Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward to ban more than half of vacation rentals

Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward plans to ban more than half of its vacation rentals, including homes listed on Airbnb, following a rise in complaints from residents. The decision comes as the ward seeks to address issues related to overtourism and the impact of short-term rentals on local communities. The ward, known for its vibrant commercial and entertainment scene, hosts nearly 10 percent of Japan's 42,000 short-term rental properties. However, this has led to growing frustration among residents, particularly regarding improper waste disposal, unauthorized smoking, and excessive noise from tourists. A Shinjuku official overseeing holiday rentals confirmed that the district is planning to revise its current regulations to prohibit private lodging in residential zones and areas near schools. The official spoke on condition of anonymity. Under the proposed changes, more than 50 percent of short-term rentals in Shinjuku could be banned. The policy will apply to existing properties, potentially leading to the closure of around 2,000 rental units, including an unspecified number on Airbnb. The formal announcement of the new rules is set for Tuesday, when the Shinjuku mayor will present the updated guidelines. This move follows similar efforts by other global cities, including New York City and Barcelona, which have implemented measures to control the proliferation of short-term rentals. Overtourism has become a pressing concern in Japan, with residents in popular destinations like Kyoto expressing dissatisfaction over overcrowding, traffic congestion, and rising property costs. Complaints about vacation rentals in Shinjuku increased by approximately 40 percent during the fiscal year ending in March. The official noted that many of these concerns revolve around violations of trash disposal rules, along with incidents involving smoking and trespassing. American tourist Luke Jemison, 24, supported the initiative, stating that the rules make sense due to noise-related issues. Meanwhile, a local resident, Masaru Sato, in his 70s, criticized the behavior of both foreign tourists and some rental operators, citing the deterioration of cleanliness in the neighborhood. The Japan Tourism Agency granted municipalities the authority to regulate short-term accommodations in July, allowing them to act if such activities threaten a peaceful living and educational environment or hinder the maintenance of a stable population and local community. This regulatory power has been leveraged by Shinjuku as part of its broader strategy to manage the effects of tourism. Kyoto, another major tourist destination, is also contemplating restrictions on short-term rentals, though its focus would be on newly constructed properties within residential and industrial zones. Despite the potential impact on the hospitality sector, several Airbnb hosts in Shinjuku have declined to comment when approached by AFP. The decision reflects a growing trend in urban centers worldwide to balance economic benefits from tourism with the need to preserve quality of life for residents. As Shinjuku moves forward with its new policies, the outcome will likely influence how other regions approach the management of short-term rentals in the future.