In recent years, environmental and social considerations have increasingly become key criteria when choosing hotels. As sustainable practices gain global importance, Japan has also seen a rise in sustainable and regenerative tourism. This article introduces hotels in Tokyo that prioritize environmental and social responsibility.
Hotels in Tokyo that Prioritize Sustainability and Regeneration
Shibuya “TRUNK HOTEL” / Hibiya “Imperial Hotel Tokyo” / Akasaka “Hotel New Otani Tokyo”
Offering a Sustainable Stay Through Eco-Materials and Local Collaboration
Shibuya “TRUNK HOTEL”
Located about a 6-minute walk from Shibuya Station, “TRUNK HOTEL” promotes a sustainable lifestyle under the theme of “socializing,” which encourages living authentically while pursuing social good. The hotel’s interiors feature wood sourced from thinning operations and reclaimed materials, and the shampoos and body washes provided in the guest rooms are 100% organic, certified by Ecocert. Recycled materials are also found throughout the hotel, including hangers made from scrap metal and slippers made from discarded rubber. In addition, the minibar is stocked with drinks and snacks sourced locally from Shibuya, further strengthening its connection to the community.
*Ecocert Certification: Based in France, Ecocert is the world’s largest organic certification organization. It rigorously inspects and certifies products that meet the organic standards set by Europe.
visit TRUNK HOTEL homepage
A Legacy of Hospitality and Commitment to SDGs
Hibiya “Imperial Hotel Tokyo”
Located near Hibiya Park, the Imperial Hotel Tokyo has a long history as Japan’s premier guesthouse while actively advancing new initiatives to address modern environmental challenges. The chandeliers and monumental clocks in the lobby are powered entirely by renewable energy, and amenities in guest rooms have been switched to bamboo and biomass materials. The hotel also participates in the “TABLE FOR TWO” program, aimed at addressing global food disparities. Additionally, the hotel offers the innovative “W・E・Bread” (White Edge Bread), a new-texture white bread that reduces food waste by not cutting off the bread’s crusts. In its banquet halls, coffee and tea are sourced from organic farms certified by the Rainforest Alliance. The hotel also uses renewable paper straws, glass caps, and recycles cork stoppers from champagne and wine. Furthermore, as of October 2023, both the Imperial Hotel Tokyo and Imperial Hotel Osaka have switched to 100% CO2-free electricity across all facilities, including banquet halls. The hotel received the highest evaluation in 2023 under the “Sakura Quality An ESG Practice” certification.
*Sakura Quality Green Certification: Operated by the Tourism Quality Certification Association, this certification program recognizes lodging facilities that practice SDGs based on international standards established by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) of the U.S.
The homepage of the Imperial Hotel Tokyo is here.
The Imperial Hotel’s sustainability initiatives are here.
Harmonizing with Nature Through Sustainable Operations
Akasaka “Hotel New Otani Tokyo”
Since its establishment, the Hotel New Otani Tokyo in Akasaka has been operated with a strong commitment to environmental preservation. The hotel boasts an expansive Japanese garden and has implemented rooftop greening initiatives. Advanced energy-efficient technologies, such as an all-electric kitchen system and air-source heat pumps, have been introduced, significantly reducing CO2 emissions. Additionally, 100% of kitchen waste is recycled and reused as compost by partnering farmers. The hotel offers a high-quality lodging experience while coexisting with the natural environment.
The homepage of Hotel New Otani is here