This is an automated archive made by the Lemmit Bot.
The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/Gloomy-View5162 on 2025-09-21 05:22:51+00:00.
Just wanted to share a warning to any travellers renting airbnb in Japan. There is a law which allows these properties: “ryokans, aparthotels, hostel, resorts, and boutique hotels”; to install an internal security device which must only record the entrance way and not any living space, and only where it is not possible to install an exterior camera. The device must not have audio capability.
Link: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3589
I booked an entire apartment (two floors) on Airbnb where clearly the host has loosely interpreted the provision and put an internal security camera 6 metres into the living space, which recorded the entranceway AS WELL AS the kitchen and dining area (basically the vast majority of the downstairs space). The model of the camera is a Panasonic KX-HJC100-W - the specification online clearly shows the camera has audio capability. There was also an exterior camera on the outside recording the entryway into the property.
Complained to Airbnb and despite their own guidance, the Airbnb rep has repeatedly said that no rules have been violated and claim that they have “confirmed” that the camera model has no audio capability, but won’t elaborate on anything, citing “privacy policy” (presumably of the host!) and they have now closed the conversation and won’t allow me to complain any further.
Update: here is the link to the Airbnb (in Kanazawa) https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/9717578