Japan finds itself in an unprecedented situation right now. The pandemic was, obviously, a difficult period for the travel, hospitality, and restaurant industries, and they’re all eager to make up for lost time/profits now that the various related precautions and protocols are over.
So Japan receiving record numbers of foreign tourists, all of whom need places to stay, food to eat, and things to do while they’re here, seems like it should be a simple, and happy, solution to the problem, especially since the currently favorable currency exchange rate for foreign tourists means they’re willing to spend more lavishly while they’re in Japan. But here’s the thing. That favorable exchange rate for inbound foreign tourists is putting the pinch on Japanese consumers. The weak yen means that Japanese companies, who are largely reliant on imports for their raw materials, are seeing their expenses increase, and they haven’t been shy about passing those costs on to consumers by raising prices. Japan is currently seeing its highest inflation rates in decades, and without any corresponding cost-of-living wage increases for locals.
This is creating a situation where hotels, restaurants, and other travel-related entities are eager to rake in extra revenue from crowds of flush-with-cash foreign tourists, while at the same time price increases are feeling increasingly painful to the people of Japan. As a result, nijukaku, “two-tiered pricing,” has become a topic of public discussion, as some float the idea of having two different prices for restaurants and other tourism services, a higher price for foreign tourists, and a lower price for Japanese locals. We recently took a look at a Tokyo restaurant that’s already got such a system in place, but on the other side of the debate is Yuji Kuroiwa, governor of Kanagawa Prefecture, Tokyo’s neighbor to the south.
During an appearance on last week’s installment of Fuji TV’s news program The Prime, the 69-year-old Kuroiwa, who has no political party affiliation and has been governor of Kanagawa since 2011, declared that he is adamantly opposed to charging higher prices to foreign travelers, saying: “I am strongly against this idea. Foreign travelers are, from the perspective of Japan and its people, our guests. We have been saying, for so long, ‘Please come visit us,’ and now that they are, you want to say ‘Oh, hey, we’re gonna take some extra cash from you guys?’ It’s like collecting a fine from them for coming to Japan. I am strongly against splitting pricing policies like that.”
In response, one of the program’s regular panelists, lawyer and political commentator Toru Hashimoto, said that he felt that charging higher prices to foreigners was a way in which to provide proper support to inbound travelers. Citing the costs of things like administrative infrastructure and hospitals, Hashimoto pointed out that Japanese locals pay taxes to support their development, and opined, “I think it is necessary to have foreign tourists pay something in lieu of the taxes [that the people of Japan] pay.”
Even without directly addressing the questionable insinuation that foreign tourists significantly benefit from the Japanese hospital system, Kuroiwa was ready with a counter-argument.
“But Japanese people also receive many benefits from those things. And the situation with foreign tourists is the same as when Japanese people travel domestically to someplace other than where they live. If someone comes to [the Kanagawa town of] Kamakura from another prefecture, they’re not paying taxes to Kamakura, but we still allow them to make use of city services.”
There’s something else which Hashimoto overlooks in his argument that foreign tourists should pay something “in lieu of taxes,” which is that foreign tourists do pay taxes, in the form of sales/consumption taxes for food and shopping items, as well as accommodation and hot spring taxes at hotels in jurisdictions that levy them. Granted, those tax payments are indirect, as they’re paid by the restaurants, shops, and hotels, but the cost of those taxes is built into the prices they charge. Claiming that foreign travelers aren’t contributing to Japan’s tax coffers is disingenuous, or at least short-sighted, and so charging them extra isn’t the sort of welcome that Kuroiwa wants to give guests from overseas during their time in Kanagawa.
Source: FNN Prime Online
Read more stories from SoraNews24
-- More foreign tourists than ever before in history visited Japan last month
-- Japanese prefectural governor wants foreign tourists to pay special extra fee
-- Japanese government wants to encourage wealthy foreigners to travel deeper into Japan, NHK says
- External Link
- https://soranews24.com/2024/05/10/foreign-travelers-are-japans-guests-governor-against-charging-tourists-more-than-locals/
69 Comments
WatanabeBuddha
Why not offer a tax refund to all Japanese citizens instead? Combined with a higher sales tax at EU levels.
smithinjapan
It is so very clear that people who want to charge tourists extra do not at all care about Japan or how Japan is seen even though they'll pretend Japan treats tourists like "guests" and Japan is incredibly hospitable. They are simply out to price gouge and make money.
Moonraker
In the ethics free zone that is capitalism, prices are determined simply by supply and demand. If the foreigners will pay a higher price then charge them. Do we have to be coy about wanting to exploit anyone in the marketplace?
Zaphod
Is there something lost in translation? They are only "guests" if he invited them and pays for them. Did he do that? Otherwise, nope, not guests.
Zaphod
smithinjapan
Not true. Charging different rates for locals and visitors is not unusual in the world or in Japan. And fwiw, this cuts both ways.... there are plenty of bars areas like Shinjuku now that say "no table charge for foreign visitors", while local have to pay 1000 yen or so. Are you also complaining about that?
TaiwanIsNotChina
Guess you've never heard of guests at a hotel, inn, etc. etc.
William77
Cudos to Mr.Kuroika for pointing something just but I fear he is in the minority in this topic.
After all Japan and especially it’s LDP party have a chronic xenophobia and even if this is denied by the government and many apologists even in this site it is an undeniable fact.
Saki Endo
I will say this, if in my country, some foreign visitors were visiting, and they were charged more money, there would be outrage.
As I have said before, this is a result of Japan's 35 year long economic stagnation, combined with a recent pandemic that put a lot of pressure on these kinds of sectors, and combined, some business operators are seeing this as a way to claw back lost income due to the pandemic, and, a way of alleviating the stress of a stagnant economy.
The wealth of everyone needs raising, Japan deserves better than developing two tier economy, its people should not be becoming poorer like they are on the whole. The miserliness of Japan can sometimes be seen all around, in the more provincial towns, it's astonishing how tatty and run down Japan can actually be. My local supermarket run by a very well known chain "that has been around for a long time" just looks so tired.
The whole economy needs to face some harsh realities to get it truly moving again, and you can't do that by dissolving the yen's worth with flaccid economic policies of low to minus interest rates, throwing good US currency reserves at it, and pork barrel politics.
duck
c'mon guys let's be honest, how many times have we heard tourist, mostly Japanese, being scammed in Europe's tourist restaurants (Italy, France etc..) by being even charged for something never ordered.
browny1
It's called O-MO-TE-NA-SHI.
WatanabeBuddha
They do something similar already and its called a tourist tax.
Just increase the sales tax to EU levels, and offer Japanese citizens a tax refund or tax deduction that equals the increase in sales tax.
Maybe those who pay using PayPay or a Japanese bank card can avoid sales tax altogether.
sf2k
Anyone get the feeling Japan would like to close up again for another 200 years?
wallace
Many vendors in major tourist cities such as Rome, Paris, and London take advantage of unsuspecting tourists. Be aware of Parisian taxis that may take a longer route if you fall asleep.
Antiquesaving
Just as soon as Japanese and us non Japanese earn all our money in another country and bring it here to spend and leave without it!
Antiquesaving
You are correct but please take note of the exact words you wrote "take advantage"!
Under UK law and EU law it is illegal to charge more based on ethnicity/race colour, nationality, religion, etc...
So those doing as you claim are breaking the law and if you report them can be prosecuted.
Tim Sullivan
I've long thought that Japan is a third world country with money. But at the rate things are going, it will soon just be a third world country. You can see poor people everywhere in Tokyo now. I feel sorry for the young Japanese. They are really getting ripped off by their useless corrupt government.
Antiquesaving
You all do realize that when Japanese go visit the EU they can get the VAT refunded just like tourists in Japan.
And let me remind you VAT in the EU is between 15% and 27%.
So how about the EU remove Japan from the list of those that can get vat refused.
Antiquesaving
A lot of countries do, but don't confuse what is essentially a processing fee at the airport to charging more for food, clothing, drink etc...based on nationality!
ozellis
At what point did it become okay to overtly discriminate in Japan?
Covertly, well...that has always been a kind of thing as it is in most countries.
Antiquesaving
So I guess everyone here in favour of charging tourists more and those expressing they don't want foreign tourists also don't want the ¥5.2923 trillion they brought last year and left here without it! Right?
And 2024 is looking like an even bigger year!
But I guess Japan is so Rich it doesn't need that money, right?
Antiquesaving
Then I guess the USA, Canada, EU, UK, are not capitalist places!
Because in those places the laws are clear, you cannot discriminate based on, religion, skin colour, ethnicity/race, or nationality otherwise you are in violation of the law.
I would expect the Americans to be the first to know that because it is repeated so often!
kohakuebisu
The "1000 yen discount for locals" restaurant guy was on tv yesterday and spoke a lot of sense. His restaurant is eat all you can seafood but he said most Westerners didn't know how to use the grills they provide, meaning far more staff time to explain everything, or would take whole crabs but only eat the leg meat, leaving lots of waste. It sounded little different to places that are drink all you can but charge women less, on the assumption that women drink less. There are exceptions (!) but most of the time this is true.
Personally I think its perfectly acceptable for people providing English language services to charge more. Whether its daycare, ski lessons, guiding, photowalks or whatever.
Ed
Estimates for our next trip + the other 2 we've done come to around Y6.1 million.
So you don't want our tourist dollars ?
Your BOJ is at fault keeping the Yen weak which mainly affects the citizens of Japan. The BOJ can't run an economy on virtually zero % interest rates and not have the courage to sell off the $US debt to strengthen your currency.
You have excess tourists due to the weak Yen. Japan is historically known as an expensive destination, but now it's the new Bali for value for money. The BOJ needs to fix this for you all urgently.
Ed
Actually, if this escalates anymore we will do our next trip, already booked, (note the previous 2 trips have been at a much stronger Yen) and not be back.
We're retired have such fond memories of our trips to Japan and its wonderful people and intended to come back each year.
Sounds like we are not welcome.
WoodyLee
""Japan finds itself in an unprecedented situation right now. The pandemic was, obviously, a difficult period for the travel, hospitality, and restaurant industries, and they’re all eager to make up for lost time/profits now that the various related precautions and protocols are over.""
Sounds like someone trying to JUSTIFY Rip Off's, IT IS WRONG anyway you look at it, it is a turn off, It is Illegal, it is GREED.
WoodyLee
""Japan is currently seeing its highest inflation rates in decades, and without any corresponding cost-of-living wage increases for locals"".
This is the real problem and it is not the tourists fault.
wallace
Antiquesaving
wallace
What you say is true but it would be the victims that would have to make a report to the police which would involve their limited time and maybe having to stay in the country longer than planned. Because a vendor short-changed them with a £5 pound instead of £10.
Those vendors do not care any more than the pickpocketing kids on the streets of Rome.
rivx
itsonlyrocknroll
I wonder if this pandemic has not turned a once polite tolerant society, rendering at least a minority into inwardly a sceptical irritable unenlightened, sometime discriminatory hoard viewing foreigner/tourists as a nuisance,
A nuisance to be financially exploited.
Do you think this will go unnoticed, think again.
Foreigners increasingly targeted by racial profiling in Japan
https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2024/05/09/japan-sees-an-increase-in-racial-profiling-of-foreigners_6670946_4.html
Be warned.
Peeping_Tom
I LOVE JT discussions, given that the "experts" usually opine (then butcher Japan) about topics they know virtually nothing about! Then claim things like "if my country did this and that to foreign tourists, there would be an outrage blah blah blah..
"Those who are not ordinarily resident in the UK, including former UK residents, are overseas visitors and may be charged for NHS services"
"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-the-nhs-charges-overseas-visitors-for-nhs-hospital-care/how-the-nhs-charges-overseas-visitors-for-nhs-hospital-care"
"In the UK, a council in the county of Kent has recommended introducing a tourism tax on overnight stays in the county. In Scotland, it seems likely that visitors to Edinburgh will be paying a fee by 2026, and the Welsh government plans to introduce similar legislation later this year.
Such taxes may seem new to the UK, but there are more than 60 destinations around the world where this type of tax is already in place. These vary from a nationwide tax in Iceland to various towns across the US. Some have been in place for a long time (France was the first in 1910), but most were introduced during the last decade or two."
"https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/why-expect-pay-more-tourist-162603281.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAFmgtMRv6Gbi_VgaO6jvRjUnmSzJbY9xNOmKC4sGGYf8oEowPAA4OLyScjqhUwdhMOYdLqYcszqQQdmPmOzvAMn8-EpnKNX5Fgs2LEU02-AuGDdLF04sseB3cbIcqsIEjZFCYn-A3UYgHEXoKJejbiZezJEPMxzRoTs6ZBZj2ZV1"
"How Paris, Milan and Dubai are cheaper city breaks for foreign tourists than London due to brutal tourist tax"
"https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12016043/Cost-living-crisis-tourists-priced-Britain.html"
MilesTeg
As it's illegal in those countries, tourists have the right to refuse to pay the extra charges. When I was in Italy speaking in English, I noticed that we had a different menu. After eating, I took a menu from the table next to us and though I couldn't read most of it, I could see price differences when matching them up. I told them that we'll pay the regular price. They didn't oppose it.
You have to speak up and refuse this illegal practice.....after you finish eating.
Mr Goodman
More bad public relations advertising about japan and foreigners.
Time to grow up Japan
wallace
In three decades in Japan no vendor, taxi driver, restaurant owner, or anyone else has intentionally tried to rip me off or overcharge. Many times in Europe many tried but equally all failed.
Antiquesaving
Lucky you!
In Nagoya they tried charging me more in hotels after refusing to let my Japanese wife and I stay in the same room (no gaijin males with Japanese female policy) the same in several restaurants.
In Kyoto just last year, a restaurant tried adding a "service charge" saying it was like a "tip" that is until my Japanese wife got to the cash and said something, suddenly the look in their faces said it all!
No such "service charge" but they tried!
No mostly we get "no Gaijin"
OKuniyoshi
Exactly, those towns/places which complaint about tourists/excessive tourists/some tourists, has to make a choice, either have them visit/not visit your town/place. You can't say you want only a certain type/a certain number. It does not work this way. If you don't like tourist, just put the word out that tourist is not welcome.
As for tourist, go, and bring your money to where you are welcome. Problem solved.
ushosh123
Incoming tourist has upward pressure on the exchange right? So it's a bit counter intuitive.
Peeping_Tom
"The department store’s CEO Andrew Keith claimed the new set of redundancies had been caused by the government ditching tax-free shopping for international tourists, The Times revealed.
Around 70 jobs will be lost, nine months after its previous set of redundancies. It claimed that store workers will not be impacted by the job losses.
The loss of VAT-free shopping for foreign tourists has reportedly weakened sales at the business, which partially relies on purchases and footfall from wealthy international visitors to the UK."
"https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2024/05/selfridges-jobs-tax-free/"
N.B, "foreign tourist"
smithinjapan
Zaphod: "Not true. Charging different rates for locals and visitors is not unusual in the world or in Japan. And fwiw, this cuts both ways.... there are plenty of bars areas like Shinjuku now that say "no table charge for foreign visitors", while local have to pay 1000 yen or so. Are you also complaining about that?"
Hogwash. Show me one. I can show you signs that say "No foreigners" (not just tourists, but foreigners altogether. There is Duty-Free shopping, of course, but that's not what you have claimed to be talking about. And yes, I would think that is unfair, if true. But here's one of the problems with the attitude that foreign visitors/tourists should pay more -- they will charge you, even if you are a permanent resident; at least until you prove it. The assumptions are part of the problem. So, then you are paying not only your taxes from work and living here, but taxes on top that some feel you should be paying as a "guest".
And as to your suggestion that people who visit here are not guests, tell that to the people who brag about Japan treating visitors like guests, or even telling permanent residents that unless you are of Japanese nationality you are always a "guest" (and must abide by the law or be sent "home", as one example). Stop trying to play semantics because you have already lost, or are you suggestion hotel guests get everything paid for and are invited?
itsonlyrocknroll
Antiquesaving, yes it maybe a hiding to nothing comparing what could rightly be regional deferentia,l between how counties treat tourists/foreigners as mobile ATM machines.
"Over tourism" has become a political tinder box across Europe, the sector has been taken over by second home owners, the airbnb generation ruthlessly leveraging the market, local communities abilities to find affordable first homes frozen out.
There is your point I suggest.
What is concerning is the element, a whiff of discriminatory behaviours not lost for certain media here in Japan.
I am frightened to return to UK, to be faced with the negativity my friends and colleges chat weekly on skype.
What have we as communities truly been able to draw upon that equates to a recognition foreigners/tourism are an essential to our local economies?
Even if we have to admit through clenched teeth.
All together now GRRRR
tigerjane
I have no issues with Japanese restaurants and or businesses charging tourists 1,000 yen more as long as they are upfront about their practices giving tourists the option of taking it or leaving it. With the yen being so weak, businesses are struggling with the higher costs this should not be an issue.
Antiquesaving
I participate in multiple antique shows throughout the Kanto region.
My last show 80% of sales were to foreign tourists and the more expensive pieces!
This was the same for most of the other vendors 99% of whom are Japanese (I am the only non Japanese of the gang).
Since 2019 nearly all had been struggling to survive and now with the return of tourists and the volume of tourists they are now actually starting to be able to make money again and some even making up for the lost years.
There has been an increasing interest in learning about, repairing, recycling antiques and vintage item among younger Japanese but if they cannot make a living from it then they will just stop.
Tourism has been a blessing to these people (and yes myself but I am old and on my way out in a few more years).
Sadly the majority of those complaining are old, retired and have their pensions don't understand the world and Japan's economy and businesses have changed!
Antiquesaving
The argument of the "low yen" is a false flag!
The fact the yen is low is a factor in the higher number of tourists and therefore more clients, higher volume less waste more money!
Without the lower yen, fewer tourists less clients and then what raise the prices for locals is the only option!
But the most compelling reason not to chase tourists away is they are a net influx of money to the country.
Locals earn locally they are not bring money to the country at least not directly but they are probably buying plenty of products that send the money outside the country.
Foreign tourists bring money from outside and leave it here, it is like exporting a product without having to actually export it and deal with international payments.
tigerjane
Antiquesaving, if businesses want to charge more and being upfront about it when it comes to tourist and which is a very common practice in many Asian countries, but they do it on the sly. Again, I have no problem with it, because it is not being a sly practice and it permits tourists to stay and or walk away.
Antiquesaving
So now Japan is like other less developed Asian countries, no longer in the same category of the G7?
Speed
I wish Yuji Kuroiwa was the prime minister or at least the governor of my prefecture. Toru Hashimoto bites.
itsonlyrocknroll
Antiquesaving, I have never met a single person here in Kochi/Nagoya that has complained about over tourism.
I have frequented a number of business hotels (Nagoya), and I must admit that foreign patrons have been rude and disrespectful.
That is my experience.
What is concerning to the business when we attempt to rotate staff with our UK sister company, is the assumption that Japan is unwelcoming hostile to overseas residents.
proxy
The people selling trinkets on the beach in Mexico have higher prices for "guests" too.
Yes, Japan has sunk that low.
Fighto!
Foreign tourists are, on average, wealthier than Japanese consumers. That's just a fact now. So long as businesses are transparent and upfront about a "foreigner surcharge", I see no issue with it. Happens in China, SE Asia and many other nations.
The foreign tourists can make the decision before entering a restaurant, bar or shop. They should then have the option of choosing another establishment with no foreign surcharge.
ClippetyClop
Do you think establishments should have a sign on the door so gaijin know that they are about to be rinsed based on their nationality?
What about wealthy Japanese customers? Make all consumers show bank statements upon purchase, or at least jingle their car keys.
This must have been hard to write. Japan is becoming just like China.
Fighto!
Countries like the UK, France, China, etc. all routinely charge foreigners more for services : taxis, bars, restaurants, etc. But it is far from transparent. Restaurants in Hawaii are famous for pulling the "double tipping" scam on tourists from non-tipping cultures. (Look it up if unfamiliar).
Transparency is the important thing here, so foreigners in Japan can make an informed decision before entering the business.
Antiquesaving
Can you provide any proof to back up such a ridiculously claim?
I am sure the University student staying in a hostel is richer, right?
And seeing the median monthly salary in Indonesia is around ¥70,000 a doctor make ¥76,000 a month
Etc...
So please If you are going to make a statement like the above, back it up with proof
Fighto!
Yes. It needs to be 100% transparent (via large sign in the entrance) that there is a surcharge for foreigners. The choice is then theirs whether to enter or take their cash elsewhere.
Antiquesaving
No they don't!
Infact if they do they are breaking the laws of those countries!
Fact, USA, UK, EU, Canada and most other developed countries actually have very specific laws against it.
You cannot charge, treat someone differently, refuse service, etc.. based on religion, ethnicity/race, skin colour, place of birth, nationality!
You can look it up, it is a basic fact and in their constitutions!
Fighto!
*Foreign tourists are, on average, wealthier than Japanese consumers.*
No one is saying all of them are.
Highly unlikely too many people on $450/month are taking trips to Japan!
ClippetyClop
You are encouraging a monumentally huge mistake.
Japan is a booming tourist destination partly based on it's reliability and honesty. If you play these dishonest games based on nationality then it will lose that reputation.
What about my other question? Shouldn't wealthy Japanese customers also pay higher prices based on your reasoning? What about tourists that are less wealthy than the average Japanese?
Fighto!
Yes. Wealthy Japanese should pay more too, IMO. How this can be done in practical terms, I don't know.
wolfshine
Fighto accidentally let it spill how he ACTUALLY feels on this.
I went to the UK two years ago and I did not experience this.
Japan is embarrassing itself and harming it's reputation with this vicious and nasty anti-foreigner movement that has really started to take off recently. There is an alarming and growing number of people here choosing to target non-Japanese people instead of holding their leaders in government and business accountable for Japan's current economic predicaments.
Props to the Kanagawa government for speaking some common sense, though. More people in the government should be doing the same.
ClippetyClop
Fair enough, I appreciate your honesty.
Practically, it can't. Imagine a ramen shop where two customers sitting next to each other pay different prices based upon their perceived wealth.
Don't encourage this. A tourist from Thailand should pay the same price as a salaryman, a millionaire or a homeless fellow.
Equality is what makes Japan great. You know this.
travelbangaijin
Permanent residents should be charged more because they have nowhere to go and don't splurge like a tourist. A tourist has brought a lot of money to spend and should be allowed to support several Japanese merchants to help everybody.
CaptDingleheimer
I spend a long weekend in Tokyo every year while passing through to visit family in the north.
I’m inclined to go into this restaurant and use exact change on the Japanese price just to make a scene. Get my son to film it.
Alan Harrison
Tourists, whether rich, poor, or budget, do not generally go to places where they feel they are being overcharged for food and accommodation. Overcharging in Japan will do long term damage to Japan's tourist industry. Word does get around.
TaiwanIsNotChina
What other countries do is not Japan's business. You ought to be able to refuse to give documentation of residency and assigning different prices based on race ought to violate the law.
beentofivecontinents
"Actually, if this escalates anymore we will do our next trip, already booked, (note the previous 2 trips have been at a much stronger Yen) and not be back."
I see your point, but then you wouldn't want to go to Cambodia, Malaysia, India or Palau either.
Strangerland
I'm ok with a slightly higher price for foreigners - especially if it keeps out some of the riff-raff who have a problem with it.
TaiwanIsNotChina
Why does objecting to being discriminated against make you riff-raff? What if Canada had a similar policy in restaurants?
Yumster100
im very curious as to this policy because sounds like bs.
Read up on kamaiina, which is in Hawaii. It happens.
Private businesses can set different prices, so long as they’re up front about it. They can then give discounts to whoever they want as well. You’re from xxx? Lovely place, I’ll give you some discount! Person from yyy can’t scream raaaaacism for paying more than xxx for the same thing. Bad publicity? Sure.
The point needs to be made that it is up front so that the tourist can decide to take their business elsewhere rather than being dumbstruck. The business owners have a choice and the tourists need to have a choice as well. It’s that simple.
deanzaZZR
The way it works in China if you plan to travel there is that restaurant prices are the same but for fancy restaurants with multiple stories the higher you go up the fancier and more expensive it becomes. Chinese will sometimes try to usher tourists upstairs.
Cynical_Skeptic
A total red herring to somehow justify stealing from tourists - simple as it gets. First and foremost, the notion that tourists don’t pay their fare share is bogus. Tourists already pay taxes in the form of consumption taxes and hotel taxes, and that doesn’t come with any expectation of being represented by a local or national Japanese government official or the privilege to utilize Japanese government resources or hospitals. If the local government is complaining that the taxes are somehow too low, increase the tax rate. Better yet, if the government coffers are too low, quit wasting taxes on programs that don’t have a return on investment. If government officials are overtly advocating for stealing from tourists, you can guarantee that they will steal covertly from their own constituents.
tom toto
Another factor worth mentioning is that not only charge tourists more but also overall less quality than for locals. Arigato!!