In short
Currently, weekday operation is not allowed only in exclusively residential zones. In September 2026, the mayor announced a policy to prohibit, in principle, new minpaku in residential areas, and to apply this to existing minpaku as well after a 2-year transition period (this is at the stage before a draft ordinance).
Operating days and areas
| Area | Operating period / restriction |
|---|---|
| Exclusively residential zones | Not allowed from Monday noon to Friday noon |
| All other areas | Up to 180 days a year |
Under national law, the upper limit is 180 days a year.
Notice to neighbors before starting
- At least 7 days before filing the notification, inform nearby residents in writing, and submit a report when filing
Where to file and consult
Shinjuku City Public Health Center, Sanitation Division (新宿区保健所 衛生課); consult using the advance consultation record form (事前相談記録書). 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
- The city publishes the notified properties (including the date the neighbors were informed)
- Garbage must be handled by the operator or management company itself
- Submit a safety measures checklist, a written pledge and other documents
Additional rules for kan'i shukusho (Hotel Business Act)
- A front desk (玄関帳場) or similar, staff stationed on-site, and a system to reach guest rooms within roughly 10 minutes
- A license is not granted where the facility is within roughly 100 m of schools, child welfare facilities and similar facilities and may seriously harm the environment
Recent and planned changes
- September 8, 2026: The mayor announced a policy. New minpaku in residential areas are prohibited in principle (the exception is host-cohabiting / host-resident types, up to 120 days a year); in commercial areas, the limit goes from 180 to 120 days a year; the rules apply to existing minpaku after a 2-year transition period from enforcement; in-person check-in and briefing sessions become mandatory. For Hotel Business Act facilities, new small-scale facilities are prohibited, among other measures
- Schedule (city documents): public comment in October, draft ordinance in February 2027, aiming for enforcement in June. As of October 14, 2026, the public comment period has not yet started
This page is a translation of our Japanese page. If there is any difference, the Japanese version prevails. Japanese version