Asia
Travel to Japan is about to get more expensive
Travelling to Japan will become more expensive, as popular cities hike up accommodation taxes for visitors. Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications have confirmed that the new taxes will impact popular cities, like Kyoto as the city’s authorities struggle with surging tourist numbers. The increase is set to kick in from March 2026. Travellers could see price increases of as much as ¥10,000 (US$65.33 or A$100) per night following the updated taxes. The fee will scale in proportion to the room rate according to EuroNews. Rooms that cost under ¥19,999 (US$130.66) will be required to pay a ¥400 ($2.61) fee. Japanese newspaper, Asahi Shimbum, revealed that luxury stays above ¥100,000 ($653.32) will incur a maximum tax of ¥10,000 ($65.33). Accommodations below ¥6,000 ($39.19) will be responsible for paying a ¥200 ($1.31) fee. "The Accommodation Tax is used to cover costs involved in enhancing the attractions of Kyoto as an International Culture and Tourism City, and in promoting tourism," Kyoto's government wrote on its official website, which lists the old accommodation tax fees. Kyoto is best known for its temples and traditional architecture, with key attractions including the Sento Palace, Nis
China braces for end-of-holiday travel surge
China’s transport authorities are gearing up for one of the busiest travel days of the year as millions of people return home at the end of the eight-day “Golden Week” national holiday. The Ministry of Public Security said on Monday that a surge in return traffic was expected on Tuesday, particularly across China’s major city clusters — Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, the Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta, and the Chengdu-Chongqing region. Despite the heavy movement, the ministry reported no major accidents or widespread congestion as of Monday night. The Ministry of Transport said it was working closely with local authorities to maintain smooth and safe travel conditions, coordinating responses across the country’s highways, railways, and airports. It urged officials in regions hit by extreme weather to remain vigilant and take pre-emptive safety measures. The ministry noted that it had “called on all departments to ensure the safety and efficiency of transport during the holiday season, proactively address major risks and continue responding to the aftermath of [Typhoon Matmo].” Typhoon Matmo made landfall in Guangdong province on Sunday, bringing strong winds and torrential rain to much of southern China. T