Airbnb had more than 60,000 registrations in Japan before the new laws were foreshadowed, but according to the Japan Tourism Agency, the number of registered minpaku operators stood at 2,707 on June 8, when the new regulations took effect.
Japan in March announced a crackdown on home sharing – known locally as minpaku – by requiring those who rent out rooms to be registered with local governments and other entities.
Airbnb had more than 60,000 registrations in Japan before the new laws were foreshadowed, but according to the Japan Tourism Agency, the number of registered minpaku operators stood at 2,707 on June 8, when the new regulations took effect.
Among the regulations, minpaku operators are required to distribute a document containing information such as their name, address and contact phone number to all residences within 10 or 15 metres of their rental property.
The Private Lodging Business Law also requires minpaku providers to restrict bookings to 180 days per year.
Isamu Mitsuhashi, professor of tourism at Shumei University, told the Japan Times, “Given the series of troubles involving minpaku businesses, certain regulations are necessary. However, if regulations are too strict and lead more people to give up minpaku businesses, it will be impossible to meet the accommodations needs of foreign tourists.”
In response to the new regulations, Airbnb has launched a service called Airbnb Plus, which lists only “high standard” homes in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. It also plans to help Airbnb hosts with registration of their homes, post good photos and handle operations.