Japan introduced a tourist tax for visiting Itsukushima Shrine
[ad_1]
Japan has introduced a tourist tax for visiting the famous “floating shrine” – Itsukushima Shrine on the island of Miyajima.
Such measures have been introduced to combat excessive tourism since October 1, CNN reports.
Each visitor to Miyajima (the shrine’s island access point) will now be charged ¥100 (67 cents).
If a traveler is interested in multiple visits, they can purchase a pass for ¥500 ($3.33), which is valid for one year.
| Photo: sepavone/Depositphotos |
Read also: In Mexico, a 16th-century church “emerged” from a reservoir due to intense heat. PHOTO
Itsukushima is a 1,400-year-old Shinto shrine located in the city of Hatsukaiti on the island of Miyajima in the Inland Sea of Japan.
The building is considered a national treasure of Japan and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
The bright orange Torii Gate, which seems to be floating in a lake, is one of the most beautiful and recognizable photo spots in the country.
However, due to the excessive number of tourists around the world, the Japanese shrine is in danger, as well as many historical monuments in Europe.
Japan planned to introduce a tourist tax as early as 2021, but due to the pandemic, the idea was postponed.
The funds will go towards building and improving tourism infrastructure such as public toilets, maintaining the architecture of the shrine and encouraging eco-tourism in the area.
“We feel the need to create a welcoming environment for tourists while providing livelihoods for the island’s residents. We hope tourists will join us and share the responsibility to protect Miyajima.” – says Shunji Mukai, an employee of the city’s planning department.
In particular, the initiative called “Another thousand years” is fighting for the preservation of Miyajima and Itsukushima temple.
“We hope that future visitors will protect the island as much as its inhabitants.
We will protect the island that represents the gods for another thousand years.”– write the participants of the initiative.
It will be recalled that earlier Venice decided to introduce a one-day fee for tourists from 2024 in order to save the old city from the influx of visitors.
Read also: South Korea plans to build a Ferris wheel without spokes. PHOTO
[ad_2]
Original Source Link
