reprinted from The New York Times
Japan abolishes its 3% tourism tax
Copyright 2000 The New York Times Company Traveling in Japan has become slightly less expensive with the abolition of a local 3 percent tourism tax. The tax, which for more than 40 years was applied to hotel rooms that cost more than about $140 and meals of more than about $70, was discontinued on April 1. Now only a countrywide 5 percent consumption tax and a tax of about $1.30 a day for hot-spring use at some major resorts remain. The Japan National Tourist Organization likens the consumption tax with the 6 percent or more sales taxes in many states, the value added taxes of 10 percent or more in Europe, and the New York City hotel tax of 13.25 percent. The consumption tax can be avoided on goods costing more than about $94 when bought at tax-free stores. A spokeswoman for the tourist organization reported that about 700,000 Americans visited Japan last year, and she observed that throughout Japan tipping is not expected in hotels, restaurants or taxis. Information about traveling to Japan is available at (212) 757-5641 in
New York, (312) 222-0874 in Chicago and (213) 623-1952 in Los Angeles or on
the Web at www.japantravelinfo.com. |