#Japan #sustainable tourism #Kyoto #Green Key #JARTA

Celebrating Sustainable Tourism: Green Key Ceremony in Kyoto

On February 17, 2026, Kyoto served as the host city for the Green Key certification ceremony, coinciding with World Tourism Resilience Day. This prestigious event gathered accommodation facilities from across Japan that had achieved either new certification or recertification under the internationally recognized Green Key eco-label. Organized by the Japan Alliance of Responsible Travel Agencies (JARTA), the ceremony saw participation from 17 establishments, extending from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south.

Opening Remarks

The ceremony kicked off with an opening speech by Shigeru Morino, the President of the Kyoto Prefecture Travel Agents Association. He emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism practices. This was followed by Takayama Suke, a board member of JARTA, who spoke on the significance of enhancing resilience in the tourism sector through Green Key initiatives and the overall necessity for sustainable travel measures. An encouraging congratulatory message from Ryohei Hishida, President of the Hyogo Prefecture Travel Agents Association, further energized the event.

Insights from Takayama Suke

Takayama noted during his address, "Achieving Green Key certification is not the end goal; it is a process that necessitates behavioral changes in the field. Today’s gathering reaffirms that Japanese tourism has entered the implementation phase of international standards."

First Session: Presentations by Certified Facilities

In a showcase of practical applications, 17 facilities took to the stage to share their initiatives following Green Key certification. The discussions revealed various approaches to sustainability, including:

• - Reducing environmental impact
• - Enhancing staff awareness
• - Realizing cost efficiencies
• - Receiving positive feedback from guests
• - Strengthening collaborations with local suppliers and communities

The event served as a platform for participants to exchange ideas, highlighting how sustainable practices lead to considerable operational benefits alongside reduced ecological footprints.

Participating Facilities

Some of the notable facilities that received certification included:

• - Tobira Onsen Myojinkan
• - Sheraton Kagoshima
• - The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka
• - The Westin Tokyo
• - Aloft Tokyo Ginza
• - HOTEL THE FLAG Shinsaibashi
• - Aloft Osaka Dojima
• - JW Marriott Hotel Nara
• - Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho
• - ibis Styles Kyoto Shijo
• - And many more.

Second Session: Expert Talks

The second half of the symposium featured expert guest speakers who provided valuable insights on sustainable certification systems and the latest international trends. Presentations included:

• - Manami Yamaguchi, Executive Director of the Sustainable Label Association
• - Tomoaki Nishihara, Secretary-General of FSC Japan
• - Chieko Ikura, Relationship Manager at Rainforest Alliance

These experts shared their knowledge on the essential roles of various certification systems and the importance of adhering to international standards within the tourism sector. Participants learned about the criteria set by Green Key and how they align with global sustainability trends.

Third Session: Awards Ceremony

A celebratory atmosphere filled the room as participants acknowledged the extensive number of hotels achieving Green Key certification this year, surpassing the previous year's tally. As of February 25, 2026, a total of 29 facilities in Japan had embraced the Green Key program, reflecting a significant trend of growing commitment to sustainability post-COVID-19.

The event concluded with JARTA’s representative, Yuka Abe, delivering a message about the future of sustainable tourism in Japan and the vital role that Green Key will play in the journey ahead.

Understanding Green Key

Green Key is a global eco-label initiative operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Recognized in over 90 countries, it has certified more than 8,500 hotels and various facilities, setting excellent standards for environmental responsibility in tourism and hospitality. JARTA acts as the national operator for Green Key in Japan, conducting assessments, promotions, and educational outreach to connect international standards with local tourism practices.

About JARTA

The Japan Alliance of Responsible Travel Agencies (JARTA) is committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices based on international standards. By supporting collaboration among tourism businesses, JARTA aims to enhance both environmental sustainability and local value. As the national operator for certifications such as Green Key, Blue Flag, and Travelife, JARTA is driving the practical implementation of responsible tourism across Japan.

Sustainability comes from your mind; Hospitality comes from your heart! By understanding sustainability, each individual in the tourism sector can engage with their role personally, crafting authentic narratives for guests and communities alike, ultimately enhancing service quality and guest experience.