GUIDE · SALON
Opening a beauty salon in Japan
美容所の開設Biyoshitsu — notification and inspection
Hair and beauty salons in Japan need licensed beauticians and a health-center inspection before opening. Here is the path for foreign owners.
Staff
Licensed
National beautician license
Before opening
Notify
The health center
Then
Inspection
No use until confirmed
2+ beauticians
Manager
A managing beautician
Licensed beauticians only
- Only people with the national beautician license (美容師免許) may do beauty work as a business
- Work is done in principle at a registered salon; home visits are allowed only in limited cases set by the prefecture
- Barbers (理容師) have a separate license and law
You do not need a license to own the salon — but the people doing the work do.
Steps to open
- 01
Talk to the health center 事前相談
Check facility rules (floor area, ventilation, disinfection) before you sign the lease or fit out.
- 02
Notify before opening 開設届
Submit the salon’s location, facilities and staff details to the health center.
- 03
Facility inspection 検査確認
The salon cannot be used until the inspection confirms it meets hygiene standards.
- 04
Appoint a managing beautician 管理美容師
Needed if two or more beauticians work there: 3+ years of experience and a designated course.
FAQ
Can a foreigner open a hair salon in Japan?
Yes. The owner does not need a beautician license, but everyone doing the work must hold the Japanese national license, and the salon must be notified to and inspected by the health center.
Do I need a managing beautician?
If two or more beauticians work at the salon, you need a managing beautician with at least three years of experience who completed a designated course.
Can I open the salon right after notifying the health center?
No. The salon cannot be used until the health center has inspected it and confirmed it meets hygiene standards.
Sources
- Outline of the Beauticians Act (美容師法の概要) — Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
- Beauticians Act (美容師法) — e-Gov / MHLW
This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. The official Japanese guidelines always take priority.
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