In short
Host-absent type minpaku cannot operate in educational districts, near schools, or in areas where population is concentrated. An amendment on July 1, 2026 divided the areas into more detailed categories.
Operating days and areas
| Area | Operating period / restriction |
|---|---|
| Educational districts, areas where a district plan restricts hotels and similar facilities, and areas within roughly 100 m of schools and similar facilities | Host-resident type: not allowed from Sunday noon to Friday noon / Host-absent type: not allowed on any day |
| Areas where population is concentrated (the town blocks listed in the appended table of the ordinance) | Host-resident type: up to 180 days a year / Host-absent type: not allowed on any day |
| All other areas | Up to 180 days a year (host-absent type only if the conditions for a resident manager or on-site response are met) |
Applies to notifications filed on or after July 1, 2026. Notifications filed before that date remain under the pre-amendment rules. For on-site response by a host-absent type, the manager must be able to reach the property within a 700 m radius of their base and within 10 minutes.
Under national law, the upper limit is 180 days a year.
Notice to neighbors before starting
- At least 15 days before starting the business, inform residents of buildings within 15 m of the site boundary and local stakeholders such as the neighborhood association (by briefing session, door-to-door visits, written notice, etc.)
- You are required to make efforts to obtain their consent
Where to file and consult
Chiyoda Public Health Center, Environmental Sanitation Division (千代田保健所 生活衛生課). Procedures and required documents can change, so check the latest guidance from the office. A fire safety compliance certificate (消防法令適合通知書) from the fire station is also required.
Other main rules of the ward
- Add the operation type, the area category and the days of operation to the minpaku sign
- Facility standards such as a floor area of 25 m² or more, lockable doors, window screens and a garbage storage area
- Verify the identity of every guest before handing over the key
- Host-absent type must entrust all management work to a single company
Additional rules for kan'i shukusho (Hotel Business Act)
- A draft amendment adding a standard that the total guest room floor area of hotels, ryokan and kan'i shukusho (simple lodging) be 200 m² or more was submitted to the 1st regular session of 2026 (check the city's documents for when it is passed and takes effect)
Recent and planned changes
- July 1, 2026: Amended ordinance took effect (revision of area categories)
This page is a translation of our Japanese page. If there is any difference, the Japanese version prevails. Japanese version