Osaka to Halt New Special Zone Minpaku Applications

OSAKA, Oct 25 (News On Japan) - Osaka City has decided to stop accepting new applications for “special zone minpaku” lodging facilities at the end of May 2026 following a sharp rise in neighborhood disputes over noise and garbage disposal.

The special zone minpaku system was introduced by the national government to ease accommodation shortages by loosening regulations on operating days and other conditions. More than 90 percent of such facilities nationwide are concentrated in Osaka City.

However, repeated troubles between guests and local residents over noise and waste management have drawn increasing concern. The city received 399 complaints related to minpaku operations in fiscal 2023—more than double the previous year’s figure—prompting authorities to suspend new applications.

Although the city initially planned to provide a grace period for public notification, sources say it has now finalized a plan to stop accepting applications from May 30th next year.

A formal decision is expected to be made at a national government meeting in November. Osaka City also intends to consult with the central government on revising regulations to strengthen oversight of inappropriate operators.

Source: YOMIURI

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