The Tokyo Metropolitan Government on Friday announced it will introduce a hotel tax of up to 200 yen per head for each overnight stay at a hotel or other lodging facility in the nation's capital.
"The tax will be used solely for programs designed to promote Tokyo as an international tourist destination, and we have obtained understanding from the hotel industries for that reason," said Gov. Shintaro Ishihara during a regular news conference.
Metro government officials said they estimate the tax will bring in 1.5 billion yen annually, and the revenue will be used for such programs as making lodging facilities barrier-free and publishing guide books for foreign visitors.