Japanese authorities are tightening regulations on private lodging (minpaku): in September, Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward announced a ban on new minpaku in residential zones, and Bunkyo Ward plans to prohibit weekday operations. In July, the Japan Tourism Agency indicated that municipalities could impose 'zero-day' rules. Registered minpaku units rose 58% from 26,657 in September 2024 to 42,070 in July 2026. As hotel costs rise, alternatives are expanding: in July 2025, Lawson launched a pilot 'Convenience Store RV Park' at a store parking lot in Chiba, offering camper van stays at 2500–3000 yen per night with toilets, power, and waste disposal. The company reported no complaints from neighbors.
