Eco-Friendly Accommodations for Every Taste

For many eco-conscious travellers, their choice of accommodation is one of the first ways they look to reduce their carbon footprint while on vacation. And in Japan, choosing a sustainable place to stay certainly doesn’t mean forsaking comfort, style or originality. The Shiroiya Hotel in Maebashi is a bona fide design hotel in a repurposed former silk factory that also offers easy access to the Minakami biosphere reserve for hiking. Another upcycled option is HÏSOM, a guesthouse in Yunotsu Onsen town, in a renovated traditional house featuring natural and recycled materials, while the artist in residence program promotes the local way of life in this rural community. 

Those seeking luxury will want to book a stay at Shonai Hotel Suiden Terrasse in Yamagata Prefecture, a property built to appear like it’s floating on the neighbouring rice paddies. Along with the architecture being in harmony with the countryside, the restaurant embraces a farm-to-table philosophy and supports eco-friendly and organic agriculture in the local community. Learn more about Japan’s sustainable accommodation options here. 

A Dozen Japanese Destinations Honoured on Top 100 Sustainable Stories List

A total of 12 Japanese destinations have been named to Green Destinations’ annual Top 100 Sustainable Stories list. The organization, a non-profit foundation for sustainable destination development and recognition, invites destinations to share their stories around their sustainable tourism practices to inspire other destinations, tour operators, and eco-conscious travellers. For instance, Sado City was recognized for its story about protecting the local community of Toki birds by establishing eco-friendly best practices for bird-watching tourists, such as introducing electric bikes to reduce noise around the sound-sensitive birds. 

The other Japanese destinations recognized are Amami-Oshima Island, Aso City, Kamaishi, Kyoto City, Nagara River Basin, Nanao City and Nakanoto Town, Nasushiobara City, Niseko Town, Shodoshima Town, Toyooka City, and Yoron Island.

National Parks of Japan Works to Conserve Biodiversity 

A 3,000 km-long archipelago, Japan’s bountiful nature stretches from subarctic to subtropical, including smoking volcanoes, alpine forests, coral reefs, and marshlands. And this huge range of environments has resulted in incredible biodiversity: Japan is home to 7,000 types of plants, 1,000 species of animals, and more than 70,000 species of insects! To protect this natural environment, Japan’s government passed the National Parks Act in 1931, and now has 34 national parks covering 5.8 percent of the country. So it should be no surprise that National Parks of Japan is at the forefront of many conservation initiatives, including clearing invasive species, restricting access to protected areas, and organizing clean-ups. Because the parks are home to many endangered species, they are also involved in habitat improvements and even artificial breeding programs. 

To promote environmental awareness and increase the enjoyment of these incredible areas, National Parks of Japan also offers a wide range of activities, including guided eco-walks to learn about the local flora and fauna. Learn more about the organization’s conservation efforts here.

E-Bikes Make Exploring Mount Fuji a Breeze

The towering, snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji is the first thing that comes to mind for many when thinking of Japan, and now there’s an accessible way to explore the region’s biodiversity without breaking a sweat! Saddle up on an e-bike for a day tour that starts at Lake Tanuki with a view of Mount Fuji in the distance, before biking a total of 23 kilometres spotting local birdlife and, if you’re lucky, a Japanese serow - an antelope-like animal that lives on the hillsides. Stop for lunch at a fishery restaurant where you’ll also learn about sustainable agriculture practices in the area, take in the stunning Shiraito Falls, and end your day with a beer from a local craft brewery. 

This tour is one of many guided experiences and activities offered through National Parks of Japan’s website, and the ecomuseums on site in each of the parks. Other examples include standup paddleboarding along the calm waters of Sanriku Geopark while passing local fishing villages, watching sea eagles swoop by ice drifts in Shiretoku National Park in the north of Hokkaido, and hiking to the summit of Mount Mocchomudake in Yakushima (Island) National Park before relaxing in a nearby onsen (natural hot spring).

Delicious Plant-Based Options for All Travellers

Whether you’re fully vegan or just a fan of Meatless Mondays, plant-based options often boast a lower carbon footprint than their animal-based counterparts. For those taking a pass on animal proteins, Japanese cuisine offers lots of options. On the traditional side, stay at a shukubo (Buddhist temple lodgings) to enjoy shojin ryori - mainly vegan set menus prepared with exquisite care and attention. There are also plenty of mainstream dishes that are vegan-friendly, such as vegetable tempura, tsukemono (pickled vegetables), daikon sushi rolls, edamame and fried tofu and tofu skin. Googling “vegan” in any of the big cities will turn up plenty of treats, and those who eat dairy and eggs will find their options multiplying. But make sure you do your homework before a visit: many vegetable dishes have hidden fish and meat among their ingredients, especially in the form of dashi broth (fish stock). Read more about vegan and vegetarian eating in Japan here.  

Flea Markets Offer Key to Sustainable Souvenirs

While ultimately we should all abide by the saying “take only memories, leave only footprints,” most of us still want to return home with a souvenir from our travels. The most eco-friendly option is then to find something preloved at one of Japan’s many flea markets. Typically occurring on a set day each month, and often located near a local temple or shrine, these pop-up markets are perfect for finding a little something to remember your Japan trip by - from serious antiques to pop culture trinkets. They’re also great for people-watching! Learn more about Japan’s markets here.

 

Japan National Tourism Organization 

55 York Street, Suite 202

Toronto, Ontario M5J 1R7

Phone: 416-366-7140

Email: info_toronto@jnto.go.jp

www.japan.travel/en/ca/