The Minpaku Notification: What to Gather, Where, and How to File
The Minpaku Law is a notification system, not a license. But the attachments are extensive and a single missing item means rejection. Grasp the full document set and the filing destination first, and the notification goes smoothly.
The Housing Accommodation Business Act notification is not a 'review-and-license' system like the ryokan license — it is a notification submitted to the prefectural governor once requirements are met. Even so, the attachments range from registration certificates to fire-code compliance certificates and various pledge forms, and stumbling at the preparation stage is common.
The short answer: notification is filed, in principle, by electronic application through Japan's Minpaku Operating System. The required documents vary by ownership type (owned / condo / rented) and operator type (individual / corporation), so the first step is to fix the document list for your specific case.
This article organizes the full document set, the e-filing flow, and the mandatory management delegation for host-absent operation into a pre-filing checklist.
A Minpaku Filing Is a 'Notification,' Not a 'License'
The ryokan (simple lodging) route is licensed after a public health center review, but housing accommodation is a notification system: you submit a notification that meets the requirements. Once accepted, you can start operating. Before filing, though, the property must clear zoning, bylaws, ordinances, and fire requirements (see parts 1-2 of this series), and you attach documents proving that conformity. Filing is, in principle, electronic via Japan's Minpaku Operating System.
Key features of the notification system
- A notification system, not a license (submit a compliant notification)
- Filed with the prefectural governor with jurisdiction (or the city/special ward where applicable)
- In principle, e-filing via the Minpaku Operating System (some municipalities also accept counter filing)
- Annual operating cap of 180 days (counted April 1 to March 31)
- Host-absent operation requires delegation to a registered housing accommodation manager
- After filing, operating reports continue every 2 months (6 times a year)
The Main Required Documents — 6 Pillars
Identity / corporate documents
Individuals: ID and a residence certificate showing the registered domicile; corporations: registration certificate, articles of incorporation, etc. Requirements differ by operator type.
Floor plans of the dwelling
Per-floor plans showing the location and area of living rooms, guest rooms, and reception, also used for fire and safety-measure checks.
Fire-code compliance certificate
The compliance certificate issued by the local fire department (see part 1 for the acquisition steps). Most municipalities require it as an attachment.
Pledge form
A form pledging that no disqualifying grounds apply. There are separate templates for individuals, corporations, and HOAs.
Proof of the right to use the dwelling
Owned: registration certificate, etc.; rented: a consent form to use the property for housing accommodation (landlord consent); sublease: a sublease consent form. Condos presuppose that the bylaws do not prohibit minpaku.
Management-contract documents (host-absent)
Host-absent operation requires delegation to a housing accommodation manager; the manager's registration number and contract terms bear on the notification. StayJP accepts delegation as MLIT-registered manager No. F05636.
Where Document Prep Trips People Up
Municipalities and property conditions add documents. The following need particular prior confirmation. Always verify the formal document list against your jurisdiction's latest guidance.
Landlord consent for rentals
Running a minpaku in a rental requires a consent form to use the property for housing accommodation. Since standard leases ban subletting, consent on the prescribed form or in writing — not verbal — is essential.
Consent is obtained between owner and landlord; for documentation notes, see part 2 of this series.
Checking condo bylaws
For condominiums, it is a precondition that the bylaws do not prohibit housing accommodation. Properties with a prohibition clause are excluded before the notification stage. Some municipalities ask for confirmation that the HOA is aware of the minpaku.
Condos including towers mostly prohibit it in bylaws — decide first via the part-2 pre-check.
Timing of the fire-code compliance certificate
The certificate is obtained by applying to the local fire department after equipment work is complete. Since it forms part of the notification, fire safety must be finished first, scheduled backward from the filing date.
Factor in construction and issuance lead times, working backward from your planned filing date.
Prior notice and neighbor-consideration documents
Some municipalities require reporting prior notice to nearby residents about noise and garbage. Preparing the required signage (posting the notification number, etc.) is also part of post-filing duties.
Formats and requirements differ by municipality — check the jurisdiction's guidance.
The 6 Steps of Filing
Confirm the 4 prerequisite layers are cleared
Verify that zoning, bylaws (or landlord consent), municipal ordinance, and fire requirements are in place (series parts 1-2).
Obtain the municipality's latest document list
On your jurisdiction's housing-accommodation page, confirm the attachments for your property and operator type. There may be municipality-specific additional documents.
Prepare and obtain the documents
Assemble the registration certificate, floor plans, fire-code compliance certificate, pledge form, and right-to-use documents (consent forms, etc.). Start with the documents that take longest to obtain.
Create an account and enter data in the Minpaku Operating System
File electronically, in principle, via Japan's Minpaku Operating System. Enter operator, dwelling, and (for host-absent) management-delegation details, and upload the documents.
Submit and have the notification accepted
Submit to the prefectural governor. After a content check, it is accepted and a notification number is issued. Any deficiencies prompt a correction request.
Post signage and begin operating
Display signage bearing the notification number and start operating. From then on, guest-registry creation and bimonthly operating reports (every 2 months) continue.
Basic Numbers of the Notification System
Three numbers to remember
Legal nature of housing accommodation (not a license like the ryokan route)
Annual operating cap (counted April 1 to March 31)
Frequency of the operating reports after filing (every 2 months; due by the 15th of Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does a minpaku notification differ from a license?
The ryokan route is licensed after a public health center review, but housing accommodation is a notification system: you submit a compliant notification. Before filing, you must meet zoning, bylaw, ordinance, and fire requirements, and attach documents proving that conformity.
2. Where and how do I file?
With the prefectural governor with jurisdiction over the dwelling (or the city/special ward where applicable), in principle by electronic application through Japan's Minpaku Operating System. Some municipalities also accept counter filing.
3. Where can I check the required documents?
On Japan's minpaku portal (mlit.go.jp) and your jurisdiction's housing-accommodation page. Requirements change with ownership type, operator type, and municipality-specific practice, so always confirm the latest guidance.
4. Is delegation to a management company mandatory for host-absent operation?
Yes. When the host does not live on site, delegation to a housing accommodation manager is legally required. The manager's registration number and contract terms bear on the notification. StayJP accepts delegation as MLIT-registered manager No. F05636.
5. Can I operate any number of days once I've filed?
No. The annual operating cap for housing accommodation is 180 days (April 1 to March 31). To run year-round beyond 180 days, you must switch to another track such as ryokan or Special Zone Minpaku (see the part-1 / 180-day-rule article).
Takeaway: Grasp the Full Document Set First, and the Notification Goes Through
Housing accommodation is a notification system, but the attachments — registration certificate, floor plans, fire-code compliance certificate, pledge form, right-to-use documents — are extensive. Proceed in order: clear the 4 prerequisite layers → confirm the municipal document list → prepare → e-file via the Minpaku Operating System.
- A notification system, not a license — but the attachments are many
- Filing is, in principle, e-filing via the Minpaku Operating System
- Required documents vary by ownership type, operator type, and municipality
- Host-absent operation requires delegation to a housing accommodation manager
- After filing, registry creation and bimonthly reports continue
Licensed experts (administrative scriveners) are introduced for the filing. As MLIT-registered manager No. F05636, StayJP operates and manages properties that become eligible after filing, continuing statutory duties such as guest-registry creation and bimonthly operating reports as part of the management contract. Next in the series: part 4, guest registry, signage, and safety measures.