許認可・ビザ・補助金　全国対応　国内最大級の行政書士法人

更新日：2025年3月25日

When opening a ryokan or hotel, it is necessary to obtain not only a hotel business permit for the ryokan or hotel itself, but also business permits or notifications for facilities within the premises, such as large public baths, swimming pools, restaurants, as well as services including laundry agency operations, alcohol sales, and late-night service offerings.

These requirements generally include both hardware standards, such as facilities and equipment, and software standards, such as operational methods and service content. Depending on the specific operational methods and services provided, the required hardware standards may vary.

By understanding and addressing the necessary business permits from both hardware and software perspectives from the early planning stage, the opening process can proceed more smoothly.

Our firm has extensive experience handling procedures for numerous ryokans and hotels, including foreign-affiliated hotels and five-star hotels.
From the early planning stage, we provide comprehensive support for obtaining the necessary business permits required for hotel and ryokan operations.
We also handle various types of hotel and ryokan formats, including the latest unmanned (self-service) hotels.

Nationwide Support

• Hokkaido (Sapporo, Hakodate, Asahikawa, etc.)
• Tochigi (Nikko, etc.)
• Tokyo (Ginza, Asakusa, Haneda, etc.)
• Yokohama
• Hakone
• Fujikawaguchiko
• Atami
• Nagoya
• Hida Takayama
• Ise
• Wakayama
• Kanazawa
• Kyoto
• Nara
• Osaka
• Hyogo (Awajishima, Kinosaki, etc.)
• Okayama (Hiruzen, Tsuyama, etc.)
• Hiroshima
• Ehime Matsuyama
• Fukuoka
• Saga
• Nagasaki
• Kumamoto Aso
• Kagoshima
• Oita Yufuin
• Okinawa (Naha, Ishigaki, Miyakojima, etc.)

Examples of Our Experience

【Major Foreign-affiliated Hotel – First Entry into Japan】

This case involved a hotel operator making its first entry into the Japanese market. While certain practices were acceptable in their home country, it became clear that they could not be implemented under Japanese laws and regulations.

After carefully listening to the client’s desired style, we proposed suitable hotel designs and compliance approaches, which successfully led to the opening of their first hotel in Japan.

In addition, since our firm offers multilingual support, we were able to conduct meetings in English with the local subsidiary.

Types and Number of Business Permits Obtained　

Hotel business permit / Restaurant business permits (3 permits)/ Notification of establishment for late-night alcohol-serving restaurant / Public bath business permit / Swimming pool permit / Laundry agency permit / General liquor retail license application

Location　
　Kyoto　

【Luxury City Hotel】　　

This was a large-scale hotel with multiple departments, such as accommodation, food and beverage, spa, and fire safety, each handled by different people in charge. However, due to the busy preparations for the opening, the process of obtaining business permits had been delayed.

Progress varied across departments, and a lead coordinator was needed to oversee the license acquisition process.

By joining the opening team, our firm took full responsibility for all administrative procedures related to business permits. We clearly communicated the necessary requirements to each department and acted as the lead coordinator for permit acquisition.

As a result, direct communication from administrative authorities to on-site staff was eliminated, significantly reducing their workload.

Types and Number of Business Permits Obtained
　Hotel business permit / Restaurant business permits (7 permits) / Notifications of establishment for late-night alcohol-serving restaurant (2 notifications) / Public bath business permit application / Swimming pool permit / Laundry agency permit

Location　
　Osaka　

【Large Resort Hotel】　　

This case involved delays in the original construction schedule due to factors such as typhoons.

Even when the construction schedule is pushed back, it is often difficult to change the planned opening date.

Within a limited timeframe, we carefully managed the schedule for application submissions and on-site inspections, enabling the hotel to open successfully on the originally planned date.

Types and Number of Business Permits Obtained　
　Hotel business permit / Restaurant business permits (3 permits) / Notification of establishment for late-night alcohol-serving restaurant / Public bath business permit application / Swimming pool permit / Laundry agency permit / General liquor retail license application
Location　
　Okinawa

【Fully Unmanned Hotel】　　

This case involved a client who wished to operate a fully unmanned hotel in response to rising labor costs.

While face-to-face check-in is generally required, by thoroughly understanding the rules regarding regulatory exemptions and applying them appropriately to on-site operations and management methods, it became possible to run the hotel with minimal staffing.

Types and Number of Business Permits Obtained　
　Hotel business permit / Restaurant business permit
Location　
　Ise City, Mie Prefecture

【Chain-type Large-scale Hotel Project with Nationwide Expansion】

This was a large-scale project aimed at opening 14 hotel facilities nationwide within a short period.

In order to coordinate with the local administrative authorities at each location and proceed smoothly, not only manpower but also extensive knowledge and experience were essential for efficient progress.

Our firm has abundant experience with chain-type hotels involving simultaneous openings. We coordinated efficiently with each administrative office, enabling all hotels to open successfully as scheduled.

Types and Number of Business Permits Obtained　
　Hotel business permit / Restaurant business permit
Locations　
　Hokkaido, Hyogo, Okayama, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Kumamoto, Kagoshima　

Benefits of Working with Our Firm

Dedicated Expert Team Support

　Our hotel-specialized team handles everything from preliminary consultations with administrative authorities.

Extensive Experience and Know-how

We have a proven track record, knowledge, and expertise in supporting the opening of various hotels and ryokans across Japan. Our experience includes involvement from the development stage of large foreign-affiliated hotels and resort hotels.

By proceeding with multiple procedures simultaneously, we create detailed plans and reliably handle all necessary applications on your behalf.

Speedy Service

Our motto is fast response.
Our expert team provides the fastest service available.

Support in English, Chinese, and Korean

We offer support in English, Chinese, and Korean.
Even non-Japanese clients can feel at ease.

Support Menu

開業トータルサポート（PLAN～OPEN）

事業承継・組織変更サポート

旅館業の許可申請 関係法令調査サポート

※Customized support is also available upon request.

Process Flow for Obtaining Permits

Support for Applications Related to the Hotel Business Act and Consultations with Public Health Centers

Below are examples of representative business permits; however, we also provide consulting services and guidance on other permit applications or modification procedures, tailored to the hotel’s operational style, services, and facilities.

Business Permits under the Food Sanitation Act

For food and beverage-related facilities and equipment, various standards are set by the Food Sanitation Act and prefectural ordinances.
The required permits and standards may differ depending on the specific business operations and management methods.

For example, in some cases, a single-compartment sink may be sufficient, while in other cases, a double-compartment sink may be required.
It is not enough to simply install the required equipment; its actual functionality is also checked during on-site inspections.

If the facilities do not meet the standards, it may be necessary to redo construction work.

Applications for business permits under the Food Sanitation Act are generally submitted after the facilities and equipment are completed.
However, it is important to confirm the applicable standards in advance, based on the intended operations, before construction begins.
With our extensive experience, we provide advice from the planning stage, including which permits may be required.

Notification for Establishment of Late-night Alcohol-serving Restaurant

Although this is a notification process, it is subject to standards required by the local police department in accordance with the Enforcement Regulations of the Adult Entertainment Business Act. Therefore, prior consultation is necessary.

For example, items over one meter in height that obstruct visibility are not permitted.
The height and placement of tables and chairs are also subject to inspection.
If the facility does not meet the standards, modifications or reconstruction work may be required.

Regarding the business floor area, if the calculation cannot be easily verified by the police officer using the area calculation sheet, the notification may not be accepted.

The notification must be submitted after the completion of the facility and after the restaurant business permit application has been filed.
However, it is important to confirm the applicable standards in advance—before construction—and to prepare the necessary documents beforehand.

Public Bath Business Permit

If a ryokan or hotel’s large public bath, spa, or sauna is to be made accessible to non-staying guests, a Public Bathhouse Business Permit must be obtained.

In recent years, due to increasing hygiene concerns related to Legionella bacteria, it is necessary to consult with the public health center in advance regarding not only the structural facilities but also the sanitation management procedures.

Additionally, some municipal ordinances require that bathhouses cannot be visible from outside. Compliance with regulations regarding window transparency and visibility from nearby buildings is required.
During the on-site inspection, if the visibility does not meet the standards, additional measures may be requested. Therefore, advance confirmation is essential.

Swimming Pool Operation Permit

When constructing a swimming pool within a ryokan or hotel, an operation permit application is required.

It is necessary to consult with the public health center in advance to confirm whether the facility structure and water quality standards comply with local ordinances.
In addition to meeting structural standards such as filtration systems and pool construction, detailed compliance is also required for safety management systems and water quality management systems.

It is also important to understand in advance the key inspection points that will be checked during the on-site inspection.

Notification for Opening a Laundry facility (Agency)

Even when clothing received from guests is outsourced to an external laundry service provider, the ryokan or hotel must submit a notification for a laundry facility (Agency) .

For example, even in the case of a agency, submission of facility layout drawings and business operation methods in accordance with the Laundry Business Act is required.
Whether the facilities and operations comply with the content of the notification will also be checked during the on-site inspection.

Depending on the business system and operating method of the laundry service within the ryokan or hotel, it is necessary to confirm the application procedures with the administrative authorities in advance.

Consulting Services for Registered Hotels and Registered Ryokans

To promote international tourism, the Japan Tourism Agency has established a registration system for hotels and ryokans that ensures a certain level of service quality, allowing foreign visitors to stay with peace of mind.

Facilities that meet the standards stipulated by the Act for the Development of International Tourist Hotels—including criteria such as room numbers for hotels and ryokans, the appointment of guest service supervisors, and business management status—are certified under this system.

Many large resort hotels, tourist hotels, and urban luxury hotels across Japan are already registered.

To become a registered hotel or registered ryokan, facilities must meet specific requirements in terms of both infrastructure and hospitality standards.
Our firm provides consulting services to confirm compliance with these standards and offer appropriate advice.

Benefits of Becoming a Registered Hotel or Registered Ryokan

1.Recognition as a Hotel or Ryokan Endorsed by the Japanese Government

Being officially recognized by the Japanese government serves as a trusted indicator for foreign tourists when choosing accommodation.
Additionally, the Japan Tourism Agency promotes registered hotels and registered ryokans through various information channels.

2.Preferential Local Taxation

Registered hotels and registered ryokans may be eligible for preferential local taxation, depending on the policies of each municipality.
This system allows for special tax treatments, such as reduced property taxes, under specific conditions.

Requirements for Registered Hotels and Registered Ryokans

Main Requirements for Hotels

• Minimum number of standard guest rooms: 15 rooms
• Standard guest rooms must account for more than half of the total guest rooms
• Kitchen and dining area capable of providing Western-style breakfast
• Lobby and dining area must meet a certain size standard
• Facility signage suitable for foreign guests (e.g., facility guides, guest rooms, evacuation routes, etc.)

Main Requirements for Ryokans

• Minimum number of standard guest rooms: 10 rooms
• Standard guest rooms must account for at least one-third of the total guest rooms
• At least two guest rooms must have both a bathroom and toilet
• Common-use bathing facilities (unless all standard rooms have private baths)
• Facility signage suitable for foreign guests (e.g., facility guides, guest rooms, evacuation routes, etc.)

Hospitality Requirements

• Appointment of a Guest Service Supervisor for Foreign Guests

[Requirements for Appointment]
　・At least three years of experience in customer service roles
　・Foreign language communication skills necessary for hospitality (e.g., English proficiency equivalent to EIKEN Grade 3 or higher)
*The language is not limited to English.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are needed:

1. Building construction confirmation
2. Hotel business permit under the Hotel Business Act
3. Certificate of compliance with Fire Safety Regulations issued by the fire department

Additionally, if you are repurposing an existing building, a change of use application is also required.

Procedures such as a restaurant business permit and a notification of establishment for a late-night alcohol-serving restaurant will be needed.

Required facility and structural standards may differ depending on the type of permit, so it is essential to consult with the local authorities in advance.

What permits are required to sell sweets or other takeaway items at the hotel?

You will need permits such as a confectionery manufacturing permit or an ice cream product manufacturing permit.

One important point to consider is whether the same kitchen used for restaurant operations will also be used for manufacturing.
If the same kitchen is used, you cannot produce manufacturing items during restaurant business hours.

In that case, you will either need to produce during off-hours or establish a separate kitchen for manufacturing purposes.
You should carefully review the restaurant operation plan and proceed with facility design and construction accordingly.

Are any permits required to offer laundry agency services?

This depends on the municipality and the type of business model.
Generally, a notification for non-store laundry agency operations is required.

I heard that a certificate of compliance with Fire Safety Regulations is necessary for a hotel business permit under the Hotel Business Act. What is this?

It is a certification issued by the fire department confirming compliance with fire safety regulations.
Preparation of a fire safety plan, appointment of a fire prevention manager, and an on-site inspection are required.

If I want to operate a spa within the hotel, are any permits required?

It depends on whether the facility will be open to non-staying guests.

If the spa is for hotel guests only, it can be covered under the hotel business permit.
If it is open to non-staying guests, a public bath business permit will be required.

We want to install a sauna in the large bath area and make it available for shared use by both men and women. Are there any points we should be aware of?

You need to carefully check the relevant municipal ordinances that govern your hotel location.

First, consider whether the facility will be available to non-staying guests.
If so, the sauna will generally fall under the category of “Other Public Bathhouses,” and the Public Bathhouse Act and related regulations will apply.

These regulations include provisions such as: “In principle, mixed bathing of men and women over the age of 7 is not permitted.”
Therefore, shared use by men and women is generally not allowed.

However, if the authorities determine through consultation that there are no concerns regarding public decency, shared use may be permitted if guests wear swimsuits or similar attire.

Our firm has extensive experience supporting mixed-use bathing and sauna facilities. Please feel free to consult with us.

Fees

※The final estimate will be provided based on the specific service content.
A volume discount is available when multiple business permits are requested together.