Tokyo tightens screws on home-sharing facilities for tourists amid complaints

Municipalities across Tokyo are intensifying their scrutiny of private lodging facilities, commonly known as 'minpaku,' in response to a growing wave of complaints from residents. Issues such as noise, garbage, and general nuisances have led local authorities to ramp up inspections and implement stricter regulations on these short-term rental properties.

The number of registered 'minpaku' facilities has seen a significant increase, rising from 31,000 in May 2025 to over 40,000 by May of the following year, according to the Japan Tourism Agency. This surge has prompted a shift in the national government's approach, moving away from actively promoting private lodging. Local governments are now empowered by the national agency to use their own ordinances to ban such services if they negatively impact the living environment of local residents.

In Shinjuku Ward, which hosts the highest number of registered facilities, officials are conducting unannounced inspections and have issued their first business cessation order. The ward received 1,334 complaints in fiscal 2025, a substantial increase from the previous year. Other wards are also tightening rules; Toshima Ward has reduced the maximum rental period from 180 to 120 days per year. Chiyoda Ward has implemented new ordinances banning new private lodging services near schools or in densely populated areas unless the owner resides on the premises, effective from July.

Further measures include the introduction of a lodging tax for 'minpaku' stays, set to begin in April 2027 under the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's regulations. Osaka, another major city, has also faced a backlash of complaints regarding noise and garbage from an influx of private lodging. While some experts suggest municipalities should carefully consider their capacity for oversight, the trend indicates a move towards more controlled and regulated short-term rental markets in Japan's major cities.

“

Officials asked them how long they had been staying and gave them flyers against littering and street drinking.