Discovering Kyoto's Western Charm

Introduced after the 1978 Miyagi earthquake. Buildings must withstand a major earthquake (Shindo 6-7) without collapse. Performed significantly better in the 1995 Kobe earthquake than older buildings.

Enhanced requirements after the 1995 Kobe earthquake including mandatory ground surveys, wall balance calculations, and strengthened connections between structural components. The strongest standard.

365 days/year. National Strategic Special Zones (like parts of Osaka and Tokyo) allow year-round short-term rentals with no day limit. Minimum stay: 2 nights.

100-180 days/year. Local government has added restrictions such as banning operations during certain periods (e.g., school days, weekdays) or in specific residential zones.

60-100 days/year. Significant local restrictions. Common in areas with hotel industry lobbying or concerns about neighborhood disruption. May limit operations to weekends, holidays, or off-peak seasons only.

Under 60 days/year. The most restrictive municipalities effectively discourage minpaku. Kyoto, for example, limits operations to January 15 - March 16 only (~60 days). Consider a ryokan or hotel license instead.