#Japan #Tokyo #ESG Certification #Sakura Quality #Metropolitan Hotels

Metropolitan Hotels Achieve Prominent ESG Certification

Japan Hotel Corporation has recently announced a significant achievement in sustainable hospitality, as five of their Metropolitan Hotels have been awarded the Sakura Quality Green international ESG certification on February 9, 2026. This prestigious recognition highlights the hotels' commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their proactive approach to environmental responsibility.

The five Metropolitan Hotels that achieved this notable certification are:

• - Hotel Metropolitan Ikebukuro
• - Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki
• - Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura
• - Hotel Metropolitan Saitama Shintoshin
• - Hotel Metropolitan Takasaki

With this recent award, Japan Hotel Corporation now has a total of eleven hotels certified under the 4御衣黄ザクラ (Gyoiko Sakura) tier, recognized as a benchmark for sustainable practices within the industry. This tier reflects the hotels' strong commitment to initiatives that foster a sustainable future.

A Milestone for Local Areas

Among the newly certified facilities, the Hotel Metropolitan Saitama Shintoshin stands out as the first hotel in Saitama Prefecture to receive this certification. Similarly, the Hotel Metropolitan Takasaki became the first hotel in Gunma Prefecture to receive such recognition, specifically achieving the second-highest certification tier in sustainable hotel practices.

Overview of the Certification

The Sakura Quality An ESG Practice certification is a Japanese initiative recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), which sets and manages international sustainability standards for hospitality. The 4御衣黄ザクラ certification is one of five tiers available, denoting that these hotels have made commendable efforts towards sustainability, particularly in engaging with local communities, improving energy efficiency, and fostering a culture of sustainability through initiatives like their corporate SDG committee.

Background and Future Vision

As global awareness around sustainability rises, more travelers are inclined to choose accommodations that address environmental and social concerns. Japan Hotel Corporation is dedicated to transparently communicating its efforts in sustainability, ensuring guests can confidently select eco-friendly lodging. Moving forward, the corporation aims to enhance its hospitality standards while actively contributing to a sustainable society alongside local communities.

Highlights of Hotel Initiatives

Hotel Metropolitan Ikebukuro

• - Collaborative efforts with local municipalities, businesses, and educational institutions to foster community engagement.
• - Implementation of water reuse systems for restrooms through treated kitchen water, highlighting efficient water resource use.
• - Commitment to accessibility through the development of barrier-free facilities.

Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki

• - Strengthened partnerships with local authorities to enhance community collaborations.
• - Promotion of local products in restaurant menus and lodging packages to support local economic revitalization.
• - Utilization of fairtrade paper products for menu presentations.

Hotel Metropolitan Kamakura

• - Participation in coastal clean-up activities to protect marine environments.
• - Integration of local artistic designs in the hotel to promote regional culture and heritage.
• - Initiatives to eliminate single-use plastics in guest amenities, shifting towards sustainable alternatives.

Hotel Metropolitan Saitama Shintoshin

• - Focus on using locally sourced ingredients to promote regional food production.
• - Incorporation of unique local tourism experiences and preservation of local railway culture.
• - Water-saving technologies and adjusted linen exchange frequencies to conserve water resources.

Hotel Metropolitan Takasaki

• - Recognized as a Gunma Prefecture local product excelling in sustainable gastronomy.
• - Innovative strategies in reducing food waste through initiatives like 'mottECO' and utilization of surplus ingredients.
• - Development of CO₂ zero stays as part of their sustainable offerings.

This certification journey demonstrates the commitment of Japan Hotel Corporation to environmental stewardship and social responsibility while setting a standard for sustainable tourism practices throughout Japan and beyond.

For more information, visit the official website of Sakura Quality: Sakura Quality Official Site