How to Get a Bar License in Japan: The Ultimate 2026

Opening a bar or alcohol-serving venue in Japan can be a rewarding opportunity, but it is also a process shaped by strict regulations, layered approvals, and local practices that often surprise foreign founders. From zoning and building classification to health permits, fire safety inspections, and late-night alcohol notifications, understanding how to get a bar license in Japan requires more than a simple checklist. This guide breaks down how to get a bar license in Japan step by step, explaining how restaurant licenses, food service permits, and alcohol-related requirements work in practice, what inspections to expect, and how long the process typically takes. Whether you are setting up a bar, expanding a hospitality brand, or buying a bar in Japan, This article explains how to get a bar license in Japan legally, efficiently, and with fewer costly surprises for foreign founders

Learn how to get a bar license in Japan as a foreign entrepreneur. This step-by-step guide covers permits, inspections, costs, timelines, and compliance.

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What Does Getting a Bar License in Japan Actually Mean

A “bar license” in Japan refers to a bundle of permits and notifications, not a single certificate. These approvals are issued at the municipal level and are tied to the specific location, layout, and operator of your bar.

Most Bar Requirements:

• A Food Service Business Permit from the local public health center
• Fire safety approval from the fire department
• A Late-Night Alcohol Service Notification if alcohol is served after midnight

If you misunderstand this structure and assume there is a single license, you risk signing a lease, renovating a space, or hiring staff before knowing whether your bar can legally operate. This is one of the most common causes of delays, sunk costs, and failed openings for foreign founders.

If you are also serving food, your bar is regulated under the same framework as restaurants. Be sure you have researched the guide to setting up restaurants in Japan.

Who Can Legally Get a Bar License in Japan as a Foreigner

Foreign entrepreneurs can legally own and operate bars in Japan, but eligibility depends on business structure, management roles, and visa status.

Most foreign founders operate through:

• A Kabushiki Kaisha (KK)
• A Godo Kaisha (GK)
• Less commonly, a sole proprietorship. However, this structure is less common for foreign founders because it requires the individual to hold a visa that permits self-employment and business operation. Sole proprietorships may also face more scrutiny from landlords and banks, and they offer no liability protection. For foreign entrepreneurs, incorporating as a KK or GK is usually more practical and credible.

Foreign ownership and representative director rules

There are no nationality restrictions on owning a bar business. However, authorities care about who is responsible for operations. Every business must have a clearly designated operator and representative who can be held accountable for compliance.

Visa considerations

Your visa status affects how regulators perceive your credibility and long-term stability.

Common options:

• Business Manager Visa: Strongest signal of long-term intent and operational responsibility
• Startup Visa: Accepted in some cities, but often viewed as temporary
• Visa transitions: If you are changing visa types, timing matters and should be planned before inspections

While licensing and immigration are technically separate, local authorities often take visa stability into account when reviewing applications.

How to Get a Bar License in Japan: Step-by-Step Process

To get a bar license in Japan, the operator must be legally allowed to run a business in the country. This means operating as a registered company (Kabushiki Kaisha or Godo Kaisha) or as a properly registered sole proprietor. Foreign founders must hold a visa that permits business activities, such as a Business Manager Visa or Startup Visa, or appoint a qualified resident manager to handle daily operations on their behalf.

Licensing authorities also evaluate the stability and credibility of the operator. Your company registration, representative director status, visa validity, and tax registration all factor into whether you are considered eligible. While Japanese nationality is not required, regulators expect clear proof that the business will be operated continuously and in compliance with local laws.

Eligibility is also tied to the physical location. Even if the operator qualifies, a bar license cannot be issued unless the premises meet zoning, building-use, sanitation, and fire safety requirements. This means both the person or company and the space itself must be eligible before the application can move forward.

Step 1: Secure a Location That Qualifies for a Bar License in Japan

Before signing a lease, you must confirm: 

• Zoning allows bar or restaurant use:
  Local zoning rules determine whether food and alcohol service is permitted in a specific area. Some residential zones prohibit bars entirely, while others restrict operating hours or alcohol service. Zoning rules vary by city and even by ward, so approval in one neighborhood does not guarantee approval elsewhere. Always confirm zoning with the local health center or city office before committing to a location.

For Example, A bar owner plans to open a cocktail bar in a residential area of Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. However, the area’s zoning classification does not permit bar operations or late-night alcohol service. As a result, the owner must relocate to a commercially zoned area, such as Shibuya Ward, where restaurants and bars are allowed if health and safety requirements are met.

• The building classification supports food and alcohol service:
  Even if zoning permits a bar, the building itself must be legally approved for restaurant or nightlife use. Some buildings are classified only for offices or residential use, and changing their designation can be difficult or prohibited. Spaces with prior restaurant or bar use are often easier to approve because they already meet baseline requirements.

For Example, An entrepreneur finds a space in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo where zoning allows restaurant and bar operations. However, the building is officially registered as an office-use building under Japan’s Building Standards Act. Because the building is not approved for restaurant or nightlife use, the owner cannot legally operate a bar without applying for a change of building use. This process can require structural upgrades, fire-safety modifications, landlord approval, and in some cases may not be permitted at all.

• The space meets minimum sanitation and fire standards:

Bars must meet strict sanitation rules set by the local public health center, including proper hand-washing stations, food preparation areas, ventilation, and waste disposal. Fire safety standards are equally important and include requirements for emergency exits, fire extinguishers, signage, and occupancy limits. If the layout fails inspection, you may be required to renovate and reapply, causing delays and added costs.

Signing a lease too early is risky. If the location fails inspection, you are still contractually bound. One advantage is choosing a space that previously operated as a bar or restaurant, as this often simplifies approvals.

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Step 2: Meet Required Certifications for a Bar License in Japan

Most bars must appoint:

Food Sanitation Supervisor

What It Is
A certified individual responsible for ensuring food safety and hygiene compliance. This role is mandatory for any business serving food or beverages.

Where to Get Certified

• Courses are offered by the local public health center (保健所) or organizations designated by the prefectural government. 
• Applications must be made in the prefecture where the bar operates, as schedules vary by region

Time Required

• Typically a one-day course (4–6 hours)
• Includes a short confirmation test (no difficult exam)

Cost

• Approximately ¥8,000–¥10,000, depending on the prefecture

Who Can Hold the Certification

• The owner, manager, or a staff member
• Japanese nationality is not required
• Courses are usually conducted in Japanese, so non-fluent founders often appoint a Japanese-speaking partner or employee

A Fire Safety Manager, depending on size and occupancy

When Is It Required?

A Fire Safety Manager must be appointed if the venue:

• Is open to the public
• Serves food or alcohol
• Exceeds certain size or occupancy thresholds (most bars qualify)
  

Where to Get Certified

• Local fire department, or
• Approved fire safety training organizations

Time Required

• 1–2 days, depending on the building’s classification

Cost

• Typically ¥7,000–¥10,000

Key Note for Foreign Founders
The Fire Safety Manager must be reachable and responsible for emergency procedures. As with sanitation certification, courses are generally conducted in Japanese, so many foreign founders appoint a Japanese-speaking manager or consultant to hold this role.

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Step 3: Prepare Documents and Floor Plans for Bar License Approval in Japan

Authorities will review:

• Detailed floor plans: 

You must submit scaled floor plans showing the entire layout of the bar, including seating areas, counters, kitchens, storage spaces, restrooms, staff-only areas, and emergency exits. Authorities use these plans to verify usable floor space, customer flow, occupancy limits, and compliance with zoning and fire safety rules. Floor plans must match the physical space exactly, and any unapproved changes after submission may require resubmission and reinspection.

• Kitchen and equipment layouts

If food is prepared or served, you must provide detailed diagrams of kitchen areas and all equipment, including refrigerators, freezers, cooking appliances, prep tables, and storage units. Inspectors use these layouts to confirm that food preparation is separated from customer areas and that equipment placement supports safe and hygienic operation. Equipment listed on the plan must be installed before inspection.

• Sink placement and sanitation flow:

Health centers pay close attention to sanitation flow. Plans must clearly show the location of hand-washing sinks, food-washing sinks, utensil-washing sinks, and mop or cleaning sinks. Each sink must serve a specific purpose, and shared use is often not permitted. Inspectors evaluate whether staff can move from food handling to cleaning without cross-contamination, making sink placement one of the most common causes of inspection failure.

• Signage and entrance design

Authorities also review signage and entrance plans to ensure clear identification of the business and safe customer access. This includes the placement of the business name, alcohol-related notices, emergency exit signs, and any signage required for late-night alcohol service. Entrance design is checked for accessibility, fire safety visibility, and separation between public and staff areas. In some neighborhoods, signage size and lighting are also subject to local rules.

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Step 4: Pass Health Center and Fire Inspections for Your Bar License

Inspectors focus on:

• Hygiene standards:

Health inspectors check that food and beverage areas meet sanitation requirements, including cleanable surfaces, proper ventilation, pest prevention, waste disposal, and access to designated hand-washing sinks. They also verify that cleaning supplies are stored separately from food and that staff can maintain hygiene during service. Even small issues, such as missing soap dispensers or improper sink use, can trigger a failed inspection.

• Fire exits and signage:

Fire inspectors ensure that emergency exits are clearly marked, unobstructed, and visible from customer areas. Exit routes must be easy to follow, with illuminated signage and emergency lighting where required. Inspectors also check that fire extinguishers are correctly placed, accessible, and appropriate for the type of business. Blocked exits or missing signage are among the most common reasons for delayed approval.

• Equipment placement:

All equipment must be installed exactly as shown in the submitted plans. Inspectors confirm that cooking appliances, refrigerators, storage units, and electrical systems are positioned safely and do not interfere with evacuation routes or sanitation flow. Equipment installed too close to walls, exits, or sinks may require repositioning before approval is granted.

• Compliance with submitted plans:

Perhaps the most critical factor is consistency. Inspectors compare the physical space directly against the submitted floor plans and layouts. Any unapproved changes, such as moved counters, added shelves, or altered seating, can result in inspection failure and require resubmission of documents. In Japan, accuracy often matters more than intent, so even minor deviations can cause delays.

Most failures happen due to layout mismatches or missing equipment. Fixing issues after inspection can be costly, so pre-consultations are strongly recommended.

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Step 5: Submit Police Notifications and Legally Open Your Bar in Japan

If your bar serves alcohol after midnight, you are required to submit a Late-Night Alcohol Service Notification to the local police station that has jurisdiction over your bar’s location. This is typically handled by the Public Safety Division of the station, not immigration or national police. 

Once all permits are issued and notifications submitted, you can legally open.

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Permits Required to Get a Bar License in Japan

Permit / Notification	What It Covers	Issuing Authority	Cost	Time to Obtain	Notes for Foreign Founders
Food Service Business Permit	Legal operation of bar/restaurant	Public Health Center	¥15,000–¥20,000	2–4 weeks	Mandatory
Food Sanitation Supervisor	Certified hygiene manager	Health Center	¥0–¥10,000	1 day	At least one required
Fire Safety Inspection	Fire compliance	Fire Department	Free	1–2 weeks	Physical inspection
Fire Safety Manager	Fire oversight role	Fire Department	¥0–¥10,000	Immediate	Often required
Late-Night Alcohol Notification	Alcohol service after midnight	Police	Free	~10 days	Notification only
Business Registration	Legal entity	Legal Affairs Bureau	¥0–¥200,000+	1–3 weeks	Required
Zoning Confirmation	Location approval	City Office	Free	Varies	Critical before leasing
Alcohol Retail License	Alcohol to-go sales	Tax Office	Free	2–3 months	Not needed for on-site drinking

Food Service Business Permit

This is the core permit that legally allows you to operate a bar or restaurant serving food and drinks.

Issued by the local public health center (保健所), this permit confirms that your premises meet sanitation standards, including kitchen layout, sink placement, ventilation, pest prevention, and waste handling. A physical inspection is required, and approval is tied strictly to the exact layout submitted.

• Cost: ¥15,000–¥20,000
• Timeline: About 2–4 weeks

Food Sanitation Supervisor 

Every bar must appoint at least one certified Food Sanitation Supervisor, who is legally responsible for hygiene and food safety compliance.

Certification is obtained through a one-day course run by the local health center or a designated organization. The supervisor does not need to be the owner and can be a manager or staff member.

• Cost: ¥0–¥10,000 (course fee)
• Timeline: 1 day
• Key note: Courses are usually conducted in Japanese

Fire Safety Inspection and Approval

The fire department must inspect the premises to confirm compliance with fire safety laws. This includes checking emergency exits, fire extinguishers, signage, lighting, evacuation routes, and occupancy limits.

The inspection is physical and strict, and approval is required before opening.

• Cost: Usually free
• Timeline: 1–2 weeks
• Key risk: Blocked exits or missing signage commonly cause delays

Fire Safety Manager Appointment 

Most bars are required to appoint a Fire Safety Manager, depending on the size, layout, and occupancy of the venue.

The manager must complete a certification course (typically 1–2 days) and is responsible for emergency procedures, evacuation plans, and ongoing fire safety compliance.

• Cost: ¥0–¥10,000 (course fee if needed)
• Timeline: Immediate after certification
• Key note: Often required for public-facing venues

Late-Night Alcohol Service Notification

If your bar serves alcohol after midnight, you must submit a Late-Night Alcohol Service Notification to the local police station.

This is a notification, not an approval, but it must be filed before late-night service begins. Police review the location, operating hours, and neighborhood impact.

• Cost: Free
• Timeline: About 10 days
• Key risk: Operating late without this filing can lead to penalties or forced closure

Business Registration 

You must be legally registered as a business before applying for bar permits. Most foreign founders use a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) or Godo Kaisha (GK), though sole proprietorships are legally possible with the correct visa. Understanding how to get a bar license in Japan early helps foreign entrepreneurs avoid delays, failed inspections, and unnecessary renovation costs

• Cost: ¥0–¥200,000+ depending on structure
• Timeline: 1–3 weeks
• Key note: Required before licensing

Zoning and Use Confirmation

Before signing a lease, you must confirm that the location is legally zoned and classified for bar or restaurant use.

Some buildings or neighborhoods prohibit bars entirely or restrict operating hours. This confirmation is often informal but critical.

• Cost: Free
• Timeline: Varies
• Key risk: Signing a lease before confirmation

Alcohol Retail License, Only if selling alcohol to-go

This license is not required if alcohol is only consumed on-site. It is only needed if you plan to sell bottles or cans for takeout or retail.

Issued by the tax office, this license has a much longer review period.

• Cost: Free
• Timeline: 2–3 months
• Key note: Commonly misunderstood

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Bar License in Japan Timeline and Costs

Most bar openings take 2–4 months from planning to opening if done correctly.

Government fees are relatively low, but hidden costs include:

• Renovation changes after failed inspections
• Rent paid during delays
• Consultant or interpreter fees

Foreign founders should plan a buffer of several hundred thousand yen beyond initial estimates.

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Common Challenges Foreign Founders Face When Getting a Bar License in Japan

Language barriers –
Applications and inspections are conducted in Japanese, and company details must match kanji registration exactly.

Strict documentation standards –
Missing seals, formatting errors, or expired documents can cause weeks of delay.

Conservative approval culture –
Authorities favor stability and predictability. New foreign-led businesses receive closer scrutiny.

Neighborhood considerations –
Noise, hours, and community sentiment can influence outcomes.

How to overcome them

• Conduct pre-consultations with health centers
• Use bilingual advisors or translators
• Demonstrate long-term commitment
• Choose cities or wards with startup-friendly policies

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Buying a Bar in Japan vs Applying for a New Bar License

Buying a bar does not automatically transfer licenses. Most permits are tied to the operator and location, meaning re-approval is often required.

Benefits include existing layout compliance, but risks include hidden violations. Proper due diligence is essential.

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Final Thoughts on Getting a Bar License in Japan

Getting a bar license in Japan is not about filling out one form. It is a strategic process that requires planning, sequencing, and attention to detail. Foreign founders who approach licensing early, verify locations before leasing, and prepare for inspections significantly reduce costs and delays.

If you are planning to open or acquire a bar in Japan and want to avoid expensive mistakes, professional guidance can make the difference.