We are an English-speaking administrative scrivener office specializing in hotel, ryokan, and guesthouse licensing in Hakuba Village and the Omachi Health Office jurisdiction, Nagano Prefecture. From Ryokan Business Act permits to fire code and water pollution compliance — we handle everything.
From Ryokan Business Act permit applications to all associated regulatory filings, our firm handles every step of the licensing process in Hakuba Village and the Omachi Health Office jurisdiction.
We handle all permit applications under the Ryokan Business Act — covering Hotel, Ryokan, and Simple Lodging categories. From pre-consultation at the Omachi Health Office to document preparation, submission, and on-site inspection attendance — full service through to permit issuance.
We obtain the Fire Code Compliance Certificate (mandatory for the ryokan permit application), file all required notifications, confirm equipment requirements, attend the fire department inspection, and advise on flame-retardant labelled furnishings required under Fire Service Act Article 8-3.
If your property includes bath facilities, kitchen equipment, or laundry facilities, you must file a Specified Facility Installation Notification with Nagano Prefecture at least 60 days before construction begins. We prepare and submit this filing on your behalf.
Hakuba is one of Japan's fastest-growing inbound hospitality markets. We offer full English-language consultations, document explanations, and correspondence. We support non-resident investors through the full permit application process in English.
Navigating Japan's hotel licensing system requires understanding specific legal terms. Here we explain the key concepts you'll encounter when opening a hotel or ryokan in Hakuba.
Japan's primary law governing accommodation businesses. The 2018 reform merged the Hotel and Ryokan categories into a single "Hotel/Ryokan" category, leaving two practical permit categories: ① Hotel/Ryokan and ② Simple Lodging. A permit from the prefectural governor (via Omachi Health Office for Hakuba) is required. Operating without a permit is a criminal offense.
A permit category under the Ryokan Business Act suitable for guesthouses, hostels, and small lodges. The key requirement is a minimum total floor area of 33 sqm for guest rooms (or 3.3 sqm × number of guests for properties with fewer than 10 guests). Popular for boutique Hakuba lodge operators.
A mandatory document attached to the Ryokan Business permit application, certifying that the facility complies with Japan's fire codes. Process: apply to the local fire department with floor plans → on-site inspection → certificate issued approximately 1 week after inspection. Without this certificate, the health office will not accept your ryokan permit application.
Under Fire Service Act Article 8-3, hotels and ryokan must use flame-retardant certified products (bearing the official Bouen label) for curtains, carpets, and fabric blinds. This is a legal obligation — non-compliance constitutes a fire code violation. Verification must be done during the interior construction phase.
Facilities under Japan's Water Pollution Prevention Act that may discharge wastewater, including hotel baths, laundry equipment, and kitchens. Installation requires filing a notification with Nagano Prefecture at least 60 days before construction begins. One of the most commonly overlooked requirements for new hotel operators in Japan.
The designated government office under Nagano Prefecture handling Ryokan Business Act permits for Hakuba Village, Otari Village, Omachi City, Ikeda Town, and Matsukawa Village. All pre-consultations, submissions, and facility inspections for ryokan licensing in this region go through this office.
| Service | Key Scope of Work |
|---|---|
| Ryokan Business Permit (Hotel / Ryokan) | Pre-investigation · Omachi Health Office consultation · Document preparation & filing · Facility inspection support · Permit receipt |
| Ryokan Business Permit (Simple Lodging) | Hakuba, Otari, Omachi and surrounding areas |
| Fire Code Notifications (Full Set) | Pre-consultation with Ohoku Fire Department · Use Commencement & Equipment Installation Notifications · Fire Code Compliance Certificate · Inspection attendance |
| Water Pollution Prevention Act Filing | Facility confirmation (baths, kitchen, laundry) · Filing preparation · Nagano Prefecture submission · 60-day deadline management |
| Registered Particulars Change Application | Changes to capacity or facility equipment after permit acquisition. Pre-consultation with health office recommended before renovation work begins. |
| Permit Transfer / Succession Application | Change of permit holder due to sale, inheritance, or merger. Early consultation recommended before executing a sale agreement. |
* Government filing fee: Nagano Prefecture revenue stamp ¥24,000 applies to both Hotel/Ryokan and Simple Lodging permits (separate from our fees).
* Specialists including lawyers, tax accountants, architects and judicial scriveners can be introduced upon request.
Common questions we receive from foreign investors and international operators looking to open hotels or ryokan in Hakuba Village.
Please use the inquiry form below and we will respond promptly.