Japan continues to enjoy a record-breaking influx of tourists. That’s leading both the government and businesses to look at new ways to maximize revenue and support local institutions.
One solution: two-tier pricing, or charging inbound travelers more for services than residents. A number of attractions across the country have already implemented, or are planning to implement, a two-tier pricing model. Now comes word that Japan’s government is urging the country’s national museums to follow suit.
Higher entrance fees urged at Tokyo National Museum, other locations
The announcement comes from Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs, which oversees the country’s national museums but leaves management to independent administrative agencies. The Agency said it’s urging companies such as the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, which operates 10 of the nation’s 11 national museums, to institute higher pricing for non-resident foreigners.
The change would impact pricing for tourists at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno, Japan’s oldest and largest national museum, as well as the National Museum of Western Art, and others. The move would help the museums create and maintain information in multiple languages for worldwide visitors.
Over 50% of the operating costs of eight of the country’s national museums are covered by taxpayer money. The rest comes from ticket revenues and donations.
There’s no word yet on exactly how large the price increases would be. The country is recommending that the facilities charge foreign tourists two to three times the price charged to citizens and foreign residents. For the Tokyo National Museum, that would raise regular admission from 1,000 yen ($6.40) to as high as 3,000 yen ($19).
Is two-tier pricing a good idea?
Many other countries charge disparate rates for national attractions. Just last month, the board of France’s Louvre announced that it would raise admission fees for foreign tourists by 45%. The move came after a brazen theft highlighted the museum’s outdated security and aging infrastructure.
Various locations across Japan have already adopted two-tier pricing to help fund their upkeep and offset the damage caused by overtourism. Himeji Castle and Nanzōin Temple in Fukuoka Prefecture are two prominent examples. Some private attractions, such as the Junglia amusement park in Okinawa, are also charging two-tier pricing as a way of raking in extra profits.
Some foreign residents in Japan bristle at the idea of two-tier pricing. They worry that it will be conducted solely on the basis of appearances, leading to discrimination. However, a majority of the Japanese public appears to favor the practice. One poll put support for two-tier pricing at close to 70%.
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Sources
国立博物館や美術館に「二重価格」要求へ…多言語対応へ訪日客の入館料を割高に. Yomiuri Shimbun
Louvre to hike ticket prices for most non-EU tourists by 45%. BBC
