Nomura Real Estate Holdings Co., Ltd., the operator of “Niwano Hotel Tokyo,” has successfully launched a rooftop beekeeping project on the 15th floor of the hotel. The honey harvested from this project, “Niwano Honey,” will be available for sale and service in the hotel’s restaurants starting October 4, 2024. This initiative is part of the hotel’s eco-project, “eco Niwa,” marking a significant step in sustainable environmental protection efforts in urban areas.
Progress of the Rooftop Beekeeping and “eco Niwa” Project
Since autumn 2022, Niwano Hotel Tokyo has been advancing the “eco Niwa” project, which involves composting fallen leaves from the hotel gardens and cultivating vegetables and herbs in a rooftop garden. This circular environmental protection system has been developed in collaboration with the local community.
In February 2024, the hotel began beekeeping on the rooftop to promote pollination of the crops. By May, 13kg of honey had been harvested, followed by 25kg in June and 35kg in August, for a total of 73kg. The final harvest for the year is scheduled for mid-October, with a total of 85kg expected. The harvested honey will be used in hotel restaurant dishes, such as breakfast items and original drinks, and will also be available for purchase in jars.
The beekeeping project also contributes to pollination in nearby parks and street trees, enhancing biodiversity in the urban area. Through DNA analysis of the honey, the hotel aims to visualize which plants were pollinated, further supporting the conservation of the local ecosystem. This initiative is expected to raise awareness of environmental conservation in urban settings.
“Niwano Honey” is offered in two varieties: Spring and Summer. It will be served in hotel restaurants and sold in jars at the front desk for 4,980 yen (120g) per jar, with a 20% discount for hotel guests and restaurant patrons. Additionally, plans are underway to use this honey in the development of new craft beers, showcasing the potential of urban beekeeping products.
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