JapanMinimum duration of a leasehold right?
The minimum duration of a leasehold right in Japan is 30 years for ordinary leasehold rights, and 50 years for leasehold rights established for buildings owned by the lessee.
What the Law Says
Japanese law sets minimum durations for leasehold rights to protect long-term land use and investment, especially where buildings are involved.
Under the Act on Land and Building Leases (Law No. 90 of 1991), a leasehold right (chikutōken) must generally last at least 30 years if the lessor owns the building on the land. If the lessee owns the building, the minimum term is extended to 50 years — reflecting the lessee’s greater investment in construction.
These minimum terms apply to ordinary leasehold contracts with renewal rights. However, parties may agree to a fixed-term leasehold right of at least one year, which terminates automatically upon expiry and does not renew unless expressly agreed.
When an ordinary leasehold right is renewed, the new term must be at least 20 years — ensuring continued stability for the lessee.
Statutory TextA leasehold right shall be for a period of not less than thirty years if the building on the leased land belongs to the lessor; and not less than fifty years if the building belongs to the lessee.
— Act on Land and Building Leases, s. 23 — Duration of Leasehold Right
Statutory TextIn the case of renewal of a leasehold right, the period of the renewed leasehold right shall be not less than twenty years.
— Act on Land and Building Leases, s. 24 — Renewal Period
Statutory TextA fixed-term leasehold right may be established for a period of not less than one year.
— Act on Land and Building Leases, s. 25 — Fixed-Term Leasehold Right
What to Do
Confirm whether the building on the leased land is owned by the lessor or lessee — this determines whether the minimum term is 30 or 50 years.
If seeking renewal, ensure the new term is at least 20 years and that renewal is formally agreed before expiry.
For fixed-term leaseholds, document the one-year (or longer) term clearly in writing — no automatic renewal applies.
Consult a judicial scrivener (shihō shoshi) to register the leasehold right with the Legal Affairs Bureau, as registration strengthens enforceability against third parties.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.