Inn business license (inn/hotel business)

Updated: July 2026, 2

To open a hotel or inn, in addition to obtaining a hotel business license for the hotel or inn itself,
Large public baths, swimming pools, restaurants and other facilities within hotels and inns, cleaning services,
Licensing, permits and notifications are also required for services such as selling alcohol and providing it late at night.

What these have in common is the standard for the hard aspects of facilities and equipment,
There are soft standards for operation methods and service content,
Depending on the specific operation method and service content,
The standards required for hardware may differ.

Understanding and obtaining the necessary permits and licenses, both hardware and software, from the early stages of planning will lead to a smooth opening.

Our company has experience handling the procedures for many inns and hotels, including foreign-affiliated hotels and five-star hotels.
When opening a hotel or inn, we can handle all the necessary permits and licenses from the early planning stages.
We also cater to various types of hotels and inns, including the latest unmanned 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
• 京都
• Nara
• Osaka
• Hyogo (Awaji Island, Kinosaki, etc.)
• Okayama (Hiruzen, Tsuyama, etc.)
• Hiroshima
• Matsuyama, Ehime
• Fukuoka
• 佐賀
• Nagasaki
• Kumamoto Aso
• Kagoshima
• Yufuin, Oita
• Okinawa (Naha, Ishigaki, Miyakojima, etc.)

Correspondence example

[Major foreign-affiliated hotel making its first foray into Japan]

This was a hotel operator entering Japan for the first time, but we found that what was possible in their home country could not be handled in Japan due to laws, regulations, etc.

After listening to their desired style, we proposed hotel design and response methods, and were able to successfully open their first hotel in Japan.

In addition, since we can also provide support in foreign languages, we were able to hold meetings with the local subsidiary in English.

Number and types of licenses obtained　
　Hotel business license / Restaurant business license (3 licenses) / Late-night alcohol serving restaurant business opening notification
　Public bath business license application / swimming pool / cleaning / general liquor retail license application
Region　
　京都　

[Luxury City Hotel]　　

It was a large hotel with multiple staff members divided into different areas such as accommodation, food and beverage, SPA, and fire protection, but they were so busy preparing to open that obtaining licenses and permits had been put on the back burner.

The progress of each person in charge was different, so the project required a leader to coordinate the license acquisition.

By joining the business opening team, we were able to handle all administrative issues related to permits and licenses. We clearly explained what was required of the person in charge and played a leading role in obtaining the permits and licenses.

The local government no longer needs to contact the site, which has significantly reduced the burden on the site.

Number and types of licenses obtained
　Hotel business permit / Restaurant business permit (7 cases) / Late-night alcohol serving restaurant opening notification (2 cases)
　Public bath business license application/swimming pool/cleaning
Region　
　Osaka　

[Large resort hotel]　　

In this case, the construction period was delayed from the originally planned schedule due to the effects of a typhoon and other factors.　　

Even if the construction schedule is delayed, it will be difficult to change the planned opening date.

Within a limited time frame, we managed to carefully schedule the application dates, on-site inspection dates, etc., and were able to open on the scheduled date without any problems.

Number and types of licenses obtained　
　Hotel business license / Restaurant business license (3 licenses) / Late-night alcohol serving restaurant business opening notification
　Public bath business license application / swimming pool / cleaning / general liquor retail license application
Region　
　Okinawa

[Completely unmanned hotel]　　

With labor costs rising, the client wanted to operate a completely unmanned hotel.

Generally, face-to-face check-in is required, but by thoroughly understanding the rules of the easing measures and incorporating them into the hotel's on-site and operating methods, it has become possible to operate with fewer staff.

Number and types of licenses obtained　
　Hotel business license/Restaurant business license
Region　
　Ise City, Mie Prefecture

[Nationwide chain-type large-scale hotel project]

It was a large-scale project that aimed to open 14 hotels across the country in a short period of time.

In order to proceed, we will hold meetings with the respective administrative authorities of each base.
Not only manpower but also knowledge and experience are essential to proceed efficiently.

Our company has plenty of experience with hotel chains that open all at once like this one. We were able to smoothly advance discussions with each government agency and successfully open all of our hotels as scheduled.

Number and types of licenses obtained　
　Hotel business license/Restaurant business license
Region　
　Hokkaido, Hyogo, Okayama, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Saga, Kumamoto, Kagoshima　

Benefits of Choosing Support Gyoseishoshi Law Firm

Specialist Team Support

　Our specialized hotel team will handle all your requests from advance consultation with the authorities.

Extensive track record and know-how

We have a track record, knowledge, and know-how in supporting the opening of various hotels and inns across the country.
We are involved in the opening of large foreign-owned hotels and the development stages of resort hotels.

In order to proceed with multiple procedures simultaneously, we will make detailed plans and ensure that various applications are handled on your behalf.

Fast Response

　Our motto is fast response.
　Our specialized team will respond faster than anywhere else!

English-Chinese and Korean available

　We can assist you in English, Chinese, and Korean.　
　If you are a foreign national, don't worry.

Common failure cases

Opening a hotel requires numerous procedures, such as obtaining a hotel business license, a restaurant business license, and a late-night restaurant business notification.
The key to obtaining these permits is not just the preparation of necessary documents, but also whether the building structure and facilities themselves meet the requirements.

Minor design differences, such as changes to plumbing or different door specifications, can lead to the need to obtain new permits or redo construction work.
The following column provides detailed examples of cases where problems could have been prevented by consulting with experts from the planning stage.

SupportMenu

Total business opening support (PLAN - OPEN)

Business succession and organizational change support

Hotel business license application and related law research support

* In addition to the above, customization is also possible upon request.

The process leading up to approval

We also handle applications for licenses related to the Hotel Business Act and consultations with health centers.

The most common licenses and permits are listed below, but we can also provide consulting for other license applications and change procedures, tailored to the hotel's management methods and the services and facilities offered, and guide you through the necessary procedures.

Business license based on the Food Sanitation Act

There are various standards regarding food and beverage related facilities and equipment under the Food Sanitation Act and prefectural ordinances.
The standards and permits required may vary depending on the specific business and operation methods.

For example, where a single-basin sink is sufficient, you may need a two-basin sink.
It is not enough for the necessary equipment to be installed; on-site inspections are also conducted to check whether it actually functions.

If the standards are not met, the work may have to be redone.

Applications for business licenses under the Food Sanitation Act are usually made after the equipment and facilities are completed,
Before construction begins, it is important to check the applicable standards according to the intended operations.
Our extensive experience allows us to advise you from the planning stage, including what permits you may need.

Notification of late-night alcohol serving restaurant business

Regarding notification, prior consultation is required as there are standards set by the local police station in accordance with the Enforcement Regulations of the Entertainment and Amusement Business Act.

For example, there should be no objects blocking the view beyond one meter.
The height and placement of tables and chairs will also be checked.
If the standards are not met, the equipment will need to be changed or the construction work redone.
Regarding business floor space, if police officers cannot check it by simple addition based on an area calculation table, it may not be accepted.

The notification will be made after the facilities are completed and the application for a restaurant business license has been submitted, but it is important to check the applicable standards before construction begins and prepare the necessary documents in advance.

Details

Public bath business license

In order to allow people other than overnight guests to use the large public baths, spas, saunas, etc. in inns and hotels, a public bath operating license must be obtained.

Recently, there have been hygiene issues related to Legionella, so you should consult with your local health center in advance not only about structures and facilities but also about hygiene management methods.

Additionally, local government ordinances stipulate that the bathhouse must not be visible from the outside, and conditions must be met regarding window transparency and visibility from neighboring buildings.
Depending on the actual appearance during the on-site inspection, you may be required to take measures, so it is important to check in advance.

Pool (swimming area) opening permit

If you wish to build a pool within an inn or hotel, you will need to apply for permission to open the pool.

We will consult with the local health center in advance to see if the building facilities, water quality standards, etc. comply with the standards based on the ordinances of each local government.
Not only do they need to meet structural and equipment standards for things like filtration equipment and pool structure, but they also need to carefully follow standards for safety management systems and water quality management systems.

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

Notification of establishment of cleaning office (agency)

Even if the inn or hotel outsources the cleaning of clothes left by guests to an external cleaning company, it is necessary for the inn or hotel to register the cleaning shop (agency) as an intermediary.
For example, agents are required to submit drawings of the necessary equipment and business methods in accordance with the Dry Cleaning Business Act.
In addition, on-site inspections are conducted to verify that the facilities and operating methods are as reported.
　
Depending on the business system and business methods of the cleaning business within the inn or hotel, you will need to check with the local authorities in advance to see how the application is required and then proceed with the procedure.

We also provide consulting services for registered hotels and inns.

In order to promote international tourism, the Japan Tourism Agency has established a registration system for hotels and inns that guarantee a certain level of service as facilities where foreign visitors to Japan can stay with peace of mind.
Hotels and inns are certified if they meet the standards stipulated in the International Tourist Hotel Development Act with regard to facility standards such as the number of guest rooms, personnel aspects such as the appointment of a person in charge of foreign guest reception, and management status.

Many large resort hotels, tourist hotels, and urban luxury hotels from all over Japan are registered.
To become a registered hotel or inn, a hotel must meet certain requirements regarding facilities and hospitality.
We will check and advise you on whether or not you meet these standards.

Benefits of becoming a registered hotel or inn

1. To become a hotel or inn that has been approved by the Japanese government

As it has the seal of approval from the Japanese government, it can also serve as a guideline for foreign tourists when choosing a hotel.
Additionally, the Japan Tourism Agency will also disseminate information about registered hotels and inns.

2.Uneven local taxation

At the discretion of each local government, uneven local taxation (a system that applies different tax rates than normal in certain cases, such as reduced fixed asset taxes) can be implemented for registered hotels and inns.

Requirements for registered hotels and inns

Hotel main criteria

• Standard number of rooms: 15 or more
• The number of standard rooms is more than half of the total number of rooms
• Kitchen and dining area that can serve Western breakfast
• A certain level of lobby and dining area
• Signs within the building for foreign visitors (guidance within the building, guest rooms, evacuation routes, etc.)

The main criteria for a ryokan

• Standard number of rooms: 10 or more
• The number of standard guest rooms is at least 1/3 of the total number of guest rooms
• Two or more rooms with attached bathroom and toilet
• Shared bathroom (unless all standard rooms have a bathroom)
• Signs within the building for foreign visitors (guidance within the building, guest rooms, evacuation routes, etc.)

Hospitality requirements

• Appointment of a person in charge of foreign visitor reception

[Requirements for appointment]
　・Over 3 years of experience in customer service
　・Ability to converse in a foreign language necessary for customer service (English: EIKEN Grade 3 or above) * Any language is acceptable

We also provide support for applications for specific skills visas.

*Our corporation is an administrative scrivener corporation and is not a government agency (government agency).

FAQ

1) A building construction confirmation, 2) a business license under the Inns and Hotels Business Act, and 3) a notice of compliance with fire safety laws and regulations are required.

Additionally, if you are repurposing an existing property, you will also need to change its use.

Procedures such as a restaurant business license and a notification to start operating a restaurant that serves alcoholic beverages late at night are required.

The structural and equipment requirements vary depending on the license you obtain.
You should always consult with your local government beforehand.

I would like to sell take-out sweets etc. at my hotel. What kind of permits and licenses are required?

Procedures such as a confectionery manufacturing license and an ice cream manufacturing license are required.

The thing to be careful about here is whether you will use the same kitchen that you use for your restaurant business.
If you use the same kitchen, during the restaurant's business hours,
Manufacturing products cannot be cooked in parallel.

It will be necessary to either schedule production outside of business hours or set up a new kitchen specifically for production.
It is necessary to carefully consider how the restaurant will be operated and then proceed with on-site design and construction.

Do I need a license to provide cleaning services?

This varies depending on the local government and business type, so please check.
In general, in many cases it is necessary to obtain a non-store agency business license etc.

I heard that a business license under the Hotel Business Act requires a notification of compliance with fire regulations, but what does it look like?

This is proof from the fire department that there are no problems with fire safety regulations.
It is necessary to create a fire prevention plan, appoint a fire prevention manager, and conduct on-site inspections.

I would like to operate a spa in the hotel. Do I need any licenses?

It depends on whether the facility will be available to non-hotel guests.

If the facility is to be used only by overnight guests, this can be accommodated within the scope of the hotel business license.
If you wish to accept non-guests, you will need a public bath business license.

I'd like to install a sauna in the large public bath. I'd like it to be used by both men and women. Is there anything I should be aware of?

You must carefully check the local government regulations that govern the hotel.

First, please consider whether to allow people other than hotel guests to use the facility.
If it is possible, saunas are basically classified as "other public baths."
The Public Baths Act and related laws and regulations apply.

It states that "in principle, mixed bathing is not permitted for people aged 7 or older."
Basically, it is not possible for both men and women to use the facility.

However, if, after discussion, it is determined that there is no disruption to public morals,
In some cases, sharing is permitted if you wear a swimsuit or other clothing.

Our company also handles many mixed-gender and shared bathing facilities such as hot spring baths and saunas, so please feel free to contact us.

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Amount of compensation

*We will provide a formal quotation depending on the service content.
　In addition, if you request multiple licenses and permits at once, we will offer a volume discount.