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Tokyo's Taito Ward to Ban New Private Lodging Services from January

Rising Complaints Prompt Ban

Written and analysed by Ryusei Hosono • • Updated: September 10, 2026
tokyos-taito-ward-to-ban-new-private-lodging-services-from-january

A flat, woodblock-style illustration built around a bold red prohibition sign: a circle with a diagonal slash, stamped over the silhouette of a Japanese house. The house is rendered in navy blue on a cream background, and its cutaway interior shows a made bed and a small lamp, marking it clearly as a guesthouse or private lodging rather than an ordinary home.

The scene around it sets the location. A clipped pine tree grows from a low wall on the left, and on the right a five-story pagoda rises in front of a large red sun, with rounded shrubs at its base. The pagoda and sun evoke the Senso-ji temple area in Asakusa, which sits in Tokyo's Taito Ward. Stylized gold clouds drift along the ground on both sides, completing the traditional Japanese print look. The message is simple and visual: lodging stays in this neighborhood are being crossed out.

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Tokyo's Taito Ward to Ban New Private Lodging Services from January

Table of contents:

    TL;DR

    Tokyo's Taito Ward, home to Asakusa and Ueno, has submitted a draft ordinance to effectively ban new private lodging services in residential areas from January next year, citing growing complaints about lodgers' misconduct. Existing lodgings will remain exempt but face tougher supervision and penalties.

    Tokyo's Taito Ward, home to the popular tourist spots of Asakusa and Ueno, plans to ban new private lodging services in residential areas and other locations where inns and hotels are restricted. The ward submitted a draft ordinance at an assembly session on Tuesday and aims to put the ordinance into effect in January next year.

    Rising Complaints Behind the Ban

    Taito Ward has seen a surge in the number of private lodgings after the Private Lodging Business Act took effect in 2018, legalizing the operation of such businesses in residential areas. The municipality says it has received numerous complaints about lodgers' misconduct, including:

    • Improper disposal of garbage
    • Noise

    A National Policy Change Opens the Door

    The move comes after the Japan Tourism Agency released a notice in July that makes it possible for municipalities to ban such privately operated lodging services.

    Existing Lodgings Exempt but Face Tougher Oversight

    The ward says existing private lodgings will not be subject to the ban, citing the impact on business operators and tourists. Instead, it plans to step up guidance and supervision for currently operating businesses, as well as implement tougher penalties.

    Mayor Pledges Balance Between Tourism and Daily Life

    Mayor Hattori Yukuo said the ward will aim to ensure the proper operation of private lodging services and maintain a peaceful living environment for residents. He said the ward will work to create an environment where both locals and visitors can spend time comfortably, and develop tourist spots in harmony with the livelihood of local people.

    Sources and further reading

    1. NHK WORLD-JAPAN — Tokyo's Taito Ward to ban new private lodging services | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
    2. NHK WORLD-JAPAN — Tokyo's Taito Ward to ban new private lodging services | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
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