GUIDE · TRAVEL
Travel agency registration in Japan
旅行業の登録Ryokogyo toroku — for tours and travel packages
Many foreign founders sell tours to visitors. Arranging transport and accommodation for a fee is travel business — and needs registration.
Types
4 + agent
1st, 2nd, 3rd class, regional
1st class
Japan Tourism Agency
Others: prefectural governor
Each office
Manager
A licensed travel service manager
Regional
Local tours
Your town and neighboring towns
Types of registration
| Type | Registered by | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1st class第1種 | Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency | Widest scope, including overseas package tours |
| 2nd class第2種 | Prefectural governor | Domestic package tours and more |
| 3rd class第3種 | Prefectural governor | Narrower scope for package tours |
| Regional地域限定 | Prefectural governor | Tours within your area and neighboring municipalities |
| Agent旅行業者代理業 | Prefectural governor | Selling on behalf of one registered travel agency |
Each type has its own financial requirements and business scope. Questions about 2nd, 3rd, regional and agent registration go to the prefecture of your main office.
A travel service manager in every office
- Every office needs at least one travel service manager (旅行業務取扱管理者)
- Offices handling overseas travel need someone who passed the general exam
- Domestic-only offices can use a general or domestic exam holder
- Offices handling only local tours can use a regional exam holder
FAQ
Do I need a license to sell tours in Japan?
Yes. Arranging transport or accommodation for travelers as a business needs travel agency registration, from the Japan Tourism Agency (1st class) or the prefectural governor (other types).
What is a regional travel agency in Japan?
A registration for tours limited to the area of your office and neighboring municipalities. It is registered by the prefectural governor.
Who can be a travel service manager?
Someone who passed the national exam that fits the office: general for overseas travel, general or domestic for domestic travel, or regional for local tours only.
Sources
- Outline of the Travel Agency Act (旅行業法概要) — Japan Tourism Agency
- Travel service managers (旅行業務取扱管理者) — Japan Tourism Agency
This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. The official Japanese guidelines always take priority.
NEED HELP IN ENGLISH?
Talk to an English-speaking expert
Gyoseishoshi who handle travel agency registration for foreign-owned businesses — in English.
See experts →PR · Paid listings
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Booking systems
- Online payments
- Travel insurance