Authenticity isn't everything...the perception of authenticity is.

If a museum or tourist attraction have a price increase for tourists and locals have a discount that’s ok. But if I go to a restaurant and the prices are increased for only tourists is a no no.

I think rewarding taxpayers with discounts is a good thing, but making tourists pay more than locals is also pretty slimy. A great way to destroy your tourism. If i found out say NYC was charging non-residents an extra 20% or whatever for goods/services, you could bet I'm never going there ever again.

America and other countries didn’t suddenly charge a tourist price for Japanese citizens when its yen was strong. Everyone who has been to Japan loved it and they’re earning a lot of good will. It would be a shame if they implement two tier pricing just for some short term profit (it will absolutely comeback to haunt them when their economy strengthens).

Here's a crazy idea. I know I know I'm nuts. How about everyone pay the same price...

Let's flip the discussion... would Japanese people like it if they are charged a higher price when they travel outside of Japan? I would rather not have two-tier system as that creates much bigger issues, such as discrimination, racism etc. If anything, Japan may want to consider e-visas to control the amount of tourist visiting the country if the people want some normality while still welcome some tourists into their homeland.

There is so many complexities with a two-tier pricing system. Economies/currency exchange all over the world shrink and then grow again, it's a matter of riding the wave. Currently Japan is enjoying mass tourism turning profits for businesses. During CV Japanese businesses were going broke due to no tourists visiting. A 2 tier pricing system would only bring about a sour taste in the mouth of past and potential tourists to Japan. Japan is a 1st world country and is currently the 4th biggest economy in the world, we're not talking about a third world country here. During 2016-2019 it cost Australians 119-127c to buy 100 YEN but we didn't see any tourist discount pricing or vouchers for visitors. Currently at last, AU100c = 100yen, not all currencies worldwide are killing it against the Yen. Japan needs to be very careful that the introduction of a two-tier pricing system could come back to bite them socially, economically and racially on a world stage. Australia takes in touring visitors from all over the world, visitors from the USA pay US65c for a AU$1 product in Australia and they're welcome to do so ... at no surcharge. Japan's government needs to come up with solutions to ease the financial burden on Japanese citizens internally without leaning on visitors to their country.

They initially attracted tourists with the promise of tax-free shopping, but now they're thinking about imposing higher fees on visitors. This is a clear contradiction, as it seems to go against the initial pitch of welcoming tourists with a sweet deal. If they're looking to boost revenue, it would make more sense to remove the tax-free shopping benefit first and then reassess their pricing strategy. It's a strange approach, especially when they're trying to attract tourists in the first place.

I've seen the two tier system for tourist attractions in Sri Lanka, mostly for unesco sites. Locals and tourists from neighbouring countries paid a lower entrance price. It felt a bit unfair, but I'm only there to enjoy the old temples, while local Buddhists also went to the site to pray. For a more rich country like Japan it seems a bit weird to use two tier pricing. Just use the tourist tax you normally pay per person per night. If overtourism is a problem, make it more interesting for tourist companies to plan trips outside of the usual route.

Great video, much love!

John you went hard in this one! Appreciate the passion. Love these updates - keep 'em coming!

The issue isn't the additional 100 JPY that tourists will be charged. The real concern is that this fee establishes and reinforces a foundation of discrimination based on nationality.

In Waikiki, some restaurants give a "local discount" or "Kama'aina discount" to Hawaii residents with proof of residency. It's about 5 - 10% and you may or may not get it. So if it's something like that, I'm okay with Japan doing something similar in tourist areas.

Thanks for sharing it. ✌️

I don't mind paying extra for stuff that is likely to be tax-founded, like state museums, national parks, and so on. But the price differences have to be very visible like different prices for children and old people usually are visible. It also can't be an extreme difference, and it should not be allowed in private for-profit businesses.

So if you are an expat living and working in japan, getting paid in yen, then you will be discriminated against and expected to pay extra. Japan needs foreign workers now more than ever, so this will discourage anyone thinking of working there.

I think they should charge more at the local attractions. Paying mir for food and lodging isn't necessary. The upkeep of precious temples and parks needs to be a priority.

It was great seeing you live stream today I know things are getting more expensive I would like too hear more about it it’s interesting hope you a great weekend

No one wants to be viewed as a carpetbagger. As a tourist, I can understand the concern of the local people when the yen has dropped to its lowest point in about 30 years. Maybe we could solve the whole issue by enacting a selfie tax. It would only affect the most narcissistic and rude tourists, not the ones who come to truly appreciate Japan.

They act as if tourists don't generate a whole bunch of revenues for local businesses, and those revenues won't go into taxes for governments. It's the governments' responsibility to build up the infrastructure to deal with the situation, but they come up with this crap instead. Of course, the ID card and racial profiling are also legitimate concerns. If you watched any Japanese news during past 3 years, there were so many Ryokans and touring agencies crying on TV and eventually went out of business. Now they just want to milk the tourist wave to the extreme. Disgusting!

The idea is a double-edged sword. Tourism is revenue. Discriminate pricing is a put-off.

Man i love your tech setup. It's the only live stream i've seen that has all these things come up on the screen to help what you're talking about. It's just amazing.

It is not only in Japan that I have encountered this phenomenon. Despite being born in Sweden with a different heritage, I frequently engage in conversations with individuals in Swedish, only to have them respond in English. This occurrence has caused me to experience a sense of disappointment and has prompted me to reevaluate certain aspects of my life.

I think the Kanagawa governor summed it up best. They asked us to come, now that we are doing so they are treating it like a problem and want to charge us extra. It feels slimy. That being said there are some ways to do this without it being such an insult to tourists. For example, you mentioned in a previous video how Kyoto was thinking of implementing a tourist tax, but they came up with a plan to use that money that would directly benefit the travel experience for tourists; by putting in new busses from the station to tourist locations, it should be able to make the bus riding experience in Kyoto a bit better, instead of the current sardines in a can experience. So I think the bottom line is if you are taxing tourists then you need to show that you are doing that to improve the travel experience for your guests, even if it is also improving the life quality of Japanese citizens.

Wait... You are saying foreigners instead of non-locals. The way I'm taking it is that people whose address is local get a discount. Anyone living outside of that locality would pay full price. It wouldn't matter what their nationality was in either case.

Tourist spots that are actually paid for with local taxes are sometimes free or reduced for local residents (ex. San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park is free for San Francisco residents and non-residents pay admission). Having two prices at a restaurant or hotel is something entirely different.

In Hawaii, the golf courses have resident and non resident green fees. It’s almost double.

Maybe if they focus on "Discounts for Locals" instead of the phrase "Charging Tourist more" then foreigners won't get offended and the locals will payless. Business owners shouldn't have to deal with a 2 tier pricing system. They will be ousted on Social Media for charging foreigners extra. Just charge one price and introduce a Discount card.

I appreciate the intelligent discourse on opposing needs with complex economic & cultural implications. There can’t be a two tier system but the right model has to be focused on sustainability for Japan AND visitors. Authenticity is why we should visit and experience other cultures and not simply to be seeking to be part of the Instagram culture.

Disney world in Florida and Disneyland in California have different ticket pricing for residents and nonresidents, but then again merchandise is still the same price. The same goes for hotel pricing. I understand if residents got different pricing for certain things, but I don’t think food or merchandise should be it

My two cents of course but, prices are rised and are now pretty high in every developed country nowadays. I'm pretty against on double prices on food and similar but I agree about over tourism taxes. I live in Italy so you can easily understand the flux of tourist that we saw every year. Just an example: the price you (tourist) pay in some square in Venice is the same that I (local) pay. But, that works basically in every cities or touristic places here. So, if Japan want to like keep getting (a lot of) money from tourism and keep alive their economy, it would be better thinking about something different.

This happens in Hawaii where some businesses allow for special discounts if you show a Hawaii State ID. These are usually restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues in tourist areas.

They should pay a bit more. In certain areas with heavy tourism. I grew up in a tourists area. Tourists put a huge strain on local infrastructure. Everyone knows that they bring in money, but they are not taxed all year long and tend to use the resources more heavily, with less regard to the local environment. The off season was always clean up and repair for us.

John I"m in Japan right now and it would be so awesome to see you!

Wow thanks for sharing. That's pretty dissappointing to hear they kept replying to you in broken English till you asked them if they speak Japanese. If Japan is worried about "over tourism", they should adopt what Bhutan do, put a limit on the number of tourists who can visit the country. Or might as well close a country like North Korea, that will definitely solve the over tourism problem. I'm sorry for ranting here. I'm upset because I'm planning to visit Japan in December with my family this year but now I'm considering if we should visit other country instead.

Good stream! 👍 Hawaii already "unofficially" does that, the "Kama'aina Discount" for locals. Greetings from São Paulo/Brazil(home of the largest Japanese population outside of Japan).

Small, incremental increases may be acceptable. However, if a ‘vacation’ that normally cost $5,000 USD would suddenly jump up to $6,000 USD, or more, there’s a good chance tourists will choose another destination.

It’s their country they can do whatever they want. We can choose not to go there because of it. We, in the states, charge different rates (higher) for state services to individuals residing in other states. What you really want is to set up something that allows your business people to charge more to foreigners based on an unlimited sliding scale that uses behavior and attire and said business persons own personal feelings to set the prices. Can’t see what can go wrong there.

It's not an authenticity issue. IF people were causing disturbances to take the Lawson/Fuji picture, IF once a barricade and a guard is setup and people still disrespect that for a picture, then yes, tourists should be charged more. Either all tourists behave or all tourists pay. And since we know the first is not going to happen, then a tourist tax it is. "Well, the Japanese government won't handle the taxes correctly" Doesn't matter, It's not about collecting taxes. It's about punishing an unwanted behaviour. "Everyone should pay the same" If everyone behaved the same, there woudln't be an issue in the first place. I know what I'm saying is unpopular but this has gone on long enough.

A rebate or tax break for citizens makes more sense and is less intrusive and stigmatized.

John, keep it transparent and equitable. There already exist differing charges, we call it the ‘strawberry tax’. In the heart of cities the strawberry’s are high, move back two streets and much more reasonable.

My answer is no because it will harm Japan tourism in the future and not all foreign tourist are rich.Some of these tourists take years just to plan and save money to go to Japan .A person like me for example have been yearning to visit Japan my whole life but because my country currency is way too low for me to go to Japan, I will just watch Japan from KZfaq Channel.,..for me that is the best option right now

Case to case basis for 2-tier pricing. Change the existing one. Like, tourists are entitled to tax refund or consumer tax. It's unfair for the locals. And the day-pass or train ticket prices. Lower for the tourists and the same for the locals. Should be the same price. In other countries, museums and other attractions are lesser for residents who can show an ID.

There are ALREADY many tourist traps in Japan. Tsukiji market restaurants are all charging higher prices already! Many of the busy/main street shops all have jacked prices. Basically, don't shop where the people are PREDOMINANTLY tourists. The local Japanese don't shop at these places, they shop in non-tourist areas. I went to these areas and was shocked to see how much lower the prices were -- just walk off the beaten path basically.

When I visited Indonesia, Indonesia has a different pricing for foreigners especially in tourist spots.

so long as we aren't charged as much in san diego...I hope it's still affordable...

I would understand it more if it was more like a tourist congestion tax which would be used to encourage the tourist to visit areas that have fewer tourists frequent them. The money raised from such a congestion tax would be used to improve the infrastructure at those less frequented areas to cope with the increase in tourism. But government’s rarely used the money from such taxes for their intended purposes.

Wasn't Toru Hashimoto the mayor of Osaka who ordered public staff to report if they had tattoos?

Singapore gives its citizens GST/VAT vouchers which gives them a fixed amount of tax free purchases from certain local businesses. This is whilst foreigners pay full GST/VAT. It effectively means higher retail prices for foreigners. Maybe Japan can do something similar?

There have already been reports of menus that have different prices for English and Japanese menus. There was an all you can eat place that has started charging people differently based on how well they can speak Japanese when asked if they are locals and then charged $1000 less if they’re able to speak Japanese well enough or convince that they’re Japanese residents.

I think if Japan ever adopts such a discriminatory policy against tourists, South Korea would probably benefit the most as the two countries are more equivalent, as opposed to Thailand or somewhere in South East Asia. I cannot see Tokyo doing it tbh.

If current prices are lowered for local tourists and maintains the same for foreign tourists, that would be ideal. But to increase the current prices for foreign tourists, that would affect their tourism. In my opinion, it is actually meant to decrease the number of foreign tourists.

Id imagine there are many people wouldn't ask a foreign resident for their MyCard and probably be confused when they show it.

I get that people want to cash in on the tourism while it's still hot, but I've never been a fan of the dual pricing in other countries such as in SEA. In a tourist area, you expect higher prices than normal, but a dual pricing system is not going to fly for people who want an authentic experience.

Japan would not be the only country doing that, I was paying much much more for tickets in Istanbul than a local would pay, and it did feel a bit extortionate, so you have to know where you draw the line. Right now Japan is so affordable with the weak yen, it rarely hurts to pay a bit more for tickets as a tourist, but of course, it has to be fair... If I had to pay more than 10x as much (unless the 100% is incredible cheap by comparison) It would not make me feel welcome. Like in your list Seychelles and Ecuador pricing would make me either not visit those places at all, or at least leave very negative feedback. Because not all of us tourists are cash cows.

12:11 - Kamakurakokomae station on the Enoden a week ago..😂😂😂

The governor that is against the two-tier charge has common sense!

Disincentivizing tourism is an odd move. You usually want to incentivize. It's literally more money into the country. I've been studying global economics professionally since 2019, mainly the United States and Japan. Japan is headed for trouble, and this absolutely would not help.

Hawaii, Waikiki restaurants especially, used to do this. English menu steak was $20; Japanese menu steak was $35. Approximating of course but I remember distinct differences 1980`s through early 2000`s. Personally, I dont like it either way, but it is pretty standard almost everywhere. Buy gas on the highway you are probably paying more than a mile down the road off the highway. Touristy areas always cost a little bit more than regular shopping areas. In Japan specifically, I dont carry my immigration card on me ever. Yeah they tell you that you are supposed to but I have my license and health insurance card in my wallet and after 40 years, I have learned I never need my immigration card and 99% places dont have a right to ask for it. Every once in a while I get the reaction you mentioned when someone insist on speaking broken English to me when I am speaking Japanese to them. I have found that a slight insult "Why are you talking to me in English? I am speaking Japanese so please talk to me in Japanese. Your English is not good enough to have this conversation in English!" but I only do that when someone is being really rude. A lot of Japanese just really want to try and speak English.

All these things have made me change travel plans and I’ve been to Japan several times.

Bummed that I missed this livestream but caught the replay. I can understand the reason why it would be something that would come up especially with the weak Yen. In Hawaii, we have what we call a Kama'aina Rate (Kah-mah-eye-nuh) (Locals Only Pricing) that costs less for us locals than what visitors pay at selected places across Oahu. We just need to show our Hawaii ID in order to get that discounted pricing. So, if Japan did something along those lines I wouldn't get upset about it as I feel Japan residents should be given discounted pricing because they're most likely visit that business more frequently than a foreign visitor would. Just my thoughts. Great topic John! Btw! Love the sunglasses! Totally chic!

Here in Canada in Niagra Falls locals get a big discount at restaurants. It's infuriating having to pay stupidly high prices especially when I am Canadian.

Authenticity is the most important virtue to me. I strongly dislike it when I see people and culture change to fit the most profitable narrative. I can never trust people who can sell their beliefs and identity for a temporary increase in profit. If more places than those which not continue to wash themselves of their culture in favour of generic tourist vibes then it will lead to the death of more and more of the culture. Each country and each state, prefecture, city, etc. has its own culture and those must be protected and propagated. To lose that is to lose the soul of that area. It isn't right. With that said, it isn't right for locals to bear the cross of raising prices. I want people to live a comfortable life doing what they love, part of that means they must make enough money to sustain themselves. To price out the locals by exploiting travelers is foolish but the profitability keeps it happening. So it definitely feels like a "harmless" increase in cost to exploit a stronger currency harms the locals more than it'll ever harm the tourists. This is an extremely hard problem to solve as the wear and tear such a massive volume of people cause, especially as we hear how belligerent many have been/are, as the country must be up-kept. There isn't really a good solution as limiting the amount of tourists that could come into the country at any given time would make it nigh impossible for the layman to visit. So if I had to pay 20% more on common items, I would not mind. Continuing off that, I believe these disrespectful tourists need stricter punishment. If they wish to act like children they must be disciplined like one. However the prejudice against people who don't look Japanese would, as you said, further harm the non-native locals. Due to that innate belief the Japanese have definitely painted themselves into a corner. In order to maintain their status quo whilst not exposing their citizens to theft of their My Number it seems like they'd have to establish yet another system of identification. It'd be like a Sam's Club membership card that only people whom only live in Japan could acquire. This is not an elegant fix. Unless Japan is willing to sacrifice one or more ideals, with the current options presented, this situation will only continue to get worse as the citizens must do whatever they can to survive--no matter the cost incurred by others. Act dishonourably by disrespecting foreign guests by taking advantage of their stronger currency, continue to sell out their culture to pander to tourists and price out locals, or limit the amount of people that can visit their country which could outright deny some the ability to learn and appreciate another nation's culture. Regardless of which is chosen, these options would increase the feeling of isolation and cultural alienation that non-native locals suffer through. Learning the language, mannerism, cultural customs, the local laws and order of things and even paying taxes still doesn't mean one will be accepted into their society as a Japanese Citizen. That says more about how damaging the implicit way of thinking is than any one of the issues Japan faces are. United they stand, only if you look the part. We all must learn to put that prejudice in the trash where it belongs. My apologies for ranting. I am passionate about the underlying topics even in regards to my home country. I do not want to see people's way of life being erased or retold to fit some bunk narrative or increased profit. Our progenitors did what they did to help shape the world today, we should never forget that as we try to shape the world for the future generations. The truth isn't always pretty or makes one feel good, but it is a must to live a fulfilling life. To live in a den of vipers is to live a cold and despondent life with each day spent in delusion. Thank you for covering such topics. I am keen to see how this situation unfolds. My best wishes to you and yours.

I think for temples and local gardens, the two-tier pricing would make sense because it will cost more to maintain those places with the overcrowding.

It's difficult balancing up regarding tourism that's required to help the economy, but on the other hand what to do when certain areas get over visited. Maybe restricting the number of overseas visitors to Japan each year maybe the only option. Some businesses might complain, but that's where the government has to step in to assist.

I think, as someone who has always been a respectful visitor, who has taken the time to learn Japanese to a fairly advanced level (and still going), and who has supported Japan by visiting regularly (spending my money there regularly) since before the c-lockdown, and who intended to support and visit regularly into the future… the two price system would be hard to stomach. I know many people are excited about the low yen, but I’ve always been looking forward to things stabilizing for Japan so they can maintain being an amazing country and take care of their citizens. We should want that for all countries. To put a two tier system into place when the low yen is most likely a temporary issue, seems like it would be a really rash decision. The countries they are using to compare themselves to are countries that have consistently low currency conversion rates, not countries that have a strong economy and top seat in the global economy, but are going through a dip such as Japan. Japan is one of the top countries in the world economically, but it’s going through a dip. It’s not a developing country or an emerging country. Japan is not very comparable to India and Cambodia and Thailand, economically. I believe it could really shoot Japan in the foot. I don’t take things like this very personally, but it would be very hard to feel immersed in the experience if I’m paying a separate price for everything. I think I would have to consider going elsewhere more often, and visiting Japan less often. I would probably start visiting S. Korea more often again, Singapore, and maybe start exploring Europe. I think Japan would lose visitors like myself, and they would still get one-off visitors who don’t know or don’t care much about how to be respectful of the local culture. They’d still have the tourists who just want to see everything once, and hit all the tourist spots. I can’t imagine how frustrating it would be for people living there who don’t “look like a local”, like you and Leo to deal with a two tiered payment system. I know people who look don’t look Japanese or look multi racial are often assumed to be tourists or foreigners, even if they are citizens or were even born and raised in Japan exclusively. I do understand that is a very hard time for Japan, so I’m sure many people who are feeling the pain of the low yen are speaking very emotionally, and really putting the heat on their government officials to do something to help them. It happens all the time in America. People offer up really crazy (bad) ideas, especially when things are hard. I know plenty of people are more level-headed about these things. Many people, understandably, panic when the economy is so bad it affects their ability to care for their families. I also want to mention, tourists from different countries have different behaviors based on the cultural norms of their home countries. I think everyone assumes everyone is talking about American or western tourists every time they mention a negative story about tourists (which I understand. American tourists can be really awful). But Japan gets a lottttt of Asian tourism, and i don’t think many westerners are familiar with the cultural differences of some Asian tourists. I think many westerners assume Asian culture/behavioral norms must all be pretty much the same, regardless of country. Therefore, Asian tourists in Japan are probably not causing any disruptions in Japan. When, in reality, all countries have cultural differences and can be just a disruptive as a tourist from any other country if they are not being thoughtful. Japan also has a unique issue with a falling population and increasing tourism. Even if tourism remained stable at the exact number it is now, it would still feel like the ratio of tourist to local would continue increasing, because there continue to be less Japanese people in the rural areas. Declining population and the tendency for Japanese people relocate to the big cities, leaving less locals in those small towns. Japan has a really interesting position. The very long shutdown from the c-word, the extreme rebound tourism, the declining population, etc. They will need to make decisions from a very wise, level-headed, and long term perspective. Quick fixes and bandaids definitely aren’t the answer, but I can understand the anxiety and the temptation to make some rash decisions. I do believe Japan will stabilize. Even the population numbers/birth rate in Japan (and all over the world) are projected to stabilize. Thank you for sharing this information with a great, mature perspective! I think many other people would sensationalize it and make it even more inflammatory than it already has been. That’s the last thing anyone needs. That stuff makes me nervous to watch coverage about Japan (or anything else) from individual KZfaqrs. But you’re always really solid, John. Thank you so much!

People are coming into japan not just because of the exchange rate, but because Japan does not rip anyone off in general on prices and has not for many years. I have been watching japan videos for years and long before the pandemic you could buy things way cheaper at Japanese restaurants compared to american ones with no tipping needed as a bonus. Many of these small plates that you see in japan for around $3 for example are triple the price in the US even though the cost is not triple. Disney is now half the cost or less in tokyo even though salaries are not half or less and costs are not half or less.

I feel this is NOT ok. How would they like it if we did that to them? Ridiculous and could lead to further racism.

Two tier tourist and local pricing is quite common in my country in places like museums, zoo, tourist attraction places. They have long been in place since when I was kid. So it seems fine to me, lol. But I can understand it may not sit well with tourist.

My take is that it could work in some situations and would fail in others. I pay a lot of taxes when I get a hotel. I don't know if that goes to city services but an increase in the tax for hotels would work. Increasing the price in food for foreigners would not work. Two ramen shops next to each other. One says 800 yen and the other says 500 yen, most people will choose the 500 yen to save and send their money else where. One other thing, if half the food places raise prices and succeed, the other will start raising prices out of spite. Now you have what we have in the US, everything is too expensive and nobody wants to buy anything.

I don't have a problem of two tiers system. I go only I want to go, regardless. When I visited Vietnam in 2019 and Costa Rica in 2022, found they used two tiered system to us, from US, on park entrance fees. They charge similar to US national park entrance price or more than local. I am fine with it. If I don't like it I won't go back. But I am ok with it. Venice is charging fees to to in. I would go back to those places.

For Canadians, Australians, Americans etc. You complain about how unaffordable homes, cost of living are in your own country because foreigners are buying them out, because of how “CHEAP” they are. Yet, do not realise when you visit Japan, you are actually bragging of how cheap things are in Japan.

Also, I'm pretty sure that double taxation will not fix over tourism. Have you seen prices in Amsterdam, Paris, Vienna? Good accommodation starts from 150-200 euro per night minimum, but does it shrink the trend? Nope. People come to Japan not because it's cheaper than in their countries, but because they like it and want to feel the vibe.

I am completely against double pricing. And one of the absolutely "No Go" is the thing that we saw in some posts and videos before, that Restaurants charge locals and foreigners different prices for their meals in the restaurant. That is an absolutely "No Go". All restaurants which are doing that should be reported officially, and should be avoided by all means. If some restaurants are a big tourist spot restaurants, and these restaurant increases their prices, it is OK for me, as long that counts for ALL their guests. That means that on the english menu and on the japanese menu the prices should be absolutely same!

Tourists are our guests, sir, But, guests should respect the hosts also. Tourists are inflicting a great deal of unnecessary costs to the country. Vandalism , property destruction , littering, massive increase for importing extra food and the costs are past down to the residents who LIVE here. These tourists are gone in two weeks but leave a hefty financial footprint long after they are gone that residents have to pay yearly. So , I wholeheartedly support any additional costs imposed on them. Respect is a two way way street and we definitely receive it here from tourists. What about the costs we have to pay to literally clean up after them.

John looks so sharp with those shades on.

IMHO tiered pricing of some type at some scale is a possible arrangement, but a direct tourist tax would be a red herring and cause more backlash than it's worth. Foreign tourists already pay a significant tax on Japan travel; it's called an international flight and it usually costs as much as a week of food and lodgings anyway. If the problem is that locals are being crowded out of the things their own cities have to offer, then local discounts are more practical and more acceptable. If the problem is that tourists are increasing infrastructure expenses or making the local government do more work - honestly, that's what a local government is for and any revenue-driving industry will be the same way. It is a reflection on the quality of government if they can't find a balanced solution.

This is by far the most stupidest idea and it’s racist. First of all, the Japanese yen is weak to the dollar as of the last couple months but the exchange rate fluctuates over time. It’s actually good that yen is weak because it stimulates economic growth in Japan. Demand for products and services produced in Japan would increase because it’s cheaper to do so.

I totally understand when you say you are speaking passable Japanese and some STILL don't realize it. There are always the few who just hear noise when the face doesn't match their image of who speaks Japanese.

Maybe all the other countries should charge extra for all the importes Japan depends on to see how they will like too.

I think so a foreign tax does make sense. Because many countries do it. Its nothing unheard of. It actually makes sense to charge the foreigners tourist more. But you do have a point that Japan is not a 3rd world country like most other sea, African countries. Also crazy seeing everyone basically write this of racism, 😂 I mean you did show the chart and you did show how the difference in price in india is for taj mahal.

I get vibes from 1920 Germany with this kind of system....

The best place to shop is in Southeast Asia, eg Malaysia . There isn’t gaijin prices and many Japanese enjoy eating lots of quality Japanese food in Malaysia but they pay less than Tokyo prices .

No because if you visit USA you pay the same as we do, there are no two sets of prices to eat or travel.. this is discouraging to travelers and so many there depend on them. I don't see why people would visit if this is how this works in Japans favor. There are other Asian countries to visit that are grateful for tourists, and we are grateful to not punishing us for visiting. Most older people may save years to visit only once.

I like kanagawa's comments and would prefer going there to support their stance in this price thing.

I dont mind paying more for tourist attractions and visiting parks and stuff like that as a tourist, but for like food, restaurants, booze, entertainment etc... thats dumb...people just wouldn't come anymore... And yes I would go back to thailand rather... for the 4th time,.

NB: I came just to complain. My response is that any country that implements a dual pricing system that affects US tourists should have a tax added to all visitors from that country to the US equal to the average % of increase against the tourist in their country. Fair, right?

I mean, as someone from Myrtle Beach, a dumpy tourist city, it makes sense to charge a sort of “tourist fee”. At a lot of attractions in Myrtle Beach, you could get big discounts if you’re a local and show your ID. You also could register your car to park for free on the boulevard in the parking meter spaces, although they stopped providing this free local parking relatively recently. It’s a similar concept, so I don’t think it’s weird or bad, if anything I think it’s about time. I think it’ll put money back into their economy and Japan really needs it. I don’t see it helping them out a great deal, but I think it’ll have a significant enough impact to be considered important.

They had this in indonesia too .. for a long time.

Here museums, national parks and those kind of places are cheaper for local people.

Theres been a few people saying the Japanese currency will be one of the worst going forward, especially after the Taiwan conflict starts. If you live in Japan, prepare accordingly. You likely wont have much tourism in the years ahead.

For a split second I thought the thumbnail said “terrorists” and I wondered how anybody would even be able tell? 😂

Raising prices on tourists is good. Better for locals and better for tourists that still come (hopefully, if that means less tourists come to japan). Should locals suffer also because of tourists? no. so whether it's a discount for locals or extra for tourists, tourists should pay more until supply deman says lower

There are plenty of other countries in SE Asia that will see all the tourist dollars that people will avoid spending in Japan, if tourists see they’re being gouged … then look for the reciprocal gouging when Japanese tourists travel around the world … also, imagine polite Japanese shopkeepers having to deal with impolite tourists when confronted with the dual pricing policies

Local resident discounts sounds like a good idea

John, Why doesn't Japan just abolish the immense amount of travel advertisements and the Tourism board, which pushes for more and more visitors? Seems like a bit of a crutch to blame people for visiting Japan after....wait for it.....asking them to visit Japan?

It's always kinda funny when everyone is like "they just don't want to speak in Japanese to me even though I am fluid in Japanese" .... For me it's the other way around, I just started language school and even though I understand some basic stuff and can say some sentences I always hope they try to speak English with me but no one ever does 😅 The second I even say one single Japanese word they usually start to talk so much till I tell them that I don't understand a single thing leaving them surprised 😅

This already unofficially exists in the Philippines but there is a caveat. Say a taxi ride to the airport for locals cost 300 pesos and for tourist it's 600. If you convert it to dollars, that's $3 for locals and $6 dollars for tourist. Still a bargain for tourists.

I was in Tokyo in 2023 and was happy with everything. Back then, I got around 13,000 yen for 100 CHF. the hotel was in Ginza with 4 stars and cost 50 CHF per night. I wanted to give tips back then, but I knew that the Japanese didn't like it. 😅

Foreigners in Japan should pay the same price on things as locals. Higher prices usually come at tourist traps, and that is found in any country. Japan just needs to adapt to being a popular destination without price hikes.