Leave Your Minpaku Operations to the Experts
Free Online ConsultationWhat Is the Minpaku Business Notification Under the Private Lodging Business Act?
The minpaku business notification is a filing required under Article 3 of the Private Lodging Business Act (also known as the Minpaku Act) that must be submitted to the prefectural governor before offering lodging services using a residential property. Starting operations without properly understanding where to file and what to include can result in administrative penalties for operating without notification. Among the properties Stay Buddy has worked with, we’ve seen no shortage of cases where owners put off confirming “where to file the minpaku business notification” until the application process ground to a halt. This article walks through the practical process—from identifying the correct filing authority, to completing the required documentation, to receiving final acceptance.
Where to File Under the Private Lodging Business Act: Prefecture or Designated Municipality?
Under the Private Lodging Business Act, notifications are generally filed with the governor of the prefecture where the property is located. However, in municipalities granted authority by ordinance—such as government-designated cities and core cities—the mayor or ward head may be the correct filing authority instead. You can file electronically with the relevant municipal office through the notification system on the Japan Tourism Agency’s “Minpaku Portal Site” (minpaku.mlit.go.jp).
In practice, if you prepare your documents without clearly confirming “where to file” first, you risk having the office point out—after submission—that your filing was sent to the wrong jurisdiction, forcing you to start over. The first step is to confirm your property’s address, then check the correct jurisdiction through the Tourism Agency’s portal or your local government’s residential lodging business division.
Required Documents and What to Include
The Notification Form Itself (Form No. 1)
Form No. 1, as specified under the enforcement regulations of the Private Lodging Business Act, requires your name and address (or, for a corporation, the company name, representative, and principal office location), the location, structure, and scale of the property being registered, and details regarding guest health and safety measures. For a single unit in a condominium, you’ll need to enter the exact floor area of the living space as the “scale of the dwelling.” If there’s a discrepancy between the registered records and the actual measurements, this needs to be verified in advance.
Types of Supporting Documents
The main documents to attach to your notification include: a floor plan of the property (showing the use and floor area of each room); if the filer is a tenant, documentation proving consent for subleasing; for condominiums, a copy of the building’s management rules; a copy of the fire code compliance notice or certificate of inspection; and a sworn statement confirming you don’t fall under any of the disqualifying conditions. The fire code compliance notice is obtained by requesting an inspection from your local fire department, and depending on the property’s condition, you may need to install additional smoke detectors or fire extinguishers—which can push the timeline for obtaining the notice out by several weeks.
Checking the Management Rules: The Step Most Owners Get Stuck On
If you’re filing for a unit in a condominium, your notification won’t be accepted if the management rules explicitly prohibit operating a residential lodging business. In our experience at Stay Buddy, we’ve seen cases where an owner proceeded all the way through the fire inspection without checking the management rules first, only to discover at the last moment that operation wasn’t permitted. We strongly recommend reviewing the original text of the management rules—and, if necessary, confirming directly with the management association—in parallel with preparing your other documents.
From Filing to Acceptance and Registration Number Issuance
Step 1: Preparing Documents and Scheduling the Fire Inspection
Document preparation and obtaining the fire code compliance notice should proceed in parallel. The time between requesting an inspection from the fire department and receiving the notice varies depending on the municipality and the size of the property, but it’s realistic to budget roughly two to four weeks.
Step 2: Filing via the Tourism Agency Portal or in Person
Once your documents are complete, you can file electronically through the Japan Tourism Agency’s Minpaku Portal Site, or submit in person or by mail to your local government office. Electronic filing requires account registration and identity verification using your My Number card, so if it’s your first time, make sure to allow plenty of time for the process.
Step 3: Acceptance and Displaying Your Registration Sign
Once your notification is accepted, you’ll be issued a registration number under Article 3 of the Private Lodging Business Act (in the format “Kokujūshuku No. XXXX”). After receiving this number, you’re required to display the official sign specified under the Act’s enforcement regulations somewhere clearly visible to the public, such as at the entrance. Operating without displaying this sign constitutes a violation of the law, so this should be taken care of immediately after acceptance.
Private Lodging Business Act vs. Hotel Business Act: Which One Should You File Under?
Notification under the Private Lodging Business Act and licensing under the Hotel Business Act are two entirely separate systems. The Private Lodging Business Act caps annual operation at 180 days, and local ordinances may restrict this further. If you’re planning to operate year-round, you’ll need a simple lodging business license under the Hotel Business Act instead—but the licensing requirements (including interpretation of front desk requirements and compliance with building and fire codes) are considerably stricter. Deciding which system to pursue requires weighing your planned number of operating days, the structure of your property, and any restrictions under local ordinances.
Free Consultation with Stay Buddy Inc.
Stay Buddy Inc. is here to help with any questions about filing your minpaku business notification. From confirming the correct filing authority, to organizing your required documents, to coordinating your fire inspection, our on-the-ground team will work with you through every step of the pre-opening process.
Not sure which system to file under? Unsure how to go about checking your management rules? Worried about what might come up during the fire inspection? We draw on real operational experience to answer these kinds of questions. Based on the properties we’ve worked with, the process from filing to acceptance typically takes about one to two months on average—and we’re happy to help you work backward from your target opening date to build a realistic preparation schedule.
Your first consultation is free. We also welcome inquiries from owners who are already operating and considering revising their current notification, or switching over to a Hotel Business Act license. Feel free to reach out through our contact form or by phone.
