Japan notifies local gov'ts they may "ban" private lodgings amid problems

TOKYO - The Japanese government has notified local governments that they may effectively ban "minpaku" private lodgings through ordinances to protect residential areas from noise, garbage and other disturbances.

The notice, dated Wednesday, was issued by the Japan Tourism Agency and two other government entities, following a rise in private lodgings that has impacted the living environment of residents.