在日本，若要申請經營民宿的牌照，必須依照《住宅宿泊事業法》（俗稱「民泊新法」）的相關規定辦理，這項法律自2018年6月開始實施，目的是為了在保障旅客住宿需求與維護社區秩序之間取得平衡。申請人除了要符合中央法規，還需遵守各地自治體針對民宿所訂下的補充條件，因此整個過程往往比單純租屋或經營旅館更加繁瑣。

首先，房屋的性質必須符合民宿經營的基本要求。物件需是住宅用途，例如一般公寓或獨棟住宅，並且必須具備能滿足日常生活的設施，包括浴室、廁所、洗面台和陽台等，使用面積也必須在25平方公尺以上。這是為了確保旅客在入住時能享有基本的生活品質，而不是僅僅將空置房間簡單布置後就投入經營。

在申請文件方面，必須準備齊全且詳盡的證明。通常需要提供房屋登記簿（即登記事項證明書），以確認物件的合法用途和所有權；還要附上房屋的平面圖，清楚標示房間配置與逃生路線，方便主管機關審查其安全性。若建築規模或位置需要，還必須具備消防設備的合格證明，例如安裝煙霧警報器或滅火器。倘若經營的是公寓房間，還需提交管理公司出具的許可或公寓管理組的同意書，以避免因住戶之間的糾紛影響運營。除此之外，申請人本人的身份證明、納稅證明與財產相關文件也必須提交，以供政府確認其經營資格與責任能力。

在程序上，首先是備齊相關文件，根據房屋性質及申請人是個人還是法人來準備材料。接著需向所在地市區町村的相關窗口遞交《住宅宿泊事業屆出書》，這通常由保健所或觀光課負責受理。審查過程會針對房屋的安全性、衛生條件及消防設備等進行檢查，審查時間依地區與案件數量不同，一般約需一到兩個月左右。待審查通過後，申請人將獲得官方的登記編號，這是合法經營的依據。取得編號後，業者即可將房源登錄至各大民宿平台，例如 Airbnb 或其他日本在地平台，正式對外營業。

不過，獲得資格並不代表可以完全自由經營。根據法律規定，經營者必須將登記證明張貼於房源明顯位置，以供入住者確認其合法性。此外，還需要建立並保存住客名冊，保存期限至少三年，確保政府在必要時能夠追溯住宿紀錄。經營者也必須定期向地方政府提交營運狀況報告，讓主管機關掌握民宿行業的實際運作。

總體而言，在日本申請民宿牌照是一個結合法規、行政程序與社區協調的過程。其嚴謹性雖然增加了經營者的門檻，但同時也保障了旅客的安全與消費權益。對有意投入此行業的人來說，充分了解並遵守這些規範，是確保長期合法、穩定經營的必要前提。

In Japan, obtaining a license to operate a private lodging business—commonly known as minpaku under the “Private Lodging Business Act” (住宅宿泊事業法, often referred to as the “Minpaku New Law”)—requires applicants to follow both national regulations and additional rules set by local governments. Since the law came into effect in June 2018, the system has aimed to strike a balance between meeting tourist demand and maintaining harmony within residential communities. The process is more complex than simply renting out a property or running a hotel, as it places strict emphasis on safety, compliance, and accountability.

First, the property itself must qualify as a residential space, such as an apartment unit or a detached house, and it must be equipped with basic living facilities. These include a bathroom, toilet, wash basin, and balcony, with a minimum floor space of 25 square meters. This requirement ensures that guests have a standard level of comfort and prevents unfit or overly cramped spaces from being converted into lodging.

When it comes to documentation, applicants must prepare a comprehensive set of official papers. These typically include a property registry certificate (登記事項証明書) to verify ownership and usage, a detailed floor plan showing room layout and emergency exits, and proof of fire safety equipment such as smoke detectors or fire extinguishers. For condominiums, written consent from the building management association or the management company is required, as disputes with other residents could otherwise obstruct operations. In addition, applicants must provide identification documents, tax certificates, and financial proof to demonstrate their capacity to operate responsibly.

The application procedure begins with gathering these documents. The applicant then submits a “Notification of Private Lodging Business” (住宅宿泊事業届出書) to the local municipal office, often handled by the public health center or tourism department. Authorities then review the property’s compliance with safety, sanitation, and fire regulations. This screening process usually takes between one and two months, depending on the location and the volume of applications. Once approved, the operator receives an official registration number, which legally authorizes them to list their property on booking platforms such as Airbnb or local Japanese sites.

However, approval does not mean unrestricted freedom. Licensed operators must display their registration certificate prominently at the property so that guests can confirm its legality. They are also required to maintain a guest ledger for at least three years, making it available for government inspection if necessary. Furthermore, operators must regularly submit reports on their business activities to local authorities, ensuring transparency and ongoing regulatory oversight.

Overall, obtaining a minpaku license in Japan is a process that combines legal compliance, administrative procedures, and community considerations. While the requirements may seem strict, they serve to protect both travelers and local residents. For anyone considering entering the private lodging market, understanding and following these regulations is essential to running a stable and legitimate business in Japan.