Who says luxury and sustainability can’t go hand in hand? In Japan, you don’t have to choose between indulgence and eco-consciousness - you can have both. Across the country, a growing number of accommodations are earning international eco-labels like Green Key, proving that a luxury service can come with a lighter carbon footprint. Come and experience the best of both worlds – top notch service at dazzling hotels that are equally devoted to the planet.
What is Green Key?
Photo courtesy of Tobira Onsen Myojinkan
Green Key is a prestigious international eco-certification awarded to hotels and resorts that meet strict standards in environmental management and sustainable practices. It ensures that each stay offers not only comfort and elegance, but also a thoughtful approach to the planet.
Japan as the perfect fit for eco-luxury
Photo courtesy of Tobira Onsen Myojinkan
In Japan, taking a green vacation is surprisingly easy. Traditional aspects of daily life naturally align with sustainability – whether it’s soaking in mineral-rich onsen hot springs, immersing yourself in forest bathing (shinrin-yoku), or savoring meals crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Deep-rooted Shinto and Buddhist values emphasize harmony with nature, a philosophy still reflected in everything from traditional architecture to modern wellness practices. Choosing an eco-luxury stay not only supports the planet – it allows you to experience Japanese culture more deeply, with built-in moments of mindfulness, relaxation, and connection to the natural world.
The natural choice
Photo courtesy of Tobira Onsen Myojinkan
While sustainable practices can be found across Japan, Nagano Prefecture stands out as a haven for eco-conscious luxury. With its majestic mountain ranges, wide open skies, and crystal-clear rivers, it’s a destination that truly allows you to slow down and reconnect with nature. Agriculture is central to the region’s identity, so fresh, local produce is easy to come by – often showcased in beautifully curated meals at high-end inns and resorts. Many accommodations are built using traditional techniques, drawing on centuries-old wisdom about climate, materials, and the rhythms of the natural world. In this natural sanctuary, eco-luxury means living aligned with the seasons, shaped by wisdom, and grounded in the beauty of the land.
World-class eco-luxury destinations in Nagano
Photo courtesy of Tateshina Shinyu Onsen
The prefecture offers a wide range of eco-friendly accommodations, from green ryokan to carbon-zero hotels that lead the way in sustainable hospitality. One highlight is Tobira Onsen Myojinkan, the first property in Japan to receive Green Key certification. This mountain retreat runs a comprehensive zero-waste program, transforming kitchen scraps into organic fertilizer for its own farm, and features guest rooms finished with flooring crafted from locally sourced natural wood, as well as breathable diatomaceous earth walls that help regulate humidity and create a toxin-free, comfortable stay. Other eco-luxury favorites include IL BOSCO, a stylish, hideaway nestled in a carefully cultivated forest designed for natural shade and cooling, where deep energy efficiency allows the entire property to run on minimal renewable energy. Tateshina Shinyu Onsen, where SDG-focused sustainability programs encourage green living through waste reduction and mindful practices.
Photo courtesy of IL BOSCO
For more eco-luxury ideas, high-end havens like Karuizawa and ski resort towns such as Hakuba offer a good blend of modern innovation and natural beauty. Striking architecture blends seamlessly into the landscape, designed not just to impress – but to protect the environment. Many properties here prioritize sustainability alongside luxury style, using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and thoughtful design that reflects the surrounding terrain. Or, for a slower pace, unwind in one of Nagano’s onsen towns, where you can enjoy locally sourced gourmet cuisine while soaking in mineral-rich waters surrounded by serene nature.
The eco-luxury difference
Photo courtesy of Tateshina Shinyu Onsen
Ultimately the dream Japan holiday is on everyone’s bucket-list, but everyone also wants to do their bit to make sure that the pleasure of travel is as sustainable as possible. The growing number of eco-luxury stays throughout Japan shows that we are all on the same page, and by choosing one you can be part of this movement. After all, being out in nature, being connected to local culture, food, and people, is the very essence of travel in Japan, eco-luxury just puts that time-honored experience back to the forefront.
Photo courtesy of Tobira Onsen Myojinkan
So why not experience Japan the way it was meant to be – deeply connected to nature, rooted in tradition, and quietly luxurious?
Related Links:
Tobira Onsen Myojinkan
IL BOSCO
Tateshina Shinyu Onsen
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About the author
Author : Jessica Ujiie
Living by the sea in Kamakura with two cats and one dog, Jessica Ujiie works as a translator and writer. Her passion for language is matched by a love of salsa dancing and exploring Japan’s lesser-known corners - always on the lookout for a new story to tell.
