TOKYO MINPAKU
Minpaku in Tokyo:
rules, setup and management
For overseas owners and investors. We explain the rules of Tokyo's 23 wards based on official documents, and support you from checking a property to day-to-day operation.
The ward decides how many days you can operate
Under national law, minpaku can operate up to 180 days a year. On top of that, most of Tokyo's 23 wards restrict operation by ordinance, for example:
Chuo CityThroughout the city, operation is allowed only from Saturday noon to Monday noon.Shibuya CityIn exclusively residential zones and educational districts, operation is limited to 63 days a year. For notifications filed on or after July 1, 2026, Category 1 / Category 2 residential zones and quasi-residential zones are also covered, and neighbors must be informed at least 60 days before filing.Kita CityCurrently there are no city-specific area or period restrictions, and operation is allowed up to 180 days a year. However, the process of creating a new minpaku ordinance is underway.
What we do
SETUPSetup supportSupport for starting minpaku or kan'i shukusho, from choosing a property: checking it against the ward's rules, the notification or license procedures, and preparing to open.
MANAGEMENTProperty managementAs a registered minpaku management company, we handle bookings, cleaning and guest communication, and work on improving revenue.
Registered minpaku management company: Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (01) No. F06173
Minpaku basics in Japan
- 01What Is Minpaku?This chapter explains what minpaku means, the three procedures required to let people stay for a lodging fee, and where minpaku in Tokyo stands today.
- 02Minpaku vs. Kan'i Shukusho vs. Special Zone MinpakuThis chapter compares the three systems in one table by procedure, operating days, area, facilities and money, and explains how to choose for each property.
- 03Operating Days and AreasThis chapter explains how the cap on minpaku operating days (180 days a year) is counted, how ward and city ordinances further limit the days and areas, and how to check each property.
- 04Choosing a PropertyThis chapter explains the conditions for a home that can be used for minpaku, and the points on area, building, contract, facilities and operations to check, in order, before signing a contract.
- 05Startup CostsThis chapter lists the cost items for starting and running a minpaku or kan'i shukusho, and explains how to think about profitability given the cap on operating days.
- 06Notification and License ProceduresAn overview of the minpaku (private lodging business) notification and the kan'i shukusho (simple lodging) license under the Hotel Business Act, from the preliminary checks to reporting after opening, with the documents you need.
- 07Facilities and Fire SafetyAn overview of the facilities a minpaku needs, building safety measures, the conditions under which fire safety equipment is required, and how to obtain a fire safety compliance certificate.
- 08Day-to-Day OperationsAn overview of the operator's duties set by law, and the daily work of running a minpaku, from bookings to cleaning and reviews.
- 09Taxes and FilingAn overview, based on materials published by the National Tax Agency and others, of how minpaku income is classified, consumption tax, accommodation tax, and the effects on fixed asset tax and the mortgage tax credit.
- 10How to Choose a Management CompanyAn overview of when you must outsource to a registered minpaku management company, how to check its registration, and what to compare before signing a contract.
CONTACT
Thinking about minpaku in Tokyo?
From checking whether a property can operate to day-to-day management. We reply in English or Japanese. Consultation is free.