On October 27, Osaka Prefecture became the first area in Japan to approve the new and relaxed rules regarding short-term accommodation.

Despite the changes, there are still strict requirements, including:

  • Obtaining permission from local authorities before letting out the property.
  • Having a signed fixed-term rental agreement with the host and the guest.
  • A minimum room size of 25 sqm. Each room must have it’s own lockable bath, toilet and kitchen.
  • The minimum stay must be 6 nights and 7 days.
  • Hosts will be obligated to keep a guest book with guest names, passport numbers, and must check and confirm the identity of each guest.
  • Local authorities will have the right to conduct physical inspections of the properties. If a problem is found, the operator will lose their permission to operate short-term letting.
  • The following areas are not included in the relaxed rules: Osaka City, Sakai City, Takatsuki City, Higashi-osaka City, Toyonaka City, Hirakata City.

It is important to note that a large part of the urban area in Osaka is not part of the relaxed rules. Operators of properties in areas in white in the map below will require a hotel license to provide accommodation for less than 30 days.

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