Japan Tourism Agency, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare notified new directions for short-term rental (STR) to local governments nationwide. The directions show extension of discretion to regulate STR by a local government according to the local circumstances, including ‘zero-day rule (location restriction),’ which has seen as ‘inappropriate.’
Under the new direction, ’zero-day rule’ is approved to avoid entry of many tourists into quiet residence areas or school districts and maintain local communities. A local government has a right to regulate locations or business days of STR by enacting an ordinance within reasonable necessities.
In the areas troubles have already been seen, the new rule can be applicable not only to new STR but also the existing STR.
Secondly, the new direction allows a local government to enact an ordinance to require a STR operator to develop ICT (Information and Communication Technology) management, such as a noise indicator, camera for monitoring or data storage for the last one year.
