GUIDE · RESTAURANT
Getting a restaurant license in Japan
飲食店の営業許可Inshokuten eigyo kyoka — from the health center
Every restaurant in Japan needs a permit from the local health center before it opens. Plan it together with your lease and fit-out, not after.
Permit from
Health center
Hokenjo of your city
Required
Hygiene manager
One per business, in principle
Hygiene
HACCP
Fully in force since June 2021
Timing
Before
Check plans before construction
Steps to your permit
- 01
Talk to the health center early 事前相談
Bring the floor plan before you sign or build. Facility standards (sinks, ventilation, storage) differ by city.
- 02
Appoint a food hygiene manager 食品衛生責任者
Usually someone who has taken the local training course, or a licensed cook or nutritionist.
- 03
Apply for the permit 営業許可申請
Submit the application and pay the fee at the health center.
- 04
Facility inspection 施設検査
An inspector checks the finished premises.
- 05
Receive the permit and open 許可・開店
Display the permit and run hygiene control based on HACCP.
HACCP-based hygiene control
Since June 1, 2021, all food businesses must follow hygiene control based on HACCP principles. Small businesses can meet it by following an industry guide checked by the health ministry — no certification is needed.
Other permits and filings to check
- Serving alcohol late at night or offering entertainment can need police notifications or permits
- Fire prevention filings with the fire department for the premises
- Selling takeout or packaged food can need other permits
- Hiring staff: see Hiring and social insurance
Subsidies for restaurants
Restaurants often use subsidies for POS and table ordering, kitchen equipment and marketing. See the restaurant guide and POS and cashless.
FAQ
Do I need a license to open a restaurant in Japan?
Yes. Restaurants need a food business permit from the local health center (hokenjo) before opening, and a food hygiene manager.
Who can be the food hygiene manager?
Usually a person who has completed the local training course, or someone with a qualification such as a licensed cook or nutritionist.
Do foreigners need anything special to open a restaurant?
The permit is the same for everyone. You also need a residence status that allows you to run a business, such as Business Manager.
Sources
- Revised Food Sanitation Act — permits, notifications and HACCP (資料) — Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
- HACCP-based hygiene control Q&A — Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. The official Japanese guidelines always take priority.
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WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- POS & table ordering
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