[Osaka City Special Zone Minpaku] Key Points Operators Should Review Now Following the Guideline Revision

For businesses operating Special Zone Minpaku in Osaka City, “neighborhood relations,” “complaint handling,” and “waste and noise control” have become more important than ever.

In response to the growing number of complaints from nearby residents as the number of Special Zone Minpaku facilities increases, Osaka City revised the “Guidelines for the National Strategic Special Zone Foreign Visitor Accommodation Business” on March 25, 2026. This revision adds new matters that operators must comply with, including measures to prevent complaints in advance and systems for handling complaints when they occur.

Key Points in This Guideline Revision

The main points that Minpaku operators should pay particular attention to in this revision can be broadly divided into the following seven items.

1. Do Not Rely Only on Email to Explain Important Rules to Guests

At the start of the stay, operators are required to directly explain important matters to guests by phone, in person, or by other direct methods. These matters include noise control, garbage disposal rules, how to use the facility and equipment, and what to do in emergencies such as fires.

Under Osaka City’s monitoring and guidance, facilities that provide such warnings only by email or social media are included among those subject to priority monitoring.

2. Post Notices About Noise and Garbage Outside the Facility

Noise and garbage problems are common causes of complaints from nearby residents.

Osaka City requires operators to post notices outside the facility, such as near the entrance, to alert guests about noise and garbage rules. Osaka City also provides notice templates that can be used for this purpose.

3. Establish a 24-Hour Phone Support System for Complaints

The contact point for complaints and inquiries must be available 24 hours a day.

It is not enough to simply display a contact number. Operators must have a system in place where calls can actually be answered, the situation can be understood, and appropriate action can be taken when necessary.

4. When a Complaint Is Received, Directly Warn the Guest

If a complaint is received regarding noise, garbage, or other issues, simply sending a warning by email or chat is not sufficient.

Operators are required to directly warn the guest by going to the facility or by telephone. If the situation does not improve, measures such as asking the guest to leave may also be necessary.

5. Prepare a System That Allows Staff to Arrive in Approximately 10 Minutes

Osaka City’s monitoring and guidance plan includes checking whether a facility has a system in place that allows staff to arrive on site in approximately 10 minutes.

This is an especially important point for owners who live far away or businesses that rely only on their own staff for nighttime and early-morning responses.

6. Report the Response Results to the Person Who Filed the Complaint

When a complaint is received, the matter does not end simply by warning the guest.

Operators must report to the person who filed the complaint what action was taken, so that the complainant can understand how the business responded.

7. Keep Complaint Response Records for Three Years

Operators must record and retain details such as the content of the complaint, the date and time of the response, the person in charge, the warning given to the guest, and the result of the response.

Osaka City’s guidance materials state that complaint response records should be kept for three years together with the guest registry.

Special Zone Minpaku Operation Is Not Finished Once Approval Is Obtained

For Special Zone Minpaku, operational management after obtaining approval is extremely important.

Osaka City states that, based on its monitoring and guidance plan, it conducts inspections of priority monitoring facilities and other properties. If violations of laws or regulations are confirmed, administrative actions may follow, including business improvement orders, business suspension orders, or cancellation of approval.

Osaka City has also announced that, as of May 29, 2026, it will stop accepting new applications for Special Zone Minpaku, as well as applications for changes involving the addition of rooms or increases in floor area at already approved facilities.

On the other hand, Special Zone Minpaku facilities that have already obtained approval by that date may continue operating as before. This means that, for existing approved facilities, it will become even more important to operate properly while protecting the approval already obtained.

For Businesses That Find In-House Compliance Difficult

Due to this guideline revision, the following practical measures are now essential for operating Special Zone Minpaku:

24-hour phone support, including late-night and early-morning hours; handling complaints from nearby residents; maintaining an on-site response system that allows staff to arrive in approximately 10 minutes; directly warning guests; preparing outdoor notices; creating and storing complaint response records; and thoroughly enforcing garbage disposal rules.

The daily operational burden is becoming greater than ever.

“I live far away and cannot arrive on site quickly.”

“I cannot handle phone calls at night.”

“I am worried about dealing with neighbors and complaints.”

“I do not have time to manage records or prepare required notices.”

If you are facing any of these concerns, please contact Tabiyui Co., Ltd. / 旅結株式会社.

At 旅結株式会社, we support the on-site response, guest support, neighborhood response, and operational management required for Special Zone Minpaku operation in Osaka City.

We help owners build an operating system that complies with the revised guidelines, so they can continue their Minpaku business with confidence.

Summary

Special Zone Minpaku in Osaka City will increasingly require proper and compliant operation.

In particular, noise control, garbage management, complaint handling, 24-hour contact systems, on-site response systems, and record keeping are key points that should be reviewed immediately.

When it is difficult to handle everything in-house, it is important not to take on the burden alone, but to consider using a professional operation management service.

If you wish to continue operating Special Zone Minpaku in Osaka City with peace of mind, please feel free to contact 旅結株式会社.