TOKYO - Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward will expand restrictions on private lodging businesses across the entire ward from January 2027 after the ward assembly approved an ordinance amendment on October 7 aimed at tightening controls on minpaku short-term rentals.
Bunkyo Ward already prohibits weekday operation of minpaku facilities in areas around schools and in residential-only zones. The latest amendment adds commercial districts, including areas around Tokyo Dome, bringing the entire ward under the restrictions.
During committee deliberations on October 7, assembly members said the measure was intended to address concerns from residents before problems became more serious. One member said the assembly had decided to submit the proposal because waiting until local problems worsened would be too late.
Questions were also raised over why commercial and neighborhood commercial districts should be included in the regulations. Members explained that Bunkyo has many condominium buildings in such areas, creating a gap between official land-use zoning classifications and how neighborhoods are actually used.
The expansion reflects growing concern that minpaku operations could shift into Bunkyo as neighboring wards tighten their own regulations.
Shinjuku, Toshima and Taito wards, all of which border Bunkyo, have strengthened restrictions on private lodging businesses. Bunkyo's amendment is partly intended to prevent operators from relocating into the ward to avoid tighter rules elsewhere.
The revised ordinance will take effect in January 2027.
Source: TOKYO MX NEWS
