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Buyer's guide › Airbnb rules
Short-term rental rules · 2026

Can you run an Airbnb in Japan? Rules by city, 2026

Nights allowed per year, zones, tokku and ryokan-licence routes, and how many minpaku are actually operating in 23 cities and wards, from official data, for overseas owners (who are always “absentee hosts”).

Rules checked: 2026-09-27Registrations: 2026-07-15 releaseNot legal advice

Key takeaways

Check before you buy. Local rules changed in several wards in 2026 alone and more changes are scheduled. This page is research, not legal advice; confirm the zone, the ordinance and the building's bylaws with the municipality and a licensed professional.

All cities at a glance

“Max nights” is for an absentee host under the Private Lodging Business Act (national cap 180). “Tokku” = special-zone minpaku with no day cap. “Active minpaku” = registered homes currently operating (notifications minus closures), with the change on a year earlier. Click a name for the full table.

City / wardAirbnb allowed?Max nights a year (absentee host)TokkuSimple lodgingActive minpaku
2026-07-15
Shinjuku WardLimitedResidential zones: weekends only (~156). Elsewhere 180. Planned: no new units in residential zones, 120 in commercialNodifficult3,775
+503 y/y
Shibuya WardLimited63 in residential and school (文教) zones; 180 in commercial zonesNoyes in commercial zones1,845
+592 y/y
Minato WardYes, with limits~97 in residential-only and school zones (school holidays only); 180 elsewhereNoyes in commercial zones874
+142 y/y
Taito Ward (Asakusa/Ueno)Limited; ryokan licence is the realistic route~120 ward-wide (weekends and holidays only)Noyes1,373
+239 y/y
Toshima Ward (Ikebukuro)LimitedFrom 2026-12-16: 0 for new units in residential zones (~70% of the ward); 120 in commercial zones and for existing unitsNoyes in commercial zones1,826
+144 y/y
Sumida Ward (Oshiage/Ryogoku)Limited~104 ward-wide for new units (Fri and Sat nights only)Noyes2,314
+582 y/y
Chuo Ward (Ginza/Nihonbashi)Barely~104 ward-wide (Sat noon to Mon noon only)Noyes in commercial zones107
+5 y/y
Chiyoda WardBarely0 in most of the ward; 180 only in a few non-residential business blocksNoonly ≥200㎡ guest-room area56
+16 y/y
Ota Ward (Kamata/Haneda) — TOKKUYes, with limitsTokku minpaku: 365 (min. 2 nights). Ordinary minpaku: 0 in residential-only zones, 180 elsewhereYes (open)yes where zoning allows254
+8 y/y
Setagaya WardYes, with limits~120 in residential-only zones (up to 180 proposed from 2027-04); 180 elsewhereNolimited546
+57 y/y
Osaka CityYes, with limits0 in residential-only zones (unless on a road ≥4 m wide); 180 elsewhere. 365 only via an existing tokku certificationClosed to newyes but tougher from late Oct 20262,256
+331 y/y
Kyoto CityLimited; ryokan licence is the usual route~60 in residential-only zones (15 Jan–16 Mar only); 180 elsewhereNoyes outside 住居専用 zones1,315
+348 y/y
Fukuoka CityYes180 everywhere (no local restriction found)Noyes where zoning allows1,844
+550 y/y
prefecture
Sapporo CityYes~120 in residential-only zones (weekends and holidays); 180 elsewhereNoyes where zoning allows3,041
+953 y/y
Kutchan Town (Niseko Hirafu)Yes~120 in designated residential zones; 180 in the Hirafu resort areasNoyes72
Niseko TownYes~120 in designated areas; 180 in most of the townNoyes72
Hakuba VillageMainly via a ryokan licenceAbsentee minpaku barred near ski areas in peak winter (exact period unverified); weekdays barred in residential-only zonesNoyes0
Naha CityYes, in most zones~104 in residential-only zones (weekends); 180 elsewhereNoyes where zoning allows427
+54 y/y
Onna Village (resort coast)Yes180 almost everywhere (only school surroundings restricted)Noyes1,196
+142 y/y
prefecture
Miyakojima City (incl. Irabu & Shimoji)Yes180 everywhere (no prefectural restriction listed)Noyes where zoning allows1,196
+142 y/y
prefecture
Ishigaki CityYes180 everywhere (no prefectural restriction listed)Noyes where zoning allows1,196
+142 y/y
prefecture
Hakone TownYes, in most zones~153 in the restricted tourist-district zone; 180 elsewhereNoyes524
+88 y/y
prefecture
Atami CityYes, with limits~120 in residential zones and near schools; 180 elsewhereNoyes575
+131 y/y
prefecture

Tokyo

Shinjuku Ward

Can you run an Airbnb?Limited
low (and falling)
Max nights / year (absentee host)Residential zones: weekends only (~156). Elsewhere 180. Planned: no new units in residential zones, 120 in commercial
All categories
  • Residential zone absentee: ~156 now (Fri–Sun nights) → 0 new (planned)
  • Commercial zone: 180 now → 120 (planned)
  • Owner occupied: exception planned
WhereNow: all zones (weekend-only in 住居専用). Planned: commercial-type zones only, 120 days.
Owner-occupied vs absenteeCurrent weekday ban applies regardless of type (no exception on the ward page). Planned rules keep an exception for owner-occupied / properly managed.
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)not a tokku-minpaku municipality
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)difficult
Allowed only where hotels are permitted by zoning; planned ban on new small ryokan/simple lodging + staffing rules.
Active minpaku registrations3,775 (2026-07-15)
+27 vs previous release
+503 (+15%) vs a year earlier
Median property price¥60.0m (resale condo, 2025, contract prices, n=1,298)
Shinjuku prices →
Confidence · last verifiedHigh · 2026-09-27
high (policy) / medium (effective date — from press, not yet in an ordinance)

Details: Current: in exclusive-residential zones minpaku is banned Mon noon–Fri noon (weekends only); elsewhere 180 days. ANNOUNCED 2026-09-08: new minpaku to be banned in principle in all residential-type zones, commercial zones cut to 120 days/year, applied to existing facilities after a 2-year grace period (~2,000 units may have to stop); owner-occupied/properly managed exceptions planned. Small ryokan/simple lodging: new small facilities banned, front desk + resident staff + face-to-face check-in required. Public comment → ordinance to the ward assembly in 2027 (press: effective around June 2027).

Sources: www.city.shinjuku.lg.jp · www.city.shinjuku.lg.jp · topics.smt.docomo.ne.jp

Shibuya Ward

Can you run an Airbnb?Limited
low-medium (commercial zones only)
Max nights / year (absentee host)63 in residential and school (文教) zones; 180 in commercial zones
All categories
  • Restricted zone absentee: 63
  • Commercial zone: 180
  • Owner occupied: 180
WhereCommercial / 近隣商業 / 準工業 zones: 180 days. Residential & 文教 zones: 63 days unless owner-occupied.
Owner-occupied vs absenteeOwner-occupied (same building/adjacent, ≤5 rooms) = 180 days everywhere; absentee = 63 days in restricted zones.
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)not a tokku-minpaku municipality
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)yes in commercial zones
Ward also strengthened ryokan rules from 2026-07-01 (secondary source).
Active minpaku registrations1,845 (2026-07-15)
+223 vs previous release
+592 (+47%) vs a year earlier
Median property price¥85.0m (resale condo, 2025, contract prices, n=907)
Shibuya prices →
Confidence · last verifiedHigh · 2026-09-27
high

Details: Amended ordinance (promulgated 2026-03-26, applies to notifications from 2026-07-01): restricted zones = 1st/2nd 文教地区, all 低層/中高層住居専用 zones, and newly 1st/2nd 住居 and 準住居 zones. In restricted zones only ~63 days/year are allowed (school holidays: roughly Mar 25–Apr 5, Jul 20–Aug 29, a few days in Oct, Dec 25–Jan 7). Exception (180 days) now only for owner-occupied type: owner lives in the same building/site or adjacent, ≤5 rooms. The old '100m management office' exception was abolished. Neighbour notice now 60 days before notification. Units notified by 2026-06-30 keep the old rules.

Sources: files.city.shibuya.tokyo.jp · www.city.shibuya.tokyo.jp

Minato Ward

Can you run an Airbnb?Yes, with limits
medium in commercial zones (but condo bylaws usually block)
Max nights / year (absentee host)~97 in residential-only and school zones (school holidays only); 180 elsewhere
All categories
  • Residential zone absentee: 97
  • Other zones: 180
  • Owner occupied: 180
WhereCommercial / 住居地域 etc.: 180. 住居専用 & 文教: ~97 (absentee).
Owner-occupied vs absenteeOwner-occupied exempt from area/period limits.
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)not a tokku-minpaku municipality
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)yes in commercial zones
Luxury condos almost always prohibit minpaku in bylaws.
Active minpaku registrations874 (2026-07-15)
+36 vs previous release
+142 (+19%) vs a year earlier
Median property price¥110m (resale condo, 2025, contract prices, n=1,557)
Minato prices →
Confidence · last verifiedHigh · 2026-09-27
high

Details: Absentee-type minpaku in 低層/中高層住居専用 zones and 文教地区 is banned Jan 11 noon–Mar 20 noon, Apr 11 noon–Jul 10 noon and Sep 1 noon–Dec 20 noon, i.e. only school holidays (~97 nights/year). Owner-occupied type: no area/period limit (180). Other zones (commercial, 住居 etc.): 180. No new tightening announced as of 2026-09 (guide updated Dec 2025).

Sources: www.city.minato.tokyo.jp

Taito Ward (Asakusa/Ueno)

Can you run an Airbnb?Limited; ryokan licence is the realistic route
low for minpaku; simple lodging licence is the realistic route
Max nights / year (absentee host)~120 ward-wide (weekends and holidays only)
All categories
  • Absentee: 120
  • Owner occupied existing: 180
  • Owner occupied new from 2026-10-01: ~120 (weekends/holidays)
WhereAll zones, weekends/holidays only (absentee).
Owner-occupied vs absenteeUntil 2026-09-30 owner-occupied/resident-manager = 180; from 2026-10-01 new ones also weekend-only.
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)not a tokku-minpaku municipality
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)yes (commercial zones; Asakusa has many simple-lodging hostels)
Taito's ryokan ordinance requires a front desk / staff on site (check before buying).
Active minpaku registrations1,373 (2026-07-15)
-12 vs previous release
+239 (+21%) vs a year earlier
Median property price—
no price page yet
Confidence · last verifiedHigh · 2026-09-27
high

Details: Ward-wide: minpaku without a resident owner/manager is banned Mon noon–Sat noon (except national holidays and Dec 30–Jan 3) → ~120 nights/year. Amendment effective 2026-10-01: new notifications (from Oct 1) cannot operate on weekdays even if owner-occupied; units notified by 2026-09-30 keep old rules. New guidance/improvement orders/public naming apply to all.

Sources: www.city.taito.lg.jp

Toshima Ward (Ikebukuro)

Can you run an Airbnb?Limited
low
Max nights / year (absentee host)From 2026-12-16: 0 for new units in residential zones (~70% of the ward); 120 in commercial zones and for existing units
All categories
  • New in residential or bunkyo zone: 0
  • New in commercial zone: 120
  • Existing units any zone: 120
  • Owner occupied: same as above (no exception)
WhereNew: 商業・近隣商業 etc. only, 120 days in 3 school-holiday windows.
Owner-occupied vs absenteeNo distinction for area/period rules.
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)not a tokku-minpaku municipality
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)yes in commercial zones
Only realistic year-round route.
Active minpaku registrations1,826 (2026-07-15)
-25 vs previous release
+144 (+9%) vs a year earlier
Median property price—
no price page yet
Confidence · last verifiedHigh · 2026-09-27
high

Details: Amended ordinance enacted 2025-12 (promulgated/effective 2025-12-15; area/period rules effective 2026-12-16 — NOT April). From 2026-12-16: (1) New minpaku banned all year in 第1種低層住居専用, 第1種・第2種中高層住居専用, 第1種・第2種住居, 準工業 zones and 文教地区 (~70% of the ward). (2) Everywhere else (and for EXISTING units in all zones) operation is allowed only Mar 15 noon–Apr 11 noon, Jul 1 noon–Sep 1 noon and Dec 15 noon–Jan 15 noon = 120 nights/year. No owner-occupied exception (ward explicitly declined it). Fine up to ¥50,000 (過料). First business-suspension orders issued to 15 operators in 2026-06.

Sources: www.city.toshima.lg.jp · www.city.toshima.lg.jp · www.city.toshima.lg.jp · www.city.toshima.lg.jp

Sumida Ward (Oshiage/Ryogoku)

Can you run an Airbnb?Limited
low
Max nights / year (absentee host)~104 ward-wide for new units (Fri and Sat nights only)
All categories
  • Absentee new: 104
  • Resident manager: 180
  • Existing units: 180
WhereAll zones, Fri/Sat nights only (new absentee).
Owner-occupied vs absenteeResident owner/manager on site = 180.
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)not a tokku-minpaku municipality
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)yes (commercial zones) but staff must be on site
From 2026-04-01.
Active minpaku registrations2,314 (2026-07-15)
-112 vs previous release
+582 (+34%) vs a year earlier
Median property price—
no price page yet
Confidence · last verifiedHigh · 2026-09-27
high

Details: New ordinance (passed 2025-12-10, effective 2026-04-01): ward-wide, minpaku banned Sun noon–Fri noon → only Fri & Sat nights (~104/year) unless a manager is stationed in/at the dwelling. Applies to notifications accepted from 2026-04-01; existing units exempt. Ryokan/simple lodging: staff must be stationed on site, neighbour-notice radius 20m. Enforcement guidelines from 2026-06-01.

Sources: www.city.sumida.lg.jp · www.city.sumida.lg.jp

Chuo Ward (Ginza/Nihonbashi)

Can you run an Airbnb?Barely
very low for minpaku
Max nights / year (absentee host)~104 ward-wide (Sat noon to Mon noon only)
All categories
  • All: 104
WhereAll zones, weekend only.
Owner-occupied vs absenteeNo exception found.
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)not a tokku-minpaku municipality
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)yes in commercial zones
Main route for year-round operation.
Active minpaku registrations107 (2026-07-15)
±0 vs previous release
+5 (+5%) vs a year earlier
Median property price¥110m (resale condo, 2025, contract prices, n=1,421)
Chuo prices →
Confidence · last verifiedMedium · 2026-09-27
medium (page dated 2024-05; exception rules not stated)

Details: Ward-wide (all zones incl. Ginza commercial): minpaku only from Saturday noon to Monday noon → ~104 nights/year. No owner-occupied exception stated on the ward page. No new change announced.

Sources: www.city.chuo.lg.jp

Chiyoda Ward

Can you run an Airbnb?Barely
very low
Max nights / year (absentee host)0 in most of the ward; 180 only in a few non-residential business blocks
All categories
  • Absentee most of ward: 0
  • Absentee non dense blocks: 180
  • Owner occupied a b: 104
  • Owner occupied c: 180
WhereAbsentee: only non-dense business blocks (few homes exist there).
Owner-occupied vs absenteeOwner-occupied allowed; absentee effectively banned.
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)not a tokku-minpaku municipality
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)only ≥200㎡ guest-room area
Small units no longer licensable.
Active minpaku registrations56 (2026-07-15)
+11 vs previous release
+16 (+40%) vs a year earlier
Median property price¥80.0m (resale condo, 2025, contract prices, n=357)
Chiyoda prices →
Confidence · last verifiedHigh · 2026-09-27
high (minpaku) / medium (ryokan 200㎡ — from draft, enactment not separately confirmed)

Details: Amended 2026-07-01: absentee minpaku (both 'manager on site' and 'manager rushes over' types) is banned on ALL days in 文教地区 (A), within ~100m of schools (B) and in the 'dense-population' blocks (C = most of the ward except Otemachi/Marunouchi/Yurakucho-type business blocks). Owner-occupied: A/B only Fri–Sun (Sun noon–Fri noon banned), C = 180. Only the non-dense business blocks allow 180 for all types. Simple lodging/hotels: guest-room floor area total ≥200㎡ required (small ryokan effectively banned).

Sources: www.city.chiyoda.lg.jp · www.city.chiyoda.lg.jp · www.city.chiyoda.lg.jp

Ota Ward (Kamata/Haneda) — TOKKU

Can you run an Airbnb?Yes, with limits
medium (best in Tokyo now, but window may close)
Max nights / year (absentee host)Tokku minpaku: 365 (min. 2 nights). Ordinary minpaku: 0 in residential-only zones, 180 elsewhere
All categories
  • Tokku: 365
  • Minpaku absentee residential: 0
  • Minpaku other zones: 180
  • Owner occupied: 180
WhereTokku: per ward guideline (not in 住居専用). Minpaku absentee: commercial/住居/準工 etc.
Owner-occupied vs absenteeOwner-occupied currently not area-limited (planned to change).
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)Yes — accepting (as of 2026-09); new approvals may be stopped · min. stay 2 nights / 3 days
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)yes where zoning allows
Same 2026-04 guideline applies.
Active minpaku registrations254 (2026-07-15)
+11 vs previous release
+8 (+3%) vs a year earlier
+ 481 tokku facilities (1,086 rooms, 2026-06-30; ordinary minpaku above)
Median property price—
no price page yet
Confidence · last verifiedHigh · 2026-09-27
high (current) / medium (plans)

Details: Only Tokyo ward with 特区民泊: 365 days, minimum stay 2 nights/3 days, still accepting applications as of 2026-09 (official page updated 2026-04-30). 住宅宿泊事業: absentee type banned in 低層/中高層住居専用, 工業, 工業専用 zones and some special districts; new absentee units within 100m of schools banned Mon noon–Fri noon; owner-occupied not area-limited. From 2026-04-01 stricter guidelines for ALL lodging types: neighbour briefing, notice radius 10→20m, response within 10-min walk (was 30 min), garbage collection 3×/week. Planned (target first half of FY2027): ban new minpaku in residential zones incl. owner-occupied, weekends/holidays only elsewhere; ward also considering ending new tokku approvals.

Sources: www.city.ota.tokyo.jp · www.city.ota.tokyo.jp · www.city.ota.tokyo.jp · okatakashi.net · www.nikkei.com

Setagaya Ward

Can you run an Airbnb?Yes, with limits
medium (improving if draft passes)
Max nights / year (absentee host)~120 in residential-only zones (up to 180 proposed from 2027-04); 180 elsewhere
All categories
  • Residential zone now: 120
  • Residential zone after 2027 if qualified: 180
  • Other zones: 180
WhereAll zones; weekend-limited in 住居専用 (for now).
Owner-occupied vs absenteeConditions of the relaxation not yet published.
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)not a tokku-minpaku municipality
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)limited (mostly residential zoning)
Active minpaku registrations546 (2026-07-15)
+7 vs previous release
+57 (+12%) vs a year earlier
Median property price—
no price page yet
Confidence · last verifiedHigh · 2026-09-27
high (current) / medium (draft)

Details: Current: in 住居専用 zones minpaku banned Mon noon–Sat noon (except around holidays) → ~120 nights. Draft amendment (public comment 2026-09-15 to 10-06, to assembly 2027-02, target 2027-04): adds neighbour notice, signage, waste and rush-response rules, BUT would allow well-run operators meeting conditions to operate on weekdays up to 180 days in residential zones, with cancellation if problems occur. The only ward moving toward relaxation.

Sources: www.city.setagaya.lg.jp · www.city.setagaya.lg.jp · www.traicy.com

Osaka

Osaka City

Can you run an Airbnb?Yes, with limits
medium for existing licensed assets; low for new entry
Max nights / year (absentee host)0 in residential-only zones (unless on a road ≥4 m wide); 180 elsewhere. 365 only via an existing tokku certification
All categories
  • Tokku existing: 365
  • Tokku new: not available
  • Minpaku residential zone: 0 (unless ≥4m road)
  • Minpaku other: 180
WhereMinpaku: commercial/住居/準工 etc.; tokku closed to new entrants.
Owner-occupied vs absenteeNo major owner-occupied exception.
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)new applications ended 2026-05-29; existing continue · min. stay 2 nights / 3 days
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)yes but tougher from late Oct 2026 (RC/SRC, staff on site)
Buying an existing certified tokku unit is now the only way into 365-day minpaku.
Active minpaku registrations2,256 (2026-07-15)
+56 vs previous release
+331 (+17%) vs a year earlier
+ 10,132 tokku facilities (29,730 rooms, 2026-06-30; ordinary minpaku above)
Median property price—
no price page yet
Confidence · last verifiedHigh · 2026-09-27
high (tokku closure, minpaku rules) / medium (ryokan effective date)

Details: 特区民泊: new applications and room/floor-area expansions CLOSED on 2026-05-29 (Fri) (confirmed on city page); units certified by then may continue (min stay 2 nights/3 days, rooms ≥25㎡). 住宅宿泊事業: banned in 低層/中高層住居専用 zones except plots facing roads ≥4m wide; within 100m of elementary schools banned Mon noon–Fri noon; elsewhere 180. Ryokan ordinance amendment (public comment 2026-05-19 to 06-18; reported effective 2026-10-30): simple lodging in buildings containing homes must be RC/SRC (or equivalent sound insulation), staff on site while guests stay (applies to existing too), neighbour notice extended. Plans lodged before the effective date use old standards.

Sources: www.city.osaka.lg.jp · www.city.osaka.lg.jp · www.city.osaka.lg.jp · www.city.osaka.lg.jp · moriyama-minpaku.com

Kyoto

Kyoto City

Can you run an Airbnb?Limited; ryokan licence is the usual route
medium (via simple-lodging licence, not minpaku)
Max nights / year (absentee host)~60 in residential-only zones (15 Jan–16 Mar only); 180 elsewhere
All categories
  • Residential zone absentee: 60
  • Machiya or owner: 180
  • Other zones: 180
WhereCommercial/住居/準工 etc.: 180.
Owner-occupied vs absenteeOwner-occupied / Kyo-machiya exempt from the Jan–Mar-only rule.
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)not a tokku-minpaku municipality
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)yes outside 住居専用 zones
Machiya inns usually go this route.
Active minpaku registrations1,315 (2026-07-15)
+77 vs previous release
+348 (+36%) vs a year earlier
Median property price¥38.0m (resale condo, 4 central wards, 2025, contract prices, n=781)
central Kyoto prices →
Confidence · last verifiedHigh · 2026-09-27
high

Details: 住居専用地域: minpaku only Jan 15 noon–Mar 16 noon (~60 nights, the off-season) unless owner-occupied or a certified Kyo-machiya meeting conditions (then 180). Absentee type needs an on-site-response manager within ~800m / 10 min. Other zones 180. No tokku. Simple lodging common but city rules require front desk or staff within ~800m. Accommodation tax raised 2026-03-01 (up to ¥10,000/night); vacant/second-home tax planned (official: FY2030).

Sources: www.city.kyoto.lg.jp · www.city.kyoto.lg.jp · www.city.kyoto.lg.jp · www.city.kyoto.lg.jp

Fukuoka

Fukuoka City

Can you run an Airbnb?Yes
high (among the most permissive big cities)
Max nights / year (absentee host)180 everywhere (no local restriction found)
All categories
  • All zones: 180
WhereAll zones (180).
Owner-occupied vs absenteeOnly national rule (manager required if absentee).
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)not in Fukuoka City (Kitakyushu City only)
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)yes where zoning allows
Active minpaku registrations1,844 (2026-07-15)
+71 vs previous release
+550 (+43%) vs a year earlier
Fukuoka Prefecture, which includes Fukuoka City: the city is not reported separately
Median property price—
no price page yet
Confidence · last verifiedMedium · 2026-09-27
medium (absence of ordinance inferred from MLIT 2021 list + city page)

Details: No local area/period ordinance found (not listed in MLIT's compilation) → national 180 days in all zones. Absentee must use a licensed manager. Urbanization-control areas: some houses cannot be used. No tokku-minpaku in Fukuoka City (Kitakyushu has it). Accommodation tax ¥200/¥500. No tightening announced as of 2026-09.

Sources: www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp · www.mlit.go.jp · www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp

Hokkaido

Sapporo City

Can you run an Airbnb?Yes
high (outside residential zones)
Max nights / year (absentee host)~120 in residential-only zones (weekends and holidays); 180 elsewhere
All categories
  • Residential zone absentee: 120
  • Other zones: 180
  • Owner occupied: 180
WhereCommercial/住居 etc.: 180.
Owner-occupied vs absenteeOwner-occupied (≤5 rooms) exempt.
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)not a tokku-minpaku municipality
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)yes where zoning allows
Active minpaku registrations3,041 (2026-07-15)
+146 vs previous release
+953 (+46%) vs a year earlier
Median property price—
no price page yet
Confidence · last verifiedMedium · 2026-09-27
medium (period details from MLIT 2021 compilation)

Details: In 住居専用 zones (and equivalents), absentee-type minpaku only Fri noon–Mon noon plus holidays and New Year (~120 nights); within 100m of elementary/junior-high gates banned on school days. Restrictions apply only when the host does not live there, is absent during stays, or has >5 rooms (i.e., owner-occupied homestays exempt). Elsewhere 180. Accommodation tax from 2026-04-01 (Hokkaido + city): ¥300/400/1,000.

Sources: www.city.sapporo.jp · www.mlit.go.jp · www.city.sapporo.jp

Kutchan Town (Niseko Hirafu)

Can you run an Airbnb?Yes
high (resort zone; simple-lodging licence standard)
Max nights / year (absentee host)~120 in designated residential zones; 180 in the Hirafu resort areas
All categories
  • Designated residential absentee: 120
  • Resort zones: 180
  • Owner occupied: 180
WhereResort/tourism areas (Hirafu): 180. Town-centre residential: ~120.
Owner-occupied vs absenteeOwner-occupied/≤5 rooms exempt.
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)not a tokku-minpaku municipality
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)yes — most Hirafu condos/chalets operate as ryokan/simple lodging (year-round)
Check 景観地区/準都市計画 rules.
Active minpaku registrations72 (2026-09-15)
latest snapshot only; no history published
Median property price¥42.0m (land & houses, 2025, buyer survey アンケート only; no contract-price data, n=55)
Niseko-area prices →
Confidence · last verifiedHigh · 2026-09-27
high (June 2026 expansion) / medium (resort-zone statement)

Details: Hokkaido prefectural ordinance. Designated 住居専用 zones etc. + (NEW from 2026-06-01) 第1種・第2種住居 zones inside the town's 居住誘導区域 (excluding 都市機能誘導区域): absentee minpaku only Sat, Sun, holidays and Dec 31–Jan 3 (~120). 100m around 6 school entrances: banned on school days. Owner-occupied/≤5 rooms exempt. Hirafu resort zones (tourism districts) are generally outside the 住居専用 restriction. Accommodation tax 3% from 2026-04-01 plus Hokkaido tax.

Sources: www.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp · www.town.kutchan.hokkaido.jp · www.mlit.go.jp

Niseko Town

Can you run an Airbnb?Yes
high
Max nights / year (absentee host)~120 in designated areas; 180 in most of the town
All categories
  • Designated areas absentee: 120
  • Other: 180
WhereMost of town: 180 (check prefectural map).
Owner-occupied vs absenteeOwner-occupied exempt.
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)not a tokku-minpaku municipality
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)yes (common for chalets)
Niseko has strict landscape/water rules — check town.
Active minpaku registrations72 (2026-09-15)
latest snapshot only; no history published
Median property price¥24.5m (land & houses, 2025, buyer survey アンケート only; no contract-price data, n=20)
Niseko-area prices →
Confidence · last verifiedMedium · 2026-09-27
medium (Niseko's exact designated areas not read — see Hokkaido map PDFs)

Details: Hokkaido prefectural ordinance applies to designated 住居専用地域等 and school surroundings (absentee: weekends/holidays only ~120; school days banned near schools). Much of Niseko Town is outside city-planning residential zones → 180 elsewhere. Accommodation tax switches to 3% (incl. Hokkaido tax) from 2026-11-01.

Sources: www.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp · www.town.niseko.lg.jp

Nagano

Hakuba Village

Can you run an Airbnb?Mainly via a ryokan licence
medium via simple lodging; low for absentee minpaku (winter blocked)
Max nights / year (absentee host)Absentee minpaku barred near ski areas in peak winter (exact period unverified); weekdays barred in residential-only zones
All categories
  • Absentee in ski area: restricted in winter peak (exact days unverified)
  • Owner occupied: 180
WhereOutside designated ski-area/residential zones: 180.
Owner-occupied vs absenteeOwner-occupied exempt from ski-area rule.
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)not a tokku-minpaku municipality
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)yes — standard route for Hakuba lodges/chalets (year-round incl. winter)
Buy properties that already hold a ryokan/simple-lodging licence.
Active minpaku registrations0 (2026-07-31)
latest snapshot only; no history published
Hakuba's lodges and chalets operate under ryokan (simple-lodging) licences, not minpaku registrations, so this count says nothing about the rental market
Median property price¥18.5m (land & houses, 2025, buyer survey アンケート only; no contract-price data, n=50)
Hakuba prices →
Confidence · last verifiedMedium · 2026-09-27
medium (ski-area period not verified)

Details: Nagano prefectural ordinance (one of the strictest in Japan). Applies in Hakuba: 100m around schools/nurseries (weekdays in term), 住居専用 zones (Mon–Fri except holidays), and — specific to Hakuba/Nozawa/Karuizawa etc. — 'ski-area surroundings' designated by rule (規則別表第6) for a winter congestion period. In Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen the ski-area restriction does NOT apply to owner-occupied minpaku, i.e. ABSENTEE minpaku is barred in peak ski season in the designated area. Exact period/area not read (rule PDF not machine-readable). Accommodation tax: Nagano Pref. ¥200 + Hakuba ¥200–1,900 from 2026-06-01.

Sources: www.pref.nagano.lg.jp · www.pref.nagano.lg.jp · www.vill.hakuba.lg.jp

Okinawa

Naha City

Can you run an Airbnb?Yes, in most zones
medium-high (commercial zones)
Max nights / year (absentee host)~104 in residential-only zones (weekends); 180 elsewhere
All categories
  • Residential zone: 104
  • Other: 180
WhereCommercial etc.: 180.
Owner-occupied vs absentee1st residential zone: manager in same/adjacent building avoids restriction.
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)not a tokku-minpaku municipality
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)yes where zoning allows
Active minpaku registrations427 (2026-07-15)
+35 vs previous release
+54 (+14%) vs a year earlier
Median property price—
no price page yet
Confidence · last verifiedMedium · 2026-09-27
medium (period details from MLIT 2021 compilation)

Details: City's own ordinance (Naha is exempt from the prefectural one): 住居専用 zones banned Sun noon–Fri noon (except long weekends); 第1種住居 zone same restriction when the manager's office is not in the same/adjacent building; school areas restricted. Elsewhere 180. Okinawa accommodation tax 2% (cap ¥2,000) from 2027-02-01.

Sources: www.city.naha.okinawa.jp · www.mlit.go.jp · www.pref.okinawa.jp

Onna Village (resort coast)

Can you run an Airbnb?Yes
high
Max nights / year (absentee host)180 almost everywhere (only school surroundings restricted)
All categories
  • Most areas: 180
  • School 100m: weekends/holidays/vacations only
WhereAlmost all.
Owner-occupied vs absenteeNational rule only.
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)not a tokku-minpaku municipality
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)yes (resort villas commonly licensed)
Check 国定公園/景観 rules.
Active minpaku registrations1,196 (2026-07-15)
+28 vs previous release
+142 (+13%) vs a year earlier
Okinawa Prefecture excluding Naha: villages are not reported separately
Median property price—
no price page yet
Confidence · last verifiedHigh · 2026-09-27
high

Details: Okinawa prefectural ordinance: in Onna only the 100m-around-schools area is restricted (on class days). No residential-zone restriction listed for Onna → 180 days almost everywhere. Okinawa tax 2% from 2027-02.

Sources: www.pref.okinawa.jp

Miyakojima City (incl. Irabu & Shimoji)

Can you run an Airbnb?Yes
high
Max nights / year (absentee host)180 everywhere (no prefectural restriction listed)
All categories
  • All areas: 180
WhereAll areas (no prefectural restriction listed for Miyakojima).
Owner-occupied vs absenteeNational rule only.
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)not a tokku-minpaku municipality
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)yes where zoning allows
Groundwater ordinance (septic 51+ persons in water-source areas), Irabu Prefectural Natural Park, landscape plan.
Active minpaku registrations1,196 (2026-07-15)
+28 vs previous release
+142 (+13%) vs a year earlier
Okinawa Prefecture excluding Naha: cities are not reported separately
Median property price—
no price page yet
Confidence · last verifiedHigh · 2026-09-27
high (ordinance summary; re-check that the 2020 list is still current)

Details: Okinawa prefectural ordinance (2018, amended 2020-03-31) lists no restricted area in Miyakojima City → 180 nights anywhere. Absentee host must use a registered manager. Simple lodging: use zones exist only in Hirara and Irabu is outside the city-planning area, so zoning rarely blocks it, but the city's Groundwater Conservation Ordinance requires prior consultation (and can prohibit) facilities with septic tanks for 51+ persons in water-source protection areas, and private wells need a city permit (none on Shimoji/Sarahama). Accommodation tax from 2027-02-01: 2% capped ¥2,000 (prefecture 0.8% + city 1.2%), minpaku included.

Sources: www.pref.okinawa.jp · www.pref.okinawa.jp · miyakojimajyouge.jp · www.city.miyakojima.lg.jp

Ishigaki City

Can you run an Airbnb?Yes
high
Max nights / year (absentee host)180 everywhere (no prefectural restriction listed)
All categories
  • All areas: 180
WhereAll areas (no prefectural restriction listed for Ishigaki).
Owner-occupied vs absenteeNational rule only.
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)not a tokku-minpaku municipality
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)yes where zoning allows
Ishigaki landscape (風景) plan and ordinance; parts of Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park.
Active minpaku registrations1,196 (2026-07-15)
+28 vs previous release
+142 (+13%) vs a year earlier
Okinawa Prefecture excluding Naha: cities are not reported separately
Median property price—
no price page yet
Confidence · last verifiedHigh · 2026-09-27
high (ordinance summary; re-check that the 2020 list is still current)

Details: Okinawa prefectural ordinance (2018, amended 2020-03-31) lists no restricted area in Ishigaki City → 180 nights anywhere. Absentee host must use a registered manager. Use zones only around the port town (about 591 ha of the island-wide city-planning area). Landscape plan covers the whole island. Accommodation tax from 2027-02-01: 2% capped ¥2,000 (prefecture 0.8% + city 1.2%), minpaku included.

Sources: www.pref.okinawa.jp · www.pref.okinawa.jp · www.city.ishigaki.okinawa.jp

Kanagawa

Hakone Town

Can you run an Airbnb?Yes, in most zones
medium-high
Max nights / year (absentee host)~153 in the restricted tourist-district zone; 180 elsewhere
All categories
  • Restricted area: ~153 (outside the 3 blocked periods; 180 cap)
  • Other: 180
WhereMost areas 180.
Owner-occupied vs absenteeNo distinction noted.
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)not a tokku-minpaku municipality
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)yes (ryokan market)
Active minpaku registrations524 (2026-07-15)
+13 vs previous release
+88 (+20%) vs a year earlier
Kanagawa Prefecture's own count (excludes Yokohama, Kawasaki, Sagamihara, Yokosuka, Fujisawa, Chigasaki): towns are not reported separately
Median property price—
no price page yet
Confidence · last verifiedMedium · 2026-09-27
medium (2021 compilation; not re-checked on Kanagawa site)

Details: Kanagawa prefectural ordinance: in the part of 第1種低層住居専用 zone that is Hakone's '1st-class tourist district', minpaku is banned Mar 1–Jun 1, Aug 1–Sep 1 and Oct 1–Dec 1 (noon to noon). Elsewhere 180. Hakone is mostly 国立公園 — building/landscape limits apply.

Sources: www.mlit.go.jp

Shizuoka

Atami City

Can you run an Airbnb?Yes, with limits
medium
Max nights / year (absentee host)~120 in residential zones and near schools; 180 elsewhere
All categories
  • Residential zone: 120
  • Other: 180
WhereCommercial/tourist zones: 180.
Owner-occupied vs absenteeNo distinction noted.
Tokku minpaku (特区民泊)not a tokku-minpaku municipality
Simple-lodging licence (簡易宿所)yes (onsen ryokan market)
Active minpaku registrations575 (2026-07-15)
+38 vs previous release
+131 (+30%) vs a year earlier
Shizuoka Prefecture's own count: cities are not reported separately
Median property price—
no price page yet
Confidence · last verifiedMedium · 2026-09-27
medium

Details: Shizuoka prefectural ordinance: 住居専用 zones and 100m around schools banned Mon–Fri (except holidays/school breaks) → ~120; areas where hotels are restricted by zoning also weekday-banned. Elsewhere 180. Atami levies a unique 別荘等所有税 (second-home ownership tax) on holiday homes — factor into costs.

Sources: www.pref.shizuoka.jp · www.mlit.go.jp

Upcoming changes

WhenWhereWhat changesStatus
2026-07-01Chiyoda WardIn force: absentee minpaku banned in most of the ward.Confirmed
2026-07-01Chiyoda WardRyokan / simple lodging must have ≥200㎡ of guest rooms (seen in the draft; enactment not separately confirmed).Reported
2026-10-01Taito Ward (Asakusa/Ueno)New notifications weekend-only even if the owner lives there.Confirmed
2026-10 (late)Osaka CityRyokan ordinance tightened: simple lodging in buildings with homes must be RC/SRC and staffed while guests stay (applies to existing too). Date from a private-sector summary, not yet the city.Reported
2026-12-16Toshima Ward (Ikebukuro)New minpaku banned all year in residential zones (~70% of the ward); 120 nights elsewhere and for existing units. No owner-occupied exception.Confirmed
2027 (first half of FY2027)Ota Ward (Kamata/Haneda) — TOKKUPlan: ban new minpaku in residential zones (incl. owner-occupied), weekends only elsewhere; ward considering ending new tokku approvals.Reported
2027-04 (target)Setagaya WardThe only relaxation: well-run operators could open weekdays (up to 180) in residential zones. Public comment 15 Sep–6 Oct 2026, assembly Feb 2027.Proposed
2027 (press: ~June)Shinjuku WardAnnounced 2026-09-08: no new minpaku in residential zones, 120 nights in commercial zones, existing units after a 2-year grace period; small new ryokan banned. Ordinance due in 2027; the June date is from press reports.Announced

Confirmed = on the municipality's own page or ordinance. Announced = official policy, date not fixed. Proposed = official draft under public comment. Reported = press or secondary sources only; not yet verified with the municipality.

Active minpaku registrations nationwide, 2018–2026

Registered homes operating as minpaku, Japan

Notifications minus closures, every release since June 2018 · hover for the date and figure
0 10k 20k 30k 40k 50k 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 21,385 18,053 42,070
Table view: active registrations nationwide
ReleaseActive registrationsRegistered managers (住宅宿泊管理業者)
2018-06-152,210673
2019-01-1112,1661,447
2020-01-0920,5252,019
2021-01-1219,5702,255
2022-01-1718,3632,388
2023-01-1118,5572,532
2024-01-1522,1692,121
2025-01-1529,3252,702
2026-01-1538,1123,905
2026-07-1542,0704,529

Minpaku numbers climbed to about 21,000 before COVID, fell to about 18,000 in 2022, and have more than doubled since. In the 15 Jul 2026 release, active registrations fell from the previous release in Taito Ward, Toshima Ward and Sumida Ward. In Osaka City ordinary minpaku are the minor route: its 10,132 tokku facilities outnumber its 2,256 registered minpaku about 4.5 to 1.

FAQ

Can a foreigner run an Airbnb in Japan?

Yes. Nationality and residence do not matter for minpaku registration, but a non-resident owner is an absentee host and must entrust the property to a registered minpaku management company. Income from the rental is taxable in Japan; non-residents file a Japanese tax return.

What is the 180-day rule?

Under the Private Lodging Business Act (, 2018), a registered home can host guests for at most 180 nights a year (counted from 1 April noon). Municipalities can cut this further by zone and season, down to zero in residential areas since the July 2026 notice.

Does the minpaku registration transfer when I buy a property?

No. The notification is made by the operator. When you buy, you file a new notification in your name (with fire-safety papers, neighbour notices where required, and a management contract), under the rules in force at that time, which may now be stricter. A ryokan licence can pass with a business transfer, with approval.

Can I run an Airbnb in my condo?

Usually not. Since 2017 condo bylaws must say whether minpaku is allowed, and most associations chose to prohibit it. Ask the broker for the bylaws () and recent general-meeting resolutions before signing.

What is the difference between minpaku, tokku minpaku and a ryokan licence?

Minpaku = notification, max 180 nights. Tokku minpaku = certification in a special zone, 365 days but minimum 2-night stays; Osaka City has closed it to new applicants and Ota is the only Tokyo ward left. Simple lodging () = a full ryokan-type licence, no day cap, but zoning, building and staffing requirements.

Where is it still easiest?

On current rules: Fukuoka City (180 days everywhere), Onna and other Okinawa resort areas, the Niseko/Hirafu resort zones and commercial zones in Sapporo and Naha. In central Tokyo the realistic route is a whole building in a commercial zone with a simple-lodging licence.

How often is this page updated?

Registration numbers are refreshed from the Japan Tourism Agency's bimonthly release. The rules were last checked on 2026-09-27 and are research, not legal advice: confirm with the municipality and a licensed professional before you buy.

Looking for a property that already holds a ryokan licence or minpaku registration?

We introduce licensed brokers who handle them. We are not a real estate broker; we introduce you to licensed Japanese brokers. We don't describe, recommend or negotiate properties, we don't advise on licences, and we don't charge buyers. Brokers may pay us a referral fee. Whether an existing licence or certification can pass to you is for the broker, the municipality and your own adviser to confirm.

Privacy

Sources and credits

  1. Source: Minpaku Portal, Japan Tourism Agency (https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/minpaku/business/host/construction_situation.html). Compiled and processed by Japan House Prices. . Figures are “届出住宅数” (notifications minus closures), 85 releases from 2018-06-15 to 2026-07-15; 2018 releases counted accepted notifications (). The processed figures, changes and chart are ours and are not published or endorsed by the Japan Tourism Agency.
  2. Kutchan and Niseko: Source: Hokkaido Government, list of notified minpaku dwellings (https://www.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/kz/kkd/minpaku/portal.html), as of 2026-09-15, counted by municipality and processed by Japan House Prices. .
  3. Hakuba: Source: Nagano Prefecture, minpaku notification list (https://www.pref.nagano.lg.jp/shokusei/seikatsu/minpaku-tetsuzuki.html), as of 2026-07-31, counted by municipality and processed by Japan House Prices.
  4. Tokku minpaku facilities: Source: Cabinet Office, National Strategic Special Zones, tokku minpaku results (https://www.chisou.go.jp/tiiki/kokusentoc/tocminpaku.html), as of 2026-06-30, processed by Japan House Prices.
  5. Median property prices: Source: MLIT Real Estate Information Library (https://www.reinfolib.mlit.go.jp/), processed by Japan House Prices. . Contract prices () only; Niseko and Hakuba have almost no contract prices, so their figures are MLIT’s buyer-survey prices (), labelled as such and only roughly comparable. See each price page for method and caveats.

Rules: national framework

Municipal sources are listed under each city above.

This page summarises public information for general research. It is not legal, tax or investment advice, not an offer of property, and not a statement that any property can be licensed. Japan House Prices is not a real estate broker; we introduce you to licensed Japanese brokers. Rules checked 2026-09-27; registration data to 2026-07-15.

Related

Buying property in Japan as a foreigner · Tax & cost calculator · Rental & management net-income calculator · Price pages: Niseko · Hakuba · Tokyo · Kyoto