Kyoto City Proposes Dual Pricing for Nijo-jo Castle and Bus Services to Combat Overtourism
Kyoto Mayor Koji Matsui has announced a plan to implement a dual pricing system for Nijo-jo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and for municipally run bus services. Under the proposed changes, the admission fee for Nijo-jo Castle and its Ninomaru-goten palace will decrease to ¥1,000 for Kyoto residents from the current ¥1,300, while visitors from outside the city will see their fee increase to ¥2,000. Similarly, bus fares for Kyoto citizens will be reduced to ¥200 from ¥230, but other users will pay ¥360. These proposals were unveiled during a plenary meeting of the Kyoto Municipal Assembly. The city government intends to submit an ordinance amendment to the assembly in November, with the goal of introducing these new fees in fiscal year 2027, which begins in April 2027. The increased revenue generated from these dual pricing schemes is specifically earmarked for the preservation and repair of the castle's facilities, which are managed by the city government.
