Home / Lifestyle / Shinjuku Bans Tourists From Homes Amid Noise and Rubbish Woes
Shinjuku Bans Tourists From Homes Amid Noise and Rubbish Woes
8 Sep
Summary
- Shinjuku ward will ban tourists from thousands of private lodgings.
- Over 1,300 complaints were received about tourist noise and litter.
- This move could encourage other Japanese authorities to restrict tourism.
Shinjuku ward in Tokyo is implementing a significant restriction on short-term tourist rentals, banning visitors from using thousands of private lodgings in residential areas and near cultural sites. This measure comes after receiving more than 1,300 complaints from residents over the past year, citing disturbances from noise and improper rubbish disposal. The ward, which hosts the largest number of private lodgings in Japan with 3,775 units, aims to address "tourism pollution" and its impact on the local living environment.
The new ordinance, expected to affect nearly half of Shinjuku's private rentals, could influence other local authorities across Japan facing similar challenges. Kyoto, for example, already limits private rentals in residential zones to 60 days annually. Japan recorded a record 42 million visitors last year, with a target of 60 million by 2030, a goal that critics argue will exacerbate overcrowding and related issues. Measures are also being considered near Mount Fuji to manage visitor numbers and curb disruptive behaviour.
