Introduction
In recent years, inbound tourism to Japan has rebounded significantly. According to data published by the Japan Tourism Agency, the number of foreign visitors to Japan in 2025 exceeded pre-COVID-19 levels recorded in 2019. As demand has recovered, accommodation supply, particularly in popular tourist destinations, has also expanded. One format that has grown in recent years is “private lodging (minpaku)”, a model under which ordinary residential properties are used to accommodate guests.
Traditionally, the operation of accommodation facilities in Japan has been regulated under the Hotel Business Act. However, operating an accommodation business under that Act requires permission from the prefectural governor, and the requirements for obtaining such permission are relatively stringent. As a result, it has not been easy for ordinary homeowners to enter the market. Against the backdrop of rising inbound demand and growing interest in utilizing vacant properties, the Private Lodging Business Act was enacted in 2018.
According to statistics published by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, as of May 15, 2026, the number of notifications filed for a Private Lodging Business under the Private Lodging Business Act had reached 63,658 and has continued to rise since the Act came into force.
This newsletter provides an overview of Japan’s legal framework governing private lodging and highlights recent regulatory developments.
View original article here.
Author:
Daisuke Takagi (Partner)