Taxes and Fees in Japan: what actually matters to know
Short answer
Kyoto charges a progressive hotel tax ranging from 200 to 1000 JPY based on room rates. Additionally, consular fees for short-term Japanese visas for Russian citizens are expected to rise to 15,000 JPY starting July 1st. For China Eastern Airlines, passengers should arrange payment for oversized baggage in advance to potentially secure better rates than the 2000 CNY per segment fee charged at the airport.
From real experience
Kyoto has implemented a progressive city tax system for hotels.
The tax amount varies based on the room rate, with higher room prices incurring a greater tax. For example, rates can be 200, 400, or 1000 JPY depending on the room's cost.
✓ 2 reports from chats
There are reports of an upcoming increase in the consular fee for short-term single-entry visas to Japan for Russian citizens.
The fee is expected to rise from 3,000 JPY to 15,000 JPY (approximately 13,700 rubles) starting from July 1st. For other countries, the fee for a multiple-entry visa can be significantly higher, around 30,000 JPY. Some sources suggest that the fee for Russian citizens might remain at 0 JPY, possibly due to specific bilateral agreements, but this is subject to confirmation.
✓ 1 report from chats
For China Eastern Airlines baggage exceeding standard dimensions (over 204 cm sum of three dimensions), you need to pay a surcharge for excess baggage.
It is advisable to contact the airline in advance to arrange and potentially get a better rate than paying at the airport, where the fee can be around 2000 CNY per segment.