River Retreat Garaku Launches "RESPONSIBILITY" Page: A Place Where Rich Nature and Luxury Coexist

River Retreat Garaku, a small luxury hotel nestled on the banks of the Jinzukyo Gorge in Toyama Prefecture (Location: Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture), has launched a "RESPONSIBILITY" page on its official website, summarizing its long-cherished environmental initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITY https://www.garaku.co.jp/responsibility/

Art, architecture, hot springs, gourmet food — we want every moment spent at the hotel to harmoniously blend with the rich nature of Jinzukyo Gorge. Starting from this desire, we have continuously asked small questions about the environment in our daily operations.

Please take a look at our daily practices.

Green Renovation Project | What was supposed to be discarded transforms into a refined space

In March 2023, under the theme of "Sustainability x Luxury," we renovated guest rooms 201 and 202. Materials that were supposed to be discarded have been reborn through the hands of artisans, such as carpets made from discarded fishing nets, terrazzo tiles utilizing ceramic fragments that would normally be discarded during the pottery process, lighting regenerated from industrial waste glass, and natural material wallpapers by Washi artisans. We breathe new life into what was meant to be thrown away. The concept of resource circulation is reflected throughout the space.

Terrazzo tiles utilizing discarded ceramic fragments, lighting regenerated from industrial waste glass, rammed earth walls using local soil combined with Washi wallpaper.

Food Cycle | Trésonnier's Dedicated Farm and Future Natural Resources

At the hotel's French restaurant "Trésonnier," food scraps generated during cooking are composted and returned to a dedicated farm as homemade fertilizer. From this soil, approximately 40 types of vegetables and herbs are grown annually. A cycle continues around the hotel where organically grown vegetables, cultivated without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, reach the dining table and then return to the earth. Natural ingredients such as wild vegetables, mushrooms, and river fish are sourced by learning methods from local people that do not harm the ecosystem. This attitude of "only what is needed, only as much as needed" led to a one-star and Green Star rating in the Michelin Guide Hokuriku 2021 Special Edition.

Trésonnier's dedicated farm with organically grown produce.

Utilization of Renewable Energy

From August 2025, through Hokuriku Electric Power Co., Inc.'s surplus power utilization service, we began introducing CO2-free electricity generated from industrial waste as a resource in remote areas. This initiative, the first of its kind in the Hokuriku region, is a new model of circular economy that circulates waste as energy.

Furthermore, from December 2025, self-generation has also been in operation with the installation of solar panels on the ANNEX building rooftop.

Solar panels on the ANNEX building rooftop.

Sincerity in Every Detail

For amenities, toothbrushes and hairbrushes are made from biodegradable biomass materials, and individual packaging has been changed from plastic to paper. Guest room tissue cases use original covers upcycled from discarded bedspreads. Original skincare products are made with melted snow water from Tateyama, without any petroleum-derived ingredients, parabens (synthetic preservatives), synthetic colorants, or other additives, with a focus on biodegradability and a simple formulation.

Staff uniforms are from "NEUTRALWORKS." by Goldwin Inc., a company headquartered in Toyama that undertakes various environmental initiatives, and shoes are "Allbirds" sneakers, which combine comfort, sustainability, and simple design.

Biodegradable biomass toothbrushes and hairbrushes, tissue cases upcycled from bedspreads.

Original skincare products, Garaku uniforms "NEUTRALWORKS."

Creating this place together with the community.

The hotel shop offers traditional Toyama crafts and original products by young glass artists who hone their skills in Toyama, where glass culture is deeply rooted. The "Journeys in Toyama, Hokuriku" page on the official website introduces special experiences that connect visitors with Toyama's nature and culture, from traditional crafts to seasonal activities. We will continue to value collaboration with the local community as one of the ways to convey the charm of Toyama to domestic and international guests.

Journeys in Toyama, Hokuriku page https://www.garaku.co.jp/journeys/

Our goal is not to make environmental consideration something special, but to naturally integrate it into daily operations and realize it as part of a high-quality stay experience. The coexistence of rich nature and luxury.