Courtyard by Marriott Kyoto Shijo Karasuma Acquires '4 Gyoiko Sakura' Rating in 'Sakura Quality An ESG Practice'
Courtyard by Marriott Kyoto Shijo Karasuma was awarded the 4-Sakura rating in the Japan-originated ESG certification 'Sakura Quality,' recognized for sustainable initiatives like upcycling uniforms and supporting local arts.
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- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 23:00
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Courtyard by Marriott Kyoto Shijo Karasuma (Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto; General Manager: Tetsuji Onogi) acquired the '4 Gyoiko Sakura', the second highest out of a 5-tier rating in the Japan-originated ESG certification for accommodations, 'Sakura Quality An ESG Practice' (commonly known as Sakura Quality Green), on Monday, April 20, 2026.
'Sakura Quality An ESG Practice' is an ESG certification for accommodations originating in Japan, with standards approved by the US GSTC (The Global Sustainable Tourism Council, an organization that develops and manages international sustainable standards). It aims to maintain and improve the level of daily SDGs initiatives at accommodations, such as building relationships with local communities, preserving culture, and addressing environmental issues.
In the certification process, through on-site inspections by experienced investigators and independent, neutral third-party reviews, the certification is provided to facilities evaluated as thoroughly working on Japanese-style SDGs.
Examples of Sustainable Initiatives at Courtyard by Marriott Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
Artwork by MAMEMI (Resident of Kyoto City)
Incorporating Art Brut Works into Uniform Items
By incorporating Art Brut (*) works by active local artists into some uniform items, we have created a new communication tool to convey the charm of the region to domestic and international guests.
Local artists' Art Brut works are adopted for the 'Corsage Scarf' for female staff and the 'Pocket Square' for male staff, which are worn for designated periods.
This initiative not only promotes the charm of the region but also facilitates communication between guests and staff, further deepening the connection between the community and art.
* 'Art Brut' is a French term meaning 'raw art,' used as a collective term for art and expressions by individuals who have not received formal professional education.
Hand mirror (left) and bookmark (right) from 'Urushi no Isuke'
Offering Traditional Kyoto Crafts as Gifts for Special Guests
We have adopted hand mirrors and bookmarks from 'Urushi no Isuke,' a long-established store with over 190 years of history in Kyoto. The hand mirror is provided as one of the selectable gifts for eligible members, and the bookmark is prepared as a welcome gift for elite members. Featuring the hotel's logo to create a sense of exclusivity, this initiative aims to broadcast the appeal of local traditional crafts to domestic and international guests. It is positioned as part of sustainable activities supporting local culture.
Hairdryer Bag
Recycling Old Uniforms
With the cooperation of the Aichi Circular Economy Promotion Project Team, we recycle uniforms that are no longer used and utilize them as drawstring bags to store hairdryers in guest rooms.
About Courtyard by Marriott Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
Courtyard by Marriott Kyoto Shijo Karasuma is ideally located just a 1-minute walk from 'Shijo Station,' which is 3 minutes away from JR Kyoto Station via the Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line. It is extremely convenient for accessing Kyoto's main tourist destinations and business areas, allowing guests to easily stroll through the emotive streets unique to Kyoto, such as Shijo Dori and Nishiki Market. The surrounding area is enriched with a wide variety of dining and shopping spots, making it broadly suitable for both sightseeing and business.
Exterior / Lobby / Le Bon Vivre
Larger Guest Room Twin
Courtyard by Marriott Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
Location: 668 Nijohanjikicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone: 075-352-0555
FAX: 075-352-0556
Official Website: https://www.marriott.com/ja/hotels/osaks-courtyard-kyoto-shijo-karasuma/overview/
JR Central Hotels
As a member of the JR Central Group, JR Central Hotels operates a diverse hotel business that meets the needs of each region, with its main business bases along the Tokaido Shinkansen line. While valuing cooperation with local communities, we provide high-quality services based on 'trust,' 'security,' and 'safety' through flexible operations that anticipate the trends of the times.
The hotels operated by our company encompass a variety of sophisticated styles, including 'Luxury Hotels,' 'Resort Hotels,' 'Community-based City Hotels,' and 'Accommodation-focused Hotels,' delivering hospitality that colors sightseeing, business, and special moments for guests visiting from Japan and abroad. Furthermore, all 7 hotels have acquired the '4 Gyoiko Sakura' certification of 'Sakura Quality An ESG Practice,' receiving praise for their contributions to local communities and environmental conservation initiatives that comply with international standards for sustainable tourism.
'Sakura Quality An ESG Practice' is an ESG certification for accommodations originating in Japan, with standards approved by the US GSTC (The Global Sustainable Tourism Council, an organization that develops and manages international sustainable standards). It aims to maintain and improve the level of daily SDGs initiatives at accommodations, such as building relationships with local communities, preserving culture, and addressing environmental issues.
In the certification process, through on-site inspections by experienced investigators and independent, neutral third-party reviews, the certification is provided to facilities evaluated as thoroughly working on Japanese-style SDGs.
Examples of Sustainable Initiatives at Courtyard by Marriott Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
Artwork by MAMEMI (Resident of Kyoto City)
Incorporating Art Brut Works into Uniform Items
By incorporating Art Brut (*) works by active local artists into some uniform items, we have created a new communication tool to convey the charm of the region to domestic and international guests.
Local artists' Art Brut works are adopted for the 'Corsage Scarf' for female staff and the 'Pocket Square' for male staff, which are worn for designated periods.
This initiative not only promotes the charm of the region but also facilitates communication between guests and staff, further deepening the connection between the community and art.
* 'Art Brut' is a French term meaning 'raw art,' used as a collective term for art and expressions by individuals who have not received formal professional education.
Hand mirror (left) and bookmark (right) from 'Urushi no Isuke'
Offering Traditional Kyoto Crafts as Gifts for Special Guests
We have adopted hand mirrors and bookmarks from 'Urushi no Isuke,' a long-established store with over 190 years of history in Kyoto. The hand mirror is provided as one of the selectable gifts for eligible members, and the bookmark is prepared as a welcome gift for elite members. Featuring the hotel's logo to create a sense of exclusivity, this initiative aims to broadcast the appeal of local traditional crafts to domestic and international guests. It is positioned as part of sustainable activities supporting local culture.
Hairdryer Bag
Recycling Old Uniforms
With the cooperation of the Aichi Circular Economy Promotion Project Team, we recycle uniforms that are no longer used and utilize them as drawstring bags to store hairdryers in guest rooms.
About Courtyard by Marriott Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
Courtyard by Marriott Kyoto Shijo Karasuma is ideally located just a 1-minute walk from 'Shijo Station,' which is 3 minutes away from JR Kyoto Station via the Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line. It is extremely convenient for accessing Kyoto's main tourist destinations and business areas, allowing guests to easily stroll through the emotive streets unique to Kyoto, such as Shijo Dori and Nishiki Market. The surrounding area is enriched with a wide variety of dining and shopping spots, making it broadly suitable for both sightseeing and business.
Exterior / Lobby / Le Bon Vivre
Larger Guest Room Twin
Courtyard by Marriott Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
Location: 668 Nijohanjikicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Phone: 075-352-0555
FAX: 075-352-0556
Official Website: https://www.marriott.com/ja/hotels/osaks-courtyard-kyoto-shijo-karasuma/overview/
JR Central Hotels
As a member of the JR Central Group, JR Central Hotels operates a diverse hotel business that meets the needs of each region, with its main business bases along the Tokaido Shinkansen line. While valuing cooperation with local communities, we provide high-quality services based on 'trust,' 'security,' and 'safety' through flexible operations that anticipate the trends of the times.
The hotels operated by our company encompass a variety of sophisticated styles, including 'Luxury Hotels,' 'Resort Hotels,' 'Community-based City Hotels,' and 'Accommodation-focused Hotels,' delivering hospitality that colors sightseeing, business, and special moments for guests visiting from Japan and abroad. Furthermore, all 7 hotels have acquired the '4 Gyoiko Sakura' certification of 'Sakura Quality An ESG Practice,' receiving praise for their contributions to local communities and environmental conservation initiatives that comply with international standards for sustainable tourism.