Japan has steady seen a rise in domestic and international travel over the past few years, with tourists exploring everything from vibrant cities to hidden countryside towns. Along with this trend, vacation rentals have grown in popularity, offering more personalized stays compared to traditional hotels. Whether it's a family looking for a house in Kyoto or a solo traveler wanting a weekend near Mt. Fuji, rental platforms now play a big role in how people plan their trips.
This growing demand has led not just to a rise in booking platforms, but also in entrepreneurs wanting to launch their own. In this blog, we'll look at eight of the most recommended vacation rental platforms in Japan for 2025 and how you can build a similar platform tailored to your own business goals.
Top 8 Vacation Rental Platforms in Japan
1. Airbnb Japan
Airbnb remains the most recognized name in the vacation rental space. In Japan, it caters to both urban travelers and those seeking traditional homes. With strong host protection, clear policies, and a mobile-first approach, it continues to lead the market.
2. Rakuten STAY
Operated by e-commerce giant Rakuten, this platform offers fully managed properties with consistent branding and service standards. It appeals to travelers who want hotel-like amenities in rental spaces.
3. STAY JAPAN
This platform focuses on legal and licensed vacation rentals across Japan. It's particularly useful for travelers looking to stay in areas outside major cities. STAY JAPAN often lists unique accommodations like farm stays and local guest houses.
4. Booking.com (Japan)
While known globally for hotels, Booking.com has expanded its vacation rental options in Japan. Many travelers use it to compare hotel and home options side by side, giving it an edge in convenience.
5. HomeAway (now Vrbo)
Targeted more toward families and groups, Vrbo listings often feature larger properties. Though not as prominent in Japan as Airbnb, it still serves a segment of travelers looking for full-home rentals.
6. Minpaku Platforms
“Minpaku” refers to private lodging in Japan. Various regional platforms operate in this space, offering local rentals that comply with specific zoning and licensing regulations. These platforms often cater to domestic travelers.
7. Trip.com (Vacation Rentals in Japan)
This travel giant includes Japanese vacation homes, appealing especially to international tourists from Asia. Its integration with flights and travel packages makes it a convenient one-stop shop.
8. Relux
Relux is a premium booking platform known for luxury ryokans and boutique properties. It caters to travelers seeking high-end, culturally rich accommodations.
How to Build Your Own Vacation Rental Platform
With the growing travel economy in Japan, there's room not only for large platforms but also for niche marketplaces. Entrepreneurs are launching platforms that focus on specific travel types, eco stays, regional lodging, or luxury-only listings. Building such a platform no longer requires starting from scratch.
This is where Airbnb clone scripts come into play. These are ready-made solutions that include all the core features of platforms like Airbnb but can be customized for your business model. They save time and reduce costs compared to building an app from zero.
A well-built Airbnb clone typically includes:
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A booking engine with calendar management
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Separate dashboards for hosts and guests
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Admin panel to manage users, listings, and transactions
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Multi-language and multi-currency support
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Secure payment gateway integration
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Review system, map view, messaging, and notification features
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Mobile responsiveness or dedicated apps
One such solution is RentALLScript — a Customizable Airbnb clone designed for startups and businesses looking to enter the vacation rental market. With features aligned to current market expectations and the flexibility to scale, it offers a reliable path for launching your own vacation rental app in Japan or beyond.
Whether you want to create a platform focused on rural homestays in Hokkaido or theme-based rentals across Kyoto and Osaka, using a clone script gives you a strong foundation without the overhead of full custom development.
Final Thoughts
Japan's vacation rental landscape is expanding, with global platforms and local players coexisting in a highly regulated but opportunity-rich market. If you're exploring the idea of starting your own rental platform, the tools to make that happen are more accessible than ever.
With the right approach and a product tailored to the unique needs of your audience, you can carve out your own space in Japan's growing vacation rental economy.