Tokyo's Shinjuku moves to curb short-term rentals

Tokyo : Tokyo's Shinjuku ward is preparing to restrict short-term vacation rentals in residential neighborhoods, responding to a sharp rise in complaints linked to tourist behavior.

The proposed local ordinance would prevent minpaku properties from operating in residential areas as well as locations near schools and culturally significant sites. The move could affect about 2,000 of Shinjuku's 3,775 registered short-term rentals, the highest number of such properties in any Japanese municipality.

Residents submitted more than 1,300 complaints during the year through March, citing excessive noise, improper disposal of rubbish, smoking violations and cases of visitors entering private property.

Shinjuku officials said suspending individual operators had failed to reduce the broader problem, prompting consideration of restrictions across affected neighborhoods.

The ward is expected to seek public feedback before submitting revisions to its ordinance in February. It also plans to cut the annual operating limit for residential minpaku from 180 days to 120.

Japan aims to attract 60 million visitors by 2030.