Tokyo's Shinjuku to ban more than half of holiday rentals

Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's busiest tourist districts, plans to ban more than half of its holiday rentals after residents complained about visitors' behaviour.

The ward has about 4,000 short-term rentals, nearly 10 percent of Japan's total, according to its official website. A Shinjuku official overseeing the sector said the ward planned to revise its ordinance to prohibit private lodging in residential zones and areas near schools. The plan was due to be formally announced by the Shinjuku mayor.

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Planning to revise the current ordinance to ban private lodging

The proposed restrictions would affect existing rentals and could lead to the closure of about 2,000 properties, including an unknown number listed on Airbnb. The official said complaints rose by around 40 percent in the fiscal year ending in March. Residents reported violations of rubbish-disposal rules, smoking, noise and trespassing.

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Many complaints are about the violation of trash disposal rules while others include smoking and trespassing

The move comes as Japan seeks to attract 60 million foreign visitors by 2030, up from 42 million in 2025, while overtourism troubles tourist destinations. A July decision by the Japan Tourism Agency gave municipalities greater authority to regulate short-term accommodation when it threatens a calm living and educational environment or undermines permanent communities.

A 24-year-old American visitor said the rules made sense because of noise. A Shinjuku resident in his 70s said many foreign operators and visitors did not follow local rules, particularly when disposing of rubbish. Airbnb had been contacted for comment, while several Shinjuku hosts declined interviews.

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Many foreigners, including operators of private lodgings, don't follow local rules