Tourism Osaka to suspend applications for minpaku services

On Tuesday, Osaka City announced it would stop accepting new applications for Tokku Minpaku private lodging operations, citing mounting complaints from residents about noise, litter and breaches of local rules by guests.

The suspension is set to begin sometime before November, with the exact date to be decided. A grace period will be offered to operators who are already preparing to open. Officials added that applications could resume if the issues are adequately addressed. The Tokku Minpaku system was established under the National Strategic Special Zones Law to address the growing demand for accommodations from foreign tourists. Unlike regular hotels and inns, which are bound by the Hotel Business Law and must, for example, provide a front desk, Tokku Minpaku lodgings—often private homes—are exempt from such requirements in areas designated by local governors or mayors.

While regular "minpaku" accommodations under the Private Lodging Business Law can operate only up to 180 days per year, Tokku Minpaku lodgings have no such limit. However, Tokku Minpaku can only accept guests who stay for at least two nights and three days. Residents living near these accommodations have increasingly complained about the behavior of the guests. Last fiscal year, Osaka city received 399 complaints related to Tokku Minpaku, including 196 about one-night stays, which are generally prohibited. Other complaints included 103 about improper use of residential garbage disposal sites and 87 about noise from rolling suitcases late at night.

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