Kyoto:Mayor Koji Matsui announced plans to implement a dual pricing system for visitors to the Nijo-jo castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, differentiating between locals and other visitors.

According to Thai News Agency, the admission fee for the castle and its Ninomaru-goten palace will be reduced to 1,000 yen for Kyoto citizens, while it will increase to 2,000 yen for those from outside the city. This fee revision was revealed during a plenary meeting of the Kyoto municipal assembly.

The revised fees are scheduled to be introduced in fiscal 2027, following the submission of a proposal to amend a related ordinance to the assembly in November. The additional revenue from the increased fees will be allocated for preserving and repairing the facilities at the castle, which is managed by the city government.

Mayor Matsui also announced changes to the fares of municipally run bus services. Fares will be reduced to 200 yen for Kyoto citizens and increased to 360 yen for other users, starting in April 2027. Additionally, fares will be adjusted for frequent users traveling to Kyoto for work or medical visits, with prices set at 260 yen for those using city buses 16 times or more a month, and 320 yen for those using them eight to 15 times.

These dual pricing initiatives aim to address the issue of overtourism in the city.