Previously, we wrote about the process of transferring a hotel license in Japan through business succession: https://jinshomes.com/the-transfer-process-for-a-hotel-ryokan-airbnb-license-in-japan/
This time, we wanted to share what happened after we submitted the applications — how long the approvals actually took, what happened during the review process, and what caused the biggest difference in processing time.
These are based on three recent cases we handled: two properties in Shibuya Ward and one in Nakano Ward.
A Quick Recap of the Transfer Process
In our recent applications, the core documents required for the transfer were relatively simple:
- An application form
- A document evidencing the transfer of the hotel business
- A written declaration
Once these documents are submitted, however, the process does not necessarily stay within the health center.
Depending on the municipality and the location of the property, if there are schools, parks, or certain other facilities within a specified distance, the health center may need to consult the relevant Board of Education before approving the transfer.
What Happens During the Consultation?
This was actually the part of the process that took the most time in our Shibuya cases.
The consultation with the Board of Education was conducted only once a month, meaning the timing of the application could affect how long we had to wait.
It was also somewhat frustrating because we had no direct contact with the Board of Education. The consultation was handled between the health center and the Board of Education, making it difficult for us to follow the progress while waiting.
Of the three properties, only one received additional questions during this process.
The questions were relatively straightforward and covered basic information such as:
- The intended use of the property
- The types of guests expected to stay
- Accommodation conditions
- Accommodation rates
After providing the requested information, the application proceeded without any major issues.
The other applications were approved without additional questions.
How Long Did It Actually Take?
For the two properties in Shibuya, we submitted the applications in mid-June.
The first was approved in late July, while the second was approved in early August.
For the property in Nakano, we submitted the application in early July and received approval in late July.
Overall, the timelines were more or less what we had expected and were consistent with what the respective health centers had explained to us beforehand.
In fact, the more challenging part came after the approvals: coordinating the actual handover between the old and new operators–different transfer procedures across each OTA, different cleaning methods, equipment, linen handling, and many other details that have to be coordinated.
We are currently going through this process and will share what we learned in more detail in a separate article.
