Full Breakdown
Shinjuku to Ban Over Half of Holiday Rentals Amid Resident Complaints
9/8/2026, 9:28:31 AM
New Ordinance Targets Holiday Rentals
On Sept 7, a Shinjuku ward official supervising holiday rentals announced that the district will revise its ordinance to prohibit private lodging in residential zones and areas near schools. The plan, formally confirmed by the Shinjuku mayor on Sept 8, will ban more than 50 % of the ward’s short-term rentals, including listings on platforms such as Airbnb.
Background & Context
Shinjuku, Tokyo’s bustling commercial and entertainment hub, hosts about 4,000 short-term rentals—roughly 10 % of Japan’s total inventory. A growing residential population has lodged complaints about tourists who improperly dispose of rubbish, smoke in prohibited areas, and generate excessive noise. Similar restrictions are under consideration in Kyoto and have been implemented in cities such as Barcelona and New York.
Data & Statistics
- Approximately 4,000 short-term rentals operate in Shinjuku.
- The new rules will affect more than half of these units, potentially closing around 2,000 properties.
- Complaints about vacation rentals rose by about 40 % in the fiscal year ending March.
- Japan aims to attract 60 million foreign visitors by 2030, up from 42 million projected for 2025.
Official Statements & Responses
The anonymous Shinjuku official explained that the rise in private lodging businesses has led to increased disturbances, prompting the ordinance revision. The mayor’s announcement affirmed that the ban applies only to existing properties, signaling a move to curb overtourism-related nuisances while preserving residential quality of life.
Impact and Wider Trend
The ban is expected to reduce the supply of short-term accommodations in Shinjuku, potentially easing resident-tourist friction but also limiting options for travelers. Analysts note that curbing holiday rentals may help address housing shortages, a concern echoed in other global cities that have restricted platform-based rentals to protect long-term housing stock.
