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Tokyo (23 Wards)

Tokyo Metropolis · Japan
Restricted
Last updated: 2026-06-23  ·  Last verified: 2026-06-23  ·  Region: International

At a Glance — Tokyo (23 Wards) Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusRestricted — rules apply
Permit / License RequiredYes — minpaku notification plus ward-specific ordinances
Tax RateNational income tax; Tokyo accommodation tax applies
Night / Day Cap180 days national cap; many wards restrict to weekends/holidays only (e.g., Shinjuku, Nerima, Bunkyo); Toshima 120 days from April 2026; Shibuya schoo
Minimum StayNone under standard minpaku
PenaltiesNational penalties apply (up to JPY 1,000,000 / 6 months prison)
Primary Residence RequiredNo, but designated manager required if owner absent
Occupancy LimitMin. 3.3 m² per guest
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Tokyo (23 Wards) Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

Tokyo (23 Wards) Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rentals in Tokyo (23 Wards), Tokyo Metropolis are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — minpaku notification plus ward-specific ordinances.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in Tokyo (23 Wards)

Short-term rental operators in Tokyo (23 Wards) should be aware of these tax obligations: National income tax; Tokyo accommodation tax applies. Yes — income taxable.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in Tokyo (23 Wards)

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Tokyo (23 Wards) include: Primary residence requirement: No, but designated manager required if owner absent. Rental day cap: 180 days national cap; many wards restrict to weekends/holidays only (e.g., Shinjuku, Nerima, Bunkyo); Toshima 120 days . Occupancy limit: Min. 3.3 m² per guest. Minimum stay: None under standard minpaku.

Zoning and Location Requirements in Tokyo (23 Wards)

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Tokyo (23 Wards): Residential enclaves heavily time-restricted or off-limits; Chuo-ku bans weekday rentals. Insurance: Recommended.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Tokyo (23 Wards)

Hosts who fail to comply with Tokyo (23 Wards)'s short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. National penalties apply (up to JPY 1,000,000 / 6 months prison).

Platform Obligations in Tokyo (23 Wards)

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Tokyo (23 Wards): Registration number display required.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Restricted
License / Registration
Yes — minpaku notification plus ward-specific ordinances
Tax Registration
Yes — income taxable
Primary Residence Rule
No, but designated manager required if owner absent
Night / Day Cap
180 days national cap; many wards restrict to weekends/holidays only (e.g., Shinjuku, Nerima, Bunkyo); Toshima 120 days from April 2026; Shibuya school holidays only
Occupancy Limit
Min. 3.3 m² per guest
Tax Rate
National income tax; Tokyo accommodation tax applies
Zoning Restrictions
Residential enclaves heavily time-restricted or off-limits; Chuo-ku bans weekday rentals
Minimum Stay
None under standard minpaku
Insurance Required
Recommended
Platform Obligations
Registration number display required
Compliance Notes
Rules vary by ward and change frequently; neighbor notification often required; Shinjuku suspended 12 operators in 2025-26 enforcement
Effective Date
2018
Key Notes
Fragmented ward-by-ward regime; commercial/mixed-use districts more permissive than residential
Penalties
National penalties apply (up to JPY 1,000,000 / 6 months prison)
Additional Context
Ota Ward offered Tokku (Special Zone) year-round minpaku, but new applications frozen since late 2025
Sources
https://www.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/english/topics/2018/0614_01.html
getproofsnap.com
keycafe.com
japan-property.jp
e-housing.jp
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in Tokyo (23 Wards)?

Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Tokyo (23 Wards) but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Rules vary by ward and change frequently; neighbor notification often required; Shinjuku suspended 12 operators in 2025-26 enforcement

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in Tokyo (23 Wards)?

Yes. Tokyo (23 Wards) requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — minpaku notification plus ward-specific ordinances.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Tokyo (23 Wards)?

Short-term rental hosts in Tokyo (23 Wards) are subject to the following tax obligations: National income tax; Tokyo accommodation tax applies.

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in Tokyo (23 Wards)?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in Tokyo (23 Wards) may face enforcement. National penalties apply (up to JPY 1,000,000 / 6 months prison).

What are the key STR compliance requirements in Tokyo (23 Wards)?

Fragmented ward-by-ward regime; commercial/mixed-use districts more permissive than residential

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