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Ryokan Business License

Published: 2021.9.14
Updated: 2025.7.27

Ryokan

To open a hotel, ryokan, etc., as long as you charge accommodation fees and provide accommodation, you need a hotel business license.

If you do not charge accommodation fees and simply provide accommodation, you do not need this license. However, if you charge any fees, such as for electricity or water usage, these are considered accommodation fees. In this case, a ryokan business license is also required.

Setup Process

Here's a brief introduction to the steps required before starting your business.

Pre-Operation Consultation

Before starting renovations or construction of your hotel, bring design plans and other relevant documents to the following locations for administrative consultation.
(This step is very important because if you start construction without consulting first, and the administrative authorities discover issues during a site inspection after completion (e.g., this location cannot be used for a hotel), it will cause significant trouble. Therefore, remember to complete administrative consultation beforehand.)

  1. Health Center (According to: Hotel Business Act)
  2. Building Related Department (According to Building Standards Act)
  3. Fire Department (According to Fire Service Act)
  4. Other pre-operation administrative consultations required for licenses
    Example: Opening a restaurant in the hotel → “Restaurant Business License”

Business License Application

After completing the preliminary administrative consultation, you can begin the project. It’s best to apply for various business licenses at the start of the project.

Licenses for the hotel industry can be applied for during this period, and you can apply for other related licenses simultaneously. Here are some examples:

  • Operating a restaurant within the hotel or inn: “Restaurant Business License”
  • Selling alcohol in a convenience store: “General Liquor Retail License”

These licenses take considerable time to apply for, so it is highly recommended to allow ample time for the application process before project completion.

Health Inspection

After the project is completed, relevant administrative departments will conduct on-site investigations or inspections to check compliance with regulations, such as ventilation, lighting, water supply facilities, etc.

License Issuance

If the on-site investigation reveals no issues, you can begin operations from the designated date after receiving a business license issued by the director of the Health Center.

Services Provided by us

We will provide the following services based on client needs.

  • Pre-administrative consultation for each administrative department
  • Agency application for hotel business licenses
  • Agency application for other business licenses
  • On-site investigation assistance
  • License certificate collection

In addition, our representative can provide services in Mandarin and Cantonese. Please feel free to inquire and offer suggestions if you have any questions.