Osaka Plans to Bar New Minpaku Operations in Wooden Buildings

Osaka City is considering a ban on new private lodging businesses, or minpaku, in wooden and steel-frame apartment buildings where residents already reside. This proposed ordinance revision aims to address growing concerns over noise and garbage generated by minpaku operations. The city has already halted new applications for special-zone minpaku, which were introduced to cater to the influx of foreign tourists.

However, the number of consultations for minpaku businesses under the Hotel Business Act has surged since May 2026. Over 80% of noise complaints submitted in the past two years concerning special-zone minpaku involved wooden or steel-frame buildings. The new regulation would prohibit new minpaku establishments in such properties and require a staff member to be present within one kilometer of the facility whenever guests are present.