Tokyo's Shinjuku to ban more than half of vacation rentals

Tokyo's Shinjuku ward, a major tourist hub, is set to ban more than half of its short-term rental properties, including those listed on platforms like Airbnb, in residential areas and near schools. The measure, aimed at addressing a surge in complaints from residents about visitor behavior, is expected to affect approximately 2,000 of the ward's 3,775 registered private lodgings. The ban, which will be introduced through a revision of the local ordinance, is a significant step as Japan grapples with the impacts of mass tourism. Residents have lodged over 1,300 complaints in the 12 months leading up to March 2026, citing issues such as improper trash disposal, excessive noise, and smoking in prohibited areas. Trespassing has also been reported. Officials stated that simply penalizing poorly behaved operators has not resolved the persistent issues, leading to the decision to change the ordinance. The new rules will apply to properties in zones designated for residential use or as cultural and educational districts. While the exact number of affected properties is still being determined, it is estimated to be nearly half of the total. The policy will also apply to existing rentals.