,000 (around P10,620) per night, your individual share becomes JPY 14,000. Since that crosses the line, the 3% tax kicks in for both of you. Now, you each have to pay JPY 420 (P159) for every night of your stay.
The bottom line? The more expensive the room, the higher the tax bill—especially if you’re a solo traveler with a taste for five-star luxury stays. To completely avoid shelling out extra, keep an eye out for budget-friendly stays in Japan that are safely below JPY 13,000.
Still, the extra pesos are going to a great cause for both locals and travelers. According to city officials, the revenue is explicitly earmarked for Tokyo tourism. These funds will be poured into projects like clean-up activities, tourist campaigns, upgrades for tourism-related businesses, and more.
Consider this your early warning to pad your 2027 Tokyo travel fund—especially if you’re eyeing a fancy home base for your stay.
Also read:
UPDATE: The Embassy of Japan Clarifies Visa Fees for Filipino Nationals
How to Apply for a Japan Visa at the New Visa Application Center
ICYMI: Filipinos Can Now Apply for E-Visas to Japan
Celia Nachura writes to pay for plane tickets, tennis classes, and a pile of books she’ll never have the time to read. She is also the emotional support human to two dogs, Daisy and Nacho.