When planning your trip to Japan, you may have heard that Airbnb is illegal in Japan. But is this true? Below, we’ll share all the information you need to know, alongside some tips on what to look for when booking your accommodation in Japan.
Accommodation can make or break your holiday, and there are so many options nowadays! Hotels, hostels, ryokans, capsule hotels… and then there are Airbnbs in Japan.
There are tons of benefits to staying in an Airbnb, especially if you’re planning to stay for a longer time. When we’re staying in Japan for a longer time (for one of our 3-month trips for example), we often book Airbnbs. For long stays, they’re often cheaper and it’s great to have a kitchen and a bit more space than the average Japanese hotel room.
But there are rumours online that Airbnb’s aren’t fully legal in Japan. In this article, I’ll share everything you have to know about Airbnbs in Japan – are they legal? What do you need to look out for? And what are the alternatives?
Is Airbnb Legal in Japan?
Yes, Airbnb is totally legal in Japan.
If you have read otherwise, this may be because Japan introduced new regulations for short-term rentals in 2018. While these new laws don’t ban Airbnbs, the rules did become more strict. For us travellers, this only means that it’s now even safer to stay in Japanese Airbnbs – but it has caused some confusion online.
Due to the new rules, and many hosts not complying with them, Airbnb removed over 80% of its listings in Japan. This started the online debate.
Airbnb owners have to get a licence number, similar to hotels, to show that their accommodation is registered correctly. This licence number has to be listed on the Airbnb listing. You also have to give a copy of your passport to your host if you’re not Japanese (unless you have permanent residency).
Things to Check Before Booking an Airbnb in Japan
Before booking your Airbnb in Japan, make sure to check the following things:
- Registration number: Following the Minpaku Law, hosts of short-term rentals (including Airbnbs) must obtain and display a licence and registration number on their listings. Always check if it’s in the description before booking an Airbnb.
- Copy of passport: To follow regulations in Japan, Airbnb hosts are required to record every guest’s nationality and passport number (only for non-Japanese guests unless they have Japanese residence status). It’s best to bring a copy of your passport to give to your host.
- English-speaking host: If you don’t speak Japanese, it’s better to stick with hosts who also speak English. Not all Japanese people speak English, and it can lead to issues with your booking or during your stay.
- Superhost: Going with a Superhost on Airbnb is always a good idea to avoid cancellations and get fast responses.
- Bed or futon: Check whether the Airbnb has beds or futons. Sometimes futons are listed as beds, so always check the description and images carefully in case you want to avoid floor mattresses.
- Location: The location of your accommodation is incredibly important to make your stay comfortable. Always check if there is public transport available nearby – trains, metros and busses are incredible in Japan and allow you to easily travel through cities. It’s also good to check whether there are any supermarkets or convenience stores nearby, especially if you’re staying at an Airbnb with a kitchen.
- Entire place: Keep an eye on whether you’re renting an entire house/flat or just a single room. While single rooms are a lot cheaper, you most likely will have to share other facilities such as the bathroom and kitchen. It’s best to look for an entire house or apartment.
- Pocket WiFi or regular WiFi: While I’m a huge fan of the pocket WiFi service in Japan, it’s something to avoid when looking for Airbnbs. Some Airbnbs offer pocket WiFi instead of regular WiFi. If you need good WiFi (in case you’re working while staying at your Airbnb, for example), it’s best to stick with regular WiFi, as it’s more reliable than pocket WiFi.
Reasons to Stay in an Airbnb in Japan
Staying in an Airbnb can have a lot of benefits compared to staying in a hotel. It obviously depends on your travel style and personal preference, but especially in cities like Kyoto, an Airbnb may be the perfect choice.
Staying in an Airbnb does add to your cultural experience in visiting Japan. There are tons of traditional houses that are turned into Airbnbs – most of which have been renovated to fit modern needs.
And with most Airbnbs, you’ll have access to extra amenities, such as a kitchen and washing machine. Especially when travelling to Japan for a few weeks, it’s handy to have a washing machine nearby (some hotels offer this service too, however). Plus, not having to rely on hotel breakfast or having to leave the house for a snack is a big plus.
Then there is the, not so unimportant, budget reason. If you’re travelling with a friend or your partner, hotels and Airbnbs will probably be in the same price class. But if you have a bigger group to house, Airbnbs are almost always cheaper. Price-wise, it’s better to rent an entire house for six guests compared to renting three hotel rooms.
If you’re travelling long-term and planning to stay in Japan for a few weeks or months, some Airbnbs also give a discount for staying for a few weeks/months.
Airbnb Alternatives in Japan
While using Airbnb is a perfectly viable option when visiting Japan, you may want to use other services to find the perfect accommodation. Below, we’ve listed the best alternatives to Airbnb in Japan.
VRBO
While Airbnb is by far the biggest player in this field, VRBO is a great alternative. This vacation rental platform is very similar to Airbnb, as it lets homeowner list their properties so travellers can stay there.
While the options may not be as varied as you’ll find on Airbnb, there are some real gems on this website, so it’s worth checking out.
Stay Japan
Stay Japan is not as well known as Airbnb or VRBO, but it’s still a great opportunity to find unique places to stay in Japan. From your regular spare rooms to staying in a Sumo Stable – you can find it here.
Prices are listed in yen, however, and some listings don’t have an English description so you may have to search for a while.
Hotels or Ryokans
And, obviously, you could also choose to stay in a hotel instead. While hotel rooms in Japan are often a bit small and you won’t have access to a kitchen (like you would in an Airbnb), they’re perfect for when you’re on holiday in Japan.
If you need any recommendations for hotels, we’ve hand-picked the best ones for some of Japan’s largest cities:
- Where to stay in Tokyo (and the most unique hotels in Tokyo)
- Where to stay in Kyoto
- Where to stay in Osaka
- Where to stay in Hakone
- Best ryokans in Nikko
- Best hotels & ryokans near Mount Fuji.
Conclusion: Is Airbnb Illegal In Japan?
So, is Airbnb legal in Japan?
Yes, it is.
New regulations that were introduced in 2018 have made it stricter for Airbnb hosts, which makes it safer for travellers.
All Airbnbs in Japan now need a licence number (which should be on the Airbnb listing of the property) and require guests to give them a copy of their passport if they’re non-Japanese.
If you’re planning to stay in an Airbnb in Japan, it’s totally legal and safe to do so.
