Follow our new CNA LIFESTYLE page on Facebook for more travel stories and videos SINGAPORE: If you have plans to travel to Japan – and have booked…
Follow our new CNA LIFESTYLE page on Facebook for more travel stories and videos
SINGAPORE: If you have plans to travel to Japan – and have booked accommodation through Airbnb – then you’re probably more than a bit anxious about recent developments regarding the thousands of cancellations taking place.
The popular holiday rental site recently announced it was forced to cancel bookings under a new Japan law that enforced stricter rules on its minpaku – or private lodging services – market, which requires hosts to get a licence by Jun 15.
Here’s what you need to know about the Airbnb situation in Japan – and what to do if you’re affected.
1. AM I AFFECTED?
Most likely, if you’re set to arrive in Japan in mid-June. According to Airbnb, “any reservation scheduled for guest arrival between Jun 15 and Jun 19 at a listing in Japan that does not currently have a license has been cancelled».
2. WHAT IF MY RESERVATION IS AFTER JUN 19?
For now, it seems you’re in the clear – if the listing is still available on Airbnb. But just to be sure, contact your host and get their government licence number.
It’s trickier if your listing has suddenly disappeared. The situation is fluid – Airbnb has said that unless the Japanese government reverses its situation, it will automatically cancel and refund “any reservations at listings in Japan that have not been licensed within 10 days of guest arrival».
3. WHAT IS THIS LICENCE YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT?
Last year, Japan legalised home sharing – a law amending the 70-year-old Japan Hotels and Inn Acts, which was pretty unclear about the rules for home sharing.
