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

Shinjuku, a popular tourist destination in Tokyo, is set to restrict more than half of its vacation rentals, according to an official. The ban will target residential zones and areas near schools, as the ward currently hosts nearly 10% of Japan's 42,000 short-term rentals. The surge in complaints about tourists' behavior, such as improper waste disposal, smoking in restricted areas, and excessive noise, has prompted the change in the existing ordinance.

The plan, which will include existing properties, will be officially announced by Shinjuku's mayor on Tuesday. This move is part of a global trend to curb the issue of overtourism, with cities like New York City and Barcelona also taking action. The rise in complaints about vacation rentals in Shinjuku has increased by around 40% in the fiscal year to March, primarily due to violations of trash disposal rules, smoking, and trespassing.