Japan to ease rules over ‘minpaku’ home rentals

minpaku-hiraizumiMinpaku Hiraizumi, Hiraizumi

A JAPANESE government panel has proposed to reduce the minimum duration of stay for tourists at minpaku accommodations, as private home rentals are called in the country, from 7D/6N to 3D/2N.

The measure, decided by the Council on National Strategic Special Zones, is set to ease Japan’s growing room shortage, particularly in the budget and mid-range segments, given the soaring number of visitors to the country.

There were 2.3 million international arrivals in Japan in July alone, a new monthly record and nearly 20 per cent higher than the same month last year.

“Any measure that the authorities can take to ease the pressure on accommodation is positive,” said Ashley Harvey, manager, president’s office of Walk Japan.

“There is finite hotel space in many of the must-see cities and an oversupply of visitors. So initiatives like this to release that pressure are good for travel companies like us and our clients.”

Airbnb’s Japan arm also welcomed the panel’s proposal. “We have a positive working relationship with (the Japanese government), and there is great momentum for fair, progressive rules that allow for home sharing across the country,” said a company spokesperson.

“We want to work together with policymakers in Japan on modern, simple rules for home sharing that are right for Japan and easy for regular people to follow.”

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