The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism are considering removing the ban on letting out private apartments and homes to tourists starting as early as next year.
Under the current Hotel Business Law, anyone wanting to provide accommodation for stays of less than 30 days must obtain a hotel license. Properties must meet strict requirements, including zoning, structural codes, safety and hygiene practices. Renting out a room on AirBnb to someone for less than 30 days is essentially illegal without the appropriate license.
The recent influx in foreign tourists, a shortage of hotel rooms, and a growing number of incidents with illegal hotels and AirBnb hosts has caused the government to consider introducing some urgent changes to legislation.
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