Shinjuku Ward Bans Short‑Term Rentals in Residential Areas Amid Tourist Complaints

Shinjuku ward, which houses Tokyo’s bustling Kabukicho nightlife district and the world’s busiest railway station, has announced a ban on short‑term rental accommodations in residential neighborhoods and near schools and cultural sites. The decision follows a surge of complaints from locals about tourists improperly disposing of rubbish and generating excessive noise. The ban targets private lodgings that have become popular with foreign visitors, aiming to curb disruptive behavior and protect community standards. Local authorities will enforce the restriction by prohibiting the use of these private accommodations for tourism purposes. The move signals a tightening of Japan’s tolerance for mass tourism and reflects growing pressure on popular districts to maintain residential quality of life.