The Hidden Threat of Illegal Short-Term Rentals in Tokyo: A Growing Risk to Communities and Investors
Based on reporting by The Sankei Shimbun (June 24, 2025)
Tokyo is facing a serious and growing problem: illegal short-term rentals operating under the radar of authorities. According to a June 24 article by The Sankei Shimbun, violations of Japan’s lodging laws are rampant in the capital, with properties being used as “minpaku” (private lodgings) without proper registration, or exceeding the legal 180-day cap for annual use.