Himeji City, in western Japan, has decided to review the admission fee for Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Cultural heritage site, and is considering setting higher rates for non-local and foreign visitors.
Himeji Mayor Kiyomoto Hideyasu told reporters on Monday that he intends to consider setting different rates for Japanese visitors, foreign tourists and local residents.
He said he expects enormous funds will be needed in the future to preserve the cultural site.
He said there are various expenditures such as securing materials for necessary repairs, nurturing personnel to carry on the skills of craftspeople and fortifying earthquake resistance.
Kiyomoto said a special working team comprised of members from different departments across the city hall will be set up this fiscal year. He said the team will first study exactly how much it costs to manage and preserve the castle.
He said it will review the admission fee, which is currently uniformly set at 1,000 yen, or just over 6 dollars, for anyone 18 and over.
The mayor said he doesn't want to raise the fee for Himeji residents. The city will be taking overseas examples into account, as setting different entrance rates is the global standard.
He said the city will draw up a proposal and discuss it with the Agency for Cultural Affairs and other relevant parties.