Authorities in Kyoto are investigating an incident where a hotel allegedly denied accommodation to an Israeli man, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Yoko Kamikawa, stated on Friday.

An Israeli man claimed that his reservation was denied because the hotel believed he might have ties to the Israel Defense Forces and their actions in Gaza. The hotel cited concerns that providing lodging to individuals who might have assisted or could be assisting in warfare activities forbidden by international humanitarian law could expose the hotel to the risk of being considered accomplices or accessories to a person potentially facing prosecution for war crimes.

Article 5 of Japan’s Inns and Hotels Act stipulates that business operators must not refuse accommodation except in specific cases. These include when the person seeking accommodation is a patient with a specified infectious disease; is likely to engage in gambling, other illegal activities or actions that may disrupt public morals; has repeatedly made excessively burdensome demands as deemed by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, significantly impeding service to other guests; or when the accommodation facility is fully booked or there are other reasons specified by prefectural ordinances.

At the press conference, Kamikawa emphasized that refusing accommodation based on nationality is unacceptable, and the authorities in Kyoto are providing guidance based on the Inns and Hotels Act. She also said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wants all tourists visiting Japan to be able to engage in various activities with peace of mind.