Osaka City looks to end ‘special minpaku’ licensing applications in 2026
Osaka City is home to the most relaxed minpaku (short-term letting) rules in Japan, but with growing complaints, now appears to be making moves to stop accepting new applications from mid-2026. The city has almost 6,700 registered Special Zone Minpaku accommodations as of July 2025, a 22% increase from the end of 2024.Read more
Tensions rise over minpaku conversions
Short-term rental conversions are becoming a growing source of tension in Japan’s multi-family sector, with some landlords attempting to illegally force out long-term tenants to make way for profitable short-term guests. At the same time, neighbors are increasingly raising complaints about noise, security, and trash issues. In Osaka City, where ‘minpaku’ (short-term letting) rules are the most relaxed in the country, resident backlash is starting to gain momentum, with city officials now considering launching a project team to introduce countermeasures.Read more
Development Bank sets up minpaku fund
Some countries and international cities may be banning Airbnb-style accommodation in an attempt to alleviate a housing crisis, but not Japan. With inbound tourism expanding, the government-owned Development Bank of Japan has established a real estate fund to invest in ‘minpaku’ or Airbnb-style short-term accommodation in Japan. This is the first domestic bank to establish this initiative.Read more
8% of short-term ‘minpaku’ rentals close since start of pandemic
According to the Japan Tourism Agency, the number of registered short-term ‘minpaku’ rentals nationwide has dropped from a peak of 21,385 in April 2020 to 19,520 as of March 2021.
Osaka Metro loses millions on minpaku mansion
Osaka Metro Co., Ltd., the operator of Osaka’s metro transit system, has reportedly sold a ‘minpaku’-style short-term letting building at a loss. The apartment building was purchased in 2019 with the goal of opening it to foreign tourists from February 2021, but those plans have been abandoned due to the ongoing international travel bans.
Historic villa in Hayama to open as holiday rental
A historic 1920s villa in Hayama has been restored and will open up as a short-term holiday rental next month.
Osaka sees steep drop in registered short-term accommodations
Almost a third of Osaka’s short-term ‘minpaku’ listings have been deregistered by their hosts since the start of the pandemic.