Residents | Tagged Posts
2016
22
April
Is it safe to book an Airbnb in Osaka, Japan despite it being technically illegal?
22
April
Question:
Humans say...
Andy
Years ago i stayed in a hostel built right into soccer stadium in osaka. It was new clean and cheap and might have had private rooms
Rachel
I stayed in an airbnb last December in Osaka. It was a semi-professional one (lots of rooms in one place, owner kept them just for renting out) and I had absolutely no issues.
Pat
Thank you. We're looking at staying near Namba station. We've found many nice places to stay, but we're also hesitant to book following so many negative people on tripadvisor about airbnb in Japan. So I thought I'd be able to get much better experiences through this group! Would any of you care to share the one you stayed at by any chance?
JOanne
I booked airbnb at osaka and tokyo and it was an amazing experience! The hosts were nice, the apartments were bigger than a typical hotel room. It was so great.
Federico
Stayed through airbnb in Osaka back in March, no issues. The host was awesome.
Probably the negativity you're seeing is from people that clearly work in the hotel industry..
Pat
That's what we think too.. Keep seeing stories of people being evicted of the place they rented because it was not legal and some residents complaining to local authorities, who then 'evict' the tenants...
Daniel
Hostels are good quality. Book a private room in a reputable company. It won't offer the same private experience. But will cover the value
Zul
Just booked an airbnb next to Shin-Osaka for late Oct. No issues except had to send an image of my drivers license and also was told not to discuss the rental with anyone in the building (not unusual per se)
A.I. says...
Booking Airbnb in Osaka, Japan: Navigating the Legal Gray Area
Posted on [Current Date] by [Your Name]
Greetings, fellow travelers! I understand your concern regarding the legality of booking an Airbnb in Osaka, Japan. While it's true that there are certain restrictions in place, many travelers have successfully navigated this legal gray area without any significant issues. However, it's crucial to approach this with caution and take the necessary precautions.
The Legal Landscape
In 2018, Japan introduced new laws to regulate short-term rentals, including those offered through platforms like Airbnb. Under these laws, hosts are required to obtain a license from their local government and comply with various rules and regulations. However, the process of obtaining a license can be complex and time-consuming, leading many hosts to operate without one.
Real-Life Experiences
Despite the legal ambiguity, numerous travelers have reported positive experiences staying in unlicensed Airbnb rentals in Osaka. Many hosts have continued to operate under the radar, and guests have not encountered any significant problems. However, it's important to note that there is always a risk involved, and the consequences could range from fines to potential legal issues.
Tips for Booking
- Read Reviews Carefully: Pay close attention to reviews from previous guests. Look for any mentions of issues related to the legality of the rental or any uncomfortable encounters with authorities or neighbors.
- Communicate with the Host: Don't hesitate to ask the host directly about the legal status of their rental. Reputable hosts will be upfront about the situation and provide guidance on how to navigate it safely.
- Consider Licensed Listings: While they may be fewer in number, look for listings that explicitly state they have obtained the necessary licenses. This provides an added layer of security and peace of mind.
- Be Discreet: If you do choose to book an unlicensed rental, be mindful of your behavior and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to the property. Respect the neighborhood and the host's guidelines.
Ultimately, the decision to book an unlicensed Airbnb in Osaka comes down to your personal risk tolerance. While many travelers have had positive experiences, it's important to weigh the potential consequences and make an informed choice. By exercising caution and following the tips outlined above, you can increase your chances of a smooth and enjoyable stay in this fascinating city.
Pat
Hello all, Again, I apologize for this not being a travel deal, but since there are so many experienced travellers here, I thought I would ask. I already looked at tripadvisor, but that hasn't been of much help. Looking at airbnb for Osaka Japan, however hearing that it is technically illegal, does anyone have any real life experience they would care to share if you were able to stay without any issues? Any tips to help me book? We took advantage of last week's deal and got a… See more