Kyoto Mayor Koji Matsui has unveiled plans to introduce dual bus fares distinguishing between residents and non-residents to ease overcrowding from tourism. The current flat fare of ¥230 would rise to between ¥350 and ¥400 for non-residents, while dropping to ¥200 for locals, with implementation targeted for fiscal 2027.
Kyoto is considering a dual fare system for city buses to address overcrowding caused by tourism. Mayor Koji Matsui announced the plan during a city assembly session on February 26, 2026, proposing to increase fares for non-residents from the current flat ¥230 to between ¥350 and ¥400, while reducing them to ¥200 for local residents. The initiative aims to prioritize residents amid growing tourist pressures.
Matsui had pledged such a resident-favoring pricing system during his February 2024 mayoral campaign. Buses, particularly on routes linking tourist sites and major stations, frequently face overcrowding, often preventing locals from boarding and causing congestion at stops with waiting tourists. According to the city's transportation bureau, the system could be implemented citywide or in distance-based zones outside the center, and the city plans to request private bus operators to adopt similar pricing.
To differentiate users, prepaid IC cards linked to My Number identification would be used. The related ordinance is set for revision in fiscal 2026, pending approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The city is also evaluating measures to mitigate impacts on non-residents commuting for work or school. Discussions with the ministry have already addressed whether the fare differences violate Japan's road transportation law, which prohibits unjust discrimination.
"The burden on tourists may rise, but we hope it is within the boundaries of understanding," Matsui told reporters after the assembly presentation. If enacted, this would be Japan's first dual fare system specifically to combat overtourism, also accounting for inflationary pressures and rising labor costs.
