If you live in Tokyo or Osaka (Japan) and suffer from noise, there’s a chance a soundproof construction subsidy applies to you.
In these metropolitan areas, noise assistance extends beyond airports and military bases—major highways also qualify. However, because subsidy boundaries shift by neighborhood, precise research matters.
This article explains which Tokyo/Osaka areas qualify for soundproof subsidies and how to determine if yours does.
3 Zones in Tokyo & Osaka With Soundproof Construction Subsidies#
Subsidy-eligible zones break into three categories:
Tokyo: Haneda Airport, Military Bases & Ring Roads#
Airport/Base Zones:
- Parts of Ota & Shinagawa wards (Haneda Airport area)
- Machida, Fussa & surroundings (Atsugi/Yokota base areas)
These qualify because airplane and fighter jet noise exceeds environmental standards; national/defense budgets fund assistance.
Major Road Corridors:
- Ring Road 7 (Kan-Nana)
- Ring Road 8 (Kan-Hachi)
- National routes in ward-designated areas (Itabashi, Nerima, Ota, etc.)
Tokyo’s density means highway noise abatement is actively supported.
Osaka: Itami Airport & Major Routes#
Airport Zone: Toyonaka, Ikeda, Minoh, and parts of Osaka City—broad coverage around Osaka International (Itami) Airport.
Itami’s urban proximity means wider impact zones than remote airports.
Major Road Corridor: National Route 43 through Osaka City and similar high-traffic designated areas.
Determining If Your Home Qualifies#
“But is my house eligible?” is the crucial next question. Precision matters here.
Airport/Base Areas: Check “Noise Zone Maps”#
Fastest method: Search online for noise zone maps.
Examples:
- “羽田空港周辺 騒音区域図” (Haneda Airport noise zone map)
- “伊丹空港 防音工事 区域” (Itami Airport soundproof zone)
Most airports publish interactive online maps—enter your address and get instant results.
Highway Corridors: Search “[Ward Name] + Soundproof Subsidy”#
Highway subsidies are managed by municipal governments (ward/city halls).
Examples:
- “板橋区 沿道防音” (Itabashi ward roadside soundproofing)
- “豊中市 住宅防音” (Toyonaka city housing soundproofing)
Conditions include:
- Distance from road: 20–50 meters from edge
- Noise level: Must exceed baseline (typically 65dB nighttime)
- Construction date: Often predates zone designation
Contact your local office—rules vary by municipality.
Airport/Base vs. Highway: Subsidy Differences#
Airport/Base Areas: 100% Assistance Standard#
Coverage: Not just windows—air conditioning and ventilation also qualify.
Planes approach from above; comprehensive gap-sealing requires:
- Soundproof window replacement
- AC installation/upgrade costs
- Ventilation system upgrades
Summer cooling costs are often funded separately since windows must stay closed.
Highway Corridors: Partial Support, Self-Contribution Possible#
Main targets: Window replacement and intake duct improvements.
Assistance rate varies: “75% of costs” or “¥1M maximum” caps are common (unlike 100% airport/base programs).
Noise threshold: Projects require measurement proving nighttime noise exceeds ~65dB.
Outside Designated Zones? Try National Subsidies Instead#
“I checked but we’re outside the zone,” you might hear.
In Tokyo/Osaka, falling just outside zone boundaries is common—one street difference can flip eligibility.
Don’t despair. Alternatives exist.
National “Window Renovation Subsidy” Works Zone-Free#
Even if not in noise zones, Japan’s national window retrofit subsidy covers roughly 50% of interior double-window costs.
“Advanced Window Renovation Project”—no area restrictions.
This is highly effective for noise control, widely used by Tokyo/Osaka residents outside subsidy zones:
- Works nationwide
- Covers ~50% of costs
- Extremely effective against highway noise
Conclusion: Search for Zone Eligibility First; Try National Subsidy If Needed#
Steps:
- Search “[municipality name] + soundproof subsidy”
- If eligible: apply locally (100% coverage possible)
- If ineligible: use national window subsidy (50% coverage)
Whether eligible or not, you have a path to quieter living.
Don’t accept perpetual noise stress. Use public programs strategically to reclaim your acoustic environment.