Notification and License Procedures

Steps for a minpaku notification

1. Preliminary checks: Check local ordinances and the zoning district, the condominium management rules, and the landlord's consent if you rent → How to choose a property
2. Prior consultation with the local office: Consult the city's public health center or other responsible office. Many local governments require a prior consultation, and some take it by appointment only
3. Consultation with the fire station: Consult the fire station and obtain a fire safety compliance certificate (消防法令適合通知書)
4. Notice to neighbors: Many local governments require, by ordinance or guideline, that neighbors be informed before the notification is filed (the scope and timing vary by local government)
5. Preparing documents: See "Main attached documents" below
6. Filing the notification: As a rule, file through the national "Minpaku System" (民泊制度運営システム)
7. Posting the minpaku sign: Once you are notified of your notification number, post the minpaku sign at the entrance or a similar place
8. Opening and post-opening obligations: Guest register, bimonthly reports, handling complaints, and more

Main attached documents

• Floor plans of the residence (showing the locations of the kitchen, bathroom, toilet and washbasin, the layout, the floor area of each room, and the locations of emergency lighting and similar equipment)
• Certificate of registered matters for the residence (登記事項証明書)
• A written pledge that you do not fall under any grounds for disqualification, and a certificate from the mayor of your municipality stating that you are not a bankrupt (for individuals)
• For corporations, the articles of incorporation and the corporation's certificate of registered matters
• For rented or sublet properties, a letter of consent stating that a private lodging business may be operated
• For condominium units, a copy of the management rules (if the rules say nothing on this, a written pledge or similar document)
• If you outsource management, a copy of the management contract
• Fire safety compliance certificate (follow your local government's guidance)

Certificates issued by government offices must be originals issued within 3 months before the date of notification. Some local governments require additional documents of their own (such as checklists).

Main obligations after opening

• Guest register: Verify guests' identity, keep a register, and store it for 3 years
• Bimonthly report: By the 15th of February, April, June, August, October and December, report the number of nights, the number of guests, a breakdown by nationality and other items for the previous 2 months
• Handling complaints: Respond appropriately and promptly to complaints and inquiries from neighbors
• Minpaku sign: Keep it posted for as long as you operate the business

Steps for a kan'i shukusho (simple lodging) license under the Hotel Business Act

This example follows the guidebook of Minato City (港区). Each city may add procedures of its own.

1. Book a prior consultation with the public health center (bring floor plans and a map)
2. Inform neighbors and put up a sign announcing the plan (an example of a procedure specific to the city)
3. Consult the fire station and the building department in parallel
4. Before construction, complete the procedures under the Building Standards Act (if the floor area whose use is being changed exceeds 200㎡, a building confirmation application is required)
5. Apply to the public health center for the license
6. After completion, undergo an inspection by the public health center
7. License issued (in Minato City, roughly 2 weeks after the inspection)

Compared with a minpaku notification, the building standards and procedures are more demanding. For choosing a system, see Minpaku vs. kan'i shukusho vs. Special Zone Minpaku.