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Japan’s Kyoto Balances Heritage and Growth With New Pricing Plans Ahead of Jidai Matsuri.
Kyoto is strengthening efforts to balance international tourism growth with cultural heritage preservation and the daily needs of residents. New Kyoto overtourism measures include plans to introduce different admission fees for city residents and other visitors at UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle, alongside proposed changes to municipal bus fares. Meanwhile, the historic Jidai Matsuri festival will take place on 22 October 2026, bringing approximately 2,000 participants into the streets of Japan’s former imperial capital.Kyoto’s municipal government is preparing to introduce a differentiated admission system at Nijo Castle, one of the city’s most important cultural attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Under plans announced by Mayor Koji Matsui on 1 October 2026, combined admission to the castle and Ninomaru Palace would increase to approximately US$13 for visitors who live outside Kyoto. Meanwhile, Kyoto residents would pay approximately US$6.
Source: Travel and Tour World
