Core Content and Trend of Japanese Minpaku Licensing Regulations in 2025:
1. Basic Provisions of the Residential Accommodation Business Act (New Minpaku Law)
Operating Days Limitation: Regular inns can operate a maximum of 180 days per year, but local governments may impose tighter restrictions (e.g., in Kyoto, residential areas are only allowed to operate from January 15 to March 15).
Registration Requirements: Applications must be submitted to local governments, and compliance with fire, health, and safety management standards is necessary.
Management Obligations:
If the landlord does not reside on the property and has more than five accommodations, they must appoint a licensed management company (such as one with a real estate broker qualification).
A guest register must be maintained and operational data reported to the government regularly.
Local Variations: Each prefecture can establish stricter regulations, for example:
Shinjuku, Tokyo: Residential areas are only allowed to operate on weekends.
Osaka: Inns are prohibited in areas where road widths are less than 4 meters.
Kyoto: Residential areas are prohibited year-round (except for specific periods).
2. Deregulation Policies for National Strategic Special Zone Minpaku (Special Zone Minpaku)
– Operating Days: No 180-day restriction, but a minimum stay of 2 consecutive nights is required (previously 6 nights, now relaxed).
– Applicable Areas: Includes special zones such as Tokyo’s Ota Ward, Osaka City, and Fukuoka City, with some areas permitting whole-property rentals.
– Streamlined Process: Compared to regular minpaku (private lodging), fire safety and facility requirements are relaxed, but compliance with special zone regulations is still mandatory.
3. Simple Lodging Facility" License under the Hotel Business Act
No Operating Day Restrictions: Suitable for year-round operation, but must meet higher facility standards (e.g., at least two restrooms per floor, emergency exit signage, etc.).
Strict Approval Process: Requires permission from the prefectural government, typically necessitating assistance from an administrative scrivener (gyosei shoshi) for application.
4. Important Considerations for Foreign Operators
Visa Requirements:
Business Manager Visa: Simply entrusting operations to a management company does not qualify for this visa.
Must establish a Japanese company and actively participate in management.
Minimum investment/capital requirements may apply.
Recommended Business Models:
“Simple Lodging Facility” (簡易宿所) License:
No 180-day restriction (ideal for year-round operation).
Higher facility standards required (e.g., safety equipment, restroom ratios).
Japan Minpaku License Application: Key Process & Considerations (2025)
1. Property Type & Location
Before applying, ensure your property meets the following basic requirements:
Building Usage:
The property must be classified as “residential” (e.g., apartment, detached house).
Commercial properties require a Hotel Business License (e.g., “Simple Lodging Facility”).
Condominium Regulations:
If the property is in a condo, confirm whether the management association allows minpaku (many explicitly prohibit it).
Local Ordinance Restrictions:
Cities/wards may impose additional rules (e.g., Kyoto bans minpaku year-round in some areas, Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward only permits weekend rentals).
2. Choosing Your Minpaku Business Model
1. Standard Minpaku (Private Lodging Business)
Ideal for: Individual homeowners / short-term rentals
Key Feature: Subject to 180-day annual limit
Difficulty: Moderate licensing process
2. Special Zone Minpaku (National Strategic Special Zones)
Ideal for: Long-term operators
Key Feature: No 180-day limit (approved zones only, e.g., Tokyo’s Ota Ward, Osaka City)
Difficulty: Streamlined application in designated areas
3. Simple Lodging Facility (Hotel Business License)
Ideal for: Professional operators (guesthouses/capsule hotels)
Key Feature: No operating day restrictions (year-round permitted)
Difficulty: Stricter facility requirements (complex approval)
3. Japan Minpaku License Application Process by Type
1. Preparation Documents:
Operator identification (individual/company)
Certified copy of building register (Certificate of Registered Matters)
Floor plan (indicating room layout and emergency exits)
Fire safety equipment certification (smoke detectors, fire extinguishers)
Management company contract (required if owner doesn’t reside and operates 5+ properties)
Condominium association approval letter (if applicable)
2. Submission to Local Government:
Complete “Notification of Private Lodging Business” form (downloadable from city/ward office website)
Submit to local Public Health Center or Tourism Department (varies by region)
Some cities (e.g., Osaka, Tokyo) accept online applications
3. Review Process (typically 1-2 months):
Government inspection for safety compliance
Upon approval, receive “Acceptance Number” for listing on platforms like Airbnb
4. Operation Requirements:
Display “Notification Certificate” at property
Maintain guest registry (minimum 3 years)
Submit periodic operation reports (required in some areas)
Special Zone Minpaku (National Strategic Special Zones)
For designated zones like Tokyo’s Ota Ward, Osaka City, Fukuoka City:
Verify property location within special zone
Submit application (similar documents to standard minpaku but no 180-day limit)
Shorter processing time (typically 2-4 weeks)
Simple Lodging Facility (Hotel Business License)
For year-round operators with stricter requirements:
Engage administrative scrivener (recommended due to complexity)
Submit application (requires fire department inspection certificate, sanitation management plan)
On-site inspection by officials
Longer approval period (3-6 months)
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can individuals apply for a minpaku license?
✅ Yes, individual property owners can apply for either Standard Minpaku or Special Zone Minpaku licenses.
⚠️ However, if operating more than 5 properties or not residing on-site, a management company must be appointed.
Q2: Can condominiums operate as minpaku?
✅ Yes, but written approval from the condominium management association is required. Otherwise, operations may face complaints or forced termination.
Q3: Can foreigners apply?
✅ Yes, but note:
Simply hiring a management company does not qualify for a Business Manager Visa.
Must establish a Japanese company and actively participate in operations.
Q4: What are the application fees?
Standard Minpaku: Free or nominal processing fees (approx. ¥10,000–30,000).
Simple Lodging Facility: ¥100,000–300,000 (includes administrative scrivener fees).
日本民宿法規的核心仍是平衡旅遊業需求與社區管理，普通民宿受180天限制且地方差異大，而特區和“簡易宿所”提供更靈活選擇。2025年暫無全國性法規修訂，但地方政府可能進一步調整細則，如有疑問一鍵查詢：6810 2200
