Start with the operating scheme, not an old permit route
Existing special-zone facilities and newly considered properties now follow different paths
Osaka City stopped accepting new special-zone minpaku applications and room-addition or floor-area-increase applications on 29 May 2026.
A newly considered property must be checked for private-lodging notification or a Hotel Business Act licence by address, zoning, and building conditions. Existing certified facilities remain subject to the revised 2026 operating guidance.
StayJP does not prepare or file permit applications. We introduce partner administrative scriveners and contract to operate properties after the legal operating conditions are in place.
Selecting the Right System
| System | Operating Days | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minpaku Act (Simplified Notification) | 180 nights/year | Quick start with limited paperwork | 180-day cap, housing eligibility, and local restrictions |
| Hotel Business Act (Simple Lodging) | No cap | Full-year operation and easier corporate contracts | Fire upgrades + possible zoning/use changes |
| Existing certified Special-Zone Minpaku | Per certification | Continue within the certified scope | New and room-addition applications closed; revised guidance applies |
Permit Timeline Overview
Step 1: Property Investigation
Confirm zoning, condo bylaws, and fire equipment. Obtain owner/management consent.
Case-specificStep 2: Drawings & Documentation
Prepare floor plans, facility diagrams, neighborhood maps, and operational procedures. Coordinate with architects when needed.
Case-specificStep 3: Agency & Fire Consultations
Meet with the fire department to confirm any upgrades, schedule inspections, and finalize submissions. Simple Lodging permits require inspections prior to approval.
Case-specificOsaka City Local Rules
- New special-zone applications and room-addition or floor-area-increase applications closed on 29 May 2026.
- The 25 March 2026 guidance revision strengthened noise, waste, and complaint-handling operations.
- Private lodging and Hotel Business Act eligibility must be checked by address, zoning, structure, and building rules.
Summary: Separate existing certifications from new projects
StayJP handles contract-defined daily operations for properties that are legally ready. When application support is needed, we can introduce a partner administrative scrivener. The owner must confirm fire-equipment selection and work with a qualified contractor.
FAQ
What is the 180-day operating limit?.
A single notified residence under the Minpaku Act cannot accommodate guests for more than 180 days per year. A different operating scheme requires its own legal eligibility and approval; it is not a workaround for the same notified residence.
Can I submit a new Osaka City special-zone minpaku application?.
No. Osaka City ended new applications and room-addition or floor-area-increase applications on 29 May 2026. Check the official city page for rules affecting existing certified facilities.