The only sure things in life are taxes and, for Kyoto fans, a slightly pricier stay. If you’ve dreamed of wandering Zen gardens and quiet shrine paths, note that Kyoto just approved Japan’s steepest hotel tax to date: up to 10,000 yen (about $65.90) per person, per night for high-end accommodations. The policy takes effect next year, just in time for cherry blossom season, and aims to manage growing visitor numbers while funding city services.

D E A L S

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