'Airbnb refugees' in Japan seek ways around regulatory roadblocks

With private lodging market murky, travelers and owners take the initiative

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Some hosts and guests avoid using web platforms like Airbnb after strict laws governing home-sharing took effect in Japan on June 15.

ERI SUGIURA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Tourists in Japan are still having trouble finding accommodations after a new home-sharing law took effect June 15.

After U.S.-based Airbnb pulled thousands of listings of property owners who failed to complete the registration process on time, some travelers and hosts are negotiating directly. By cutting out middlemen like Airbnb, they hope to get around the strict rules.

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