Japan should consider quadrupling tourist fees

Bloomberg carries an article about Himeji Castle, which is a resilient testament to Japan's rich heritage. This iconic fortress, surviving centuries of tumult including World War II air raids, has become a focal point of international debate over proposed changes to admission fees for foreign tourists, Caliber.Az reprints the article.

Stepping out of the train station in Himeji, Japan, visitors are immediately drawn to the majestic sight of Himeji Castle, a centuries-old fortress that survived the Warring States era and World War II air raids. This historic landmark, once home to Japanese unifier Toyotomi Hideyoshi and famously featured in the 1967 James Bond movie "You Only Live Twice," became Japan's first World Heritage site in 1993. Recently, it has gained attention for a different reason: proposed changes in admission pricing for foreign tourists.

Hideyasu Kiyomoto, the mayor of Himeji, suggested that foreign tourists should pay about four times the current ¥1,000 ($6.20) admission fee, while city residents might pay even less. This proposal comes as the costs of maintaining the castle, which was painted black during the war to avoid bombings, continue to rise. Discussions are ongoing regarding the appropriate pricing for both tourists and locals, with no final decision yet made.

This debate arises as Japan grapples with the influx of overseas tourists less than two years after reopening its borders post-COVID-19. The surge in tourism, exacerbated by a weak yen, has led to overcrowding in popular destinations like Kyoto and Mt. Fuji. Tourist spending is projected to reach ¥7.2 trillion this year, making it Japan’s second-largest export after cars. However, many local residents do not feel the economic benefits, as tourists often do not stay overnight in places like Himeji, preferring to return to Osaka or travel to Hiroshima.

Local support for the mayor's dual-pricing scheme is strong. Hayato Miyazaki, who runs a local brewery, and other business owners favour the system, citing the need to address the economic disparity caused by stagnant wages. Kiyomoto notes that many World Heritage sites charge significantly more than Himeji Castle. For instance, London’s Tower Bridge charges nearly three times as much for entry.

Two-tier pricing is not uncommon globally. The Louvre in Paris offers free tickets to residents of the European Economic Area under 25, while Hawaii provides discounts for locals. Singapore's National Gallery grants free access to residents and charges visitors $15.

Himeji locals also highlighted the Donguri Card, a local scheme allowing free entry to children at museums and attractions. They argue that extending similar benefits to adults could be feasible. Japan’s government is also exploring ways to promote the My Number Card, a national ID scheme, by offering discounts or points for those who use it.

As discussions continue, the proposed changes at Himeji Castle reflect broader challenges in balancing tourism growth with local economic and environmental sustainability.