Travelers heading to one of Japan's most iconic island destinations will be required to pay a tourist tax on their next visit.
Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, has started charging visitors 100 yen (67 cents). Miyajima is home to the famous torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gate is best known for appearing to float on the water at high tide and is one of the most photographed sights in Japan.
Mayor Hatsukaichi, who has a shrine, said too many visitors were having a negative impact on the island's environment, and the money generated by the new tax would be used to improve Miyajima's tourism infrastructure and maintain the shrine's architecture.
The popularity of the giant wooden gate has attracted countless tourists who arrive at Miyajima by ferry over the years. Travelers who plan to visit the island multiple times can purchase a 500 yen ($3.33) pass that is valid for one year.
The tourist tax was originally scheduled to be implemented in 2021, but was delayed due to the pandemic.
