Phased implementation from April 2026 — Zero-day zones, night inspections, fines
Kyoto City is dramatically tightening vacation rental (minpaku) regulations. "Zero-day zones" will ban short-term rentals entirely in residential-only areas. New enforcement measures include late-night spot inspections and business suspension orders with fines for unregistered operators.
Areas in exclusively residential zones where vacation rental operating days are set to zero per year. Effectively a complete ban on short-term rentals in these neighborhoods. Existing registered operators will also be phased in.
On Sept 28, 2026, MLIT alerted condo management associations to advice desks and ordering cautions after the JFTC issued a cease-and-desist order over large-scale repair work in the Kanto region.
Japan's MLIT has published a draft cabinet order amending the Public Housing Act Enforcement Order, with public comments open from Sept 10 to 0:00 on Oct 11, 2026. It touches tenant eligibility, rent setting and vacating rules. Anyone may submit views.
From FY2026, nationality and passport/ID documents must be submitted when registering real estate (land/buildings). Applies to everyone including Japanese nationals. Not shown on public registry — managed in government database.
Source:
Source: Kyoto City