#Japan #Tokyo #Imperial Hotel Tokyo #Sustainable Hospitality #Eco-friendly keys

Imperial Hotel Tokyo's Commitment to Sustainability

Imperial Hotel Tokyo has announced an exciting change coinciding with its 135th anniversary on November 3, 2025. The hotel will shift from traditional plastic room keys to innovative key cards made from plant-based leather-like materials. This initiative aims to reinforce the hotel’s commitment to sustainability while providing guests with a more luxurious experience.

In 2022, the Japanese government implemented the "Plastic Resource Circulation Promotion Law," prompting organizations across the country to reduce plastic usage. Imperial Hotel Tokyo has taken proactive measures, committing to replacing various plastic items used in guest rooms with sustainable alternatives. By 2024, the hotel achieved an impressive 87.7% reduction in plastic usage (approximately 13.9 tons) compared to 2019 levels. This has been made possible by switching amenities—including major items—to bamboo, wood, and biomass materials, which collectively have drastically reduced plastic consumption by nearly 90%.

In addition to switching to new materials for in-room amenities, the hotel has also opted for paper containers for drinking water instead of plastic bottles, and restaurants have transitioned to using biomass straws. Additionally, the hotel's retail shop, Gargantua, has begun selling cutlery made from plant-derived materials.

The decision to transition to plant-based leather-like room keys signifies the hotel's ongoing efforts to enhance guest value and offer a more personalized service. The new eco-friendly keys will initially be introduced in the suites and on the exclusive Imperial Floor, before expanding to regular floor rooms in stages. For guests reserving a suite on the anniversary date, the hotel will provide a special service where staff can engrave the date of stay onto the room keys, allowing guests to take home a unique memento of their visit.

Through these changes, Imperial Hotel Tokyo reinforces its position as a "Made in Japan" luxury hotel that prioritizes both luxury and sustainability. The hotel remains dedicated to co-creating a sustainable future for the hospitality industry alongside its guests.

Summary of the Key Change Initiative

Starting from November 3, 2025, the room keys provided to guests will be transformed from plastic to sustainable plant-based leather-like materials made from bamboo, cotton, apple, and corn. The special engraving service for suite guests will add a personal touch, allowing guests to commemorate their stay with a personalized card key.

Implementation Details:

• - Implementation Date: November 3, 2025
• - Target Rooms: Suites and Imperial Floor guest rooms

Reference: Imperial Hotel Tokyo: Aiming for Sustainable Hospitality

As "Japan's Reception Hall," Imperial Hotel Tokyo has continued the vision of its first president, Eiichi Shibusawa, to respond to societal needs and contribute positively. The hotel actively pursues various initiatives contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). More information can be found on their sustainability webpage.