Municipalities in Tokyo are ramping up inspections and imposing restrictions on minpaku private lodging facilities due to rising complaints about noise and garbage.
The number of registered minpaku properties rose from 31,000 in May 2025 to over 40,000 a year later. In June the national government notified local authorities that they may ban such services by ordinance if they harm residents' living environment.
Shinjuku Ward inspected properties on a June weekday and found travelers from Italy and Egypt. Officials distributed flyers on littering and street drinking. The ward received 1,334 complaints in fiscal 2025 and issued its first business cessation order in December.
Toshima Ward revised its ordinance to cut the operating cap from 180 days to 120 days. An ordinance took effect in Chiyoda Ward in July banning new minpaku services near schools or in densely populated areas unless owners reside there. Starting next April minpaku stays will be subject to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's lodging tax.
