In short
From December 16, 2026, operation throughout the city will be allowed only during spring, summer and winter school holiday periods (about 120 days), and this also applies to minpaku already in operation. In about 70% of the city, new operations can no longer be started.
Operating days and areas
| Area | Operating period / restriction |
|---|---|
| Residential areas, quasi-industrial zones and educational districts (about 70% of the city) | Not allowed at any time (new operations on or after December 16, 2026) |
| All other areas | Not allowed from January 15 noon to March 15 noon, April 11 noon to July 1 noon, and September 1 noon to December 15 noon (about 120 days) |
Properties whose notifications were accepted before December 16, 2026 are not subject to the all-period restriction, only to the 120-days-a-year period restriction. Violations of the area or period rules are subject to a non-criminal fine (過料) of up to 50,000 yen.
Under national law, the upper limit is 180 days a year.
Notice to neighbors before starting
- From December 15, 2025, written notice and a briefing session are required at least 14 days before filing the notification (for detached houses, within roughly 20 m; for apartment buildings, also the other units in the same building)
Where to file and consult
Toshima City Public Health Center, Environmental Sanitation Division (豊島区保健所 生活衛生課); an appointment is required to submit documents. Issuing the minpaku sign may take 3 months or more. 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
- Filling in the guest register and handing over keys must be done in person
- Rush to the property within 30 minutes of a report
- Operators living overseas must appoint an agent in Japan
- Discuss joining the neighborhood association
Additional rules for kan'i shukusho (Hotel Business Act)
- Draft outline of the amendment (public comment July 2026): staff stationed on-site, a front desk (玄関帳場), informing neighbors before the application, an agent in Japan, etc.
Recent and planned changes
- December 15, 2025: Amendment tightening procedures took effect
- December 16, 2026: Area and period restrictions and fines apply
This page is a translation of our Japanese page. If there is any difference, the Japanese version prevails. Japanese version