On January 29, Tokyo’s Ota Ward introduced relaxed rules for short-term letting that allows ordinary homes and apartments to be rented to tourists. Licensing requirements still apply, however, although the terms are not as strict as they are under the hotel licensing law.

In the lead up to the regulation change, Ota’s city office received over 120 inquiries from companies interested in opening accommodation facilities under the new system. Information sessions held in January were attended by over 200 people at a time. Since January 29, they have handled an additional 220 inquiries.

Despite the strong interest, there has only been one applicant, a Tokyo-based company called Tomareru. 


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