HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Obtains Global Standard International Eco-Label "Green Key"

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO (https://www.hotelthemitsui.com), located in the heart of Kyoto City, in front of the World Heritage site Nijo Castle (Address: 284 Nijo Aburano-koji-cho, Aburano-koji Nijo Sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, General Manager: Yushi Kaseda), has obtained the international eco-label "Green Key," awarded to environmentally conscious accommodations and restaurants. Following the acquisition of the international sustainability certification "VERIFIEDTM Responsible Hospitality" by Forbes Travel Guide in June 2026, this latest certification confirms that HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO's environmental conservation efforts meet the highest global standards.

"Green Key" is a globally recognized international eco-label awarded to facilities that meet the strict criteria of 150 items across 13 categories set by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), established in Denmark in 1994. Currently, over 9,000 facilities in 90 countries worldwide are certified, symbolizing environmental protection and sustainable operations.

This certification is a significant step in embodying HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO's brand concept, "EMBRACING JAPAN’S BEAUTY." Under the mission of passing on Japan's beautiful nature and culture to the future, we will continue to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society by integrating environmental consideration with the sophisticated hospitality unique to our hotel.

Examples of Sustainable Initiatives:

Food Cycle with Partner Farms

In collaboration with a partner farm in Kyotango, used coffee grounds from the hotel are dried and utilized as fertilizer. The pesticide-free vegetables grown there are procured by the hotel and used in our breakfast menu and various restaurant dishes.

Consideration for Plastic Reduction

To reduce single-use plastics, we have introduced eco-friendly amenities such as toothbrushes made from natural bamboo and mineral water served in aluminum cans.

Reuse of Food Scraps and Waste Oil

Food scraps generated within the hotel are composted into fertilizer and utilized in local agriculture. Waste oil is reused to make soap, contributing to waste reduction and a circular economy.

Kintsugi-Repaired Tableware

Tableware used in our restaurants is repaired by Kyoto artisans using Kintsugi (gold joinery) even when broken. We cherish resources through reuse while preserving traditional techniques.

Active Use of Local Ingredients

To reduce food mileage, we actively use local ingredients, primarily from Kyoto. This reduces environmental impact and passes on traditional flavors to the future.

About Green Key

Green Key, operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), is a globally recognized voluntary eco-certification program. With over 9,000 certified hotels and other facilities in more than 90 countries, Green Key sets excellent standards in environmental responsibility and sustainable operations within the tourism and hospitality industry. The certification process evaluates a facility's environmental management, energy conservation, waste management, water conservation, and other sustainable initiatives.

For more information on Green Key, please visit https://www.greenkey.global/ (English).

About HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO was born on November 3, 2020, on the former site of the Mitsui family's main residence, which had existed for over 250 years near Nijo Castle. It features 160 guest rooms crafted with carefully selected natural materials and craftsmanship, three restaurants and bars offering exquisite ingredients and the exceptional skills of our chefs, and a SPA area where guests can enjoy natural hot springs originating from the property. Furthermore, it was selected for the highest rating of "3 Michelin Keys" for two consecutive years in the "Michelin Guide Hotels Selection" announced in October 2025. It was also ranked 46th in "The World's 50 Best Hotels 2025" and received the highest "5-Star" rating for five consecutive years in the "Forbes Travel Guide 2026." Under the brand concept "EMBRACING JAPAN’S BEAUTY," we cherish Japan's unique beauty found in traditional culture, architecture, crafts, and cuisine, while providing special experiences and relaxation to all our guests. In 2026, HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE will open in Kowakudani, Hakone, as a new hotel under the HOTEL THE MITSUI brand. For the latest information on HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, please visit www.hotelthemitsui.com.

Major Awards and Certifications:

June 2026: Received the "Triple Crown" from "Condé Nast Traveler."

June 2026: Obtained the international sustainability certification "VERIFIEDTM Responsible Hospitality" from "Forbes Travel Guide."

February 2026: Received the highest "5-Star" rating for five consecutive years in the "Hotel" category of "Forbes Travel Guide," the first hotel in Japan to achieve this in its opening year.

February 2026: The "Thermal Spring SPA" received a "5-Star" rating in the "Spa" category of "Forbes Travel Guide 2026."

October 2025: Selected for "The World's 50 Best Hotels."

October 2025: Received the highest rating of "3 Michelin Keys" for two consecutive years in the "Michelin Guide Hotels Selection."

October 2024: Selected as one of the Top 10 Hotels in Japan in "Condé Nast Traveler's" "2024 Readers' Choice Awards."

May 2024: Selected for "Travel + Leisure's" "Top 500 Hotels in the World."

December 2023: Selected for "The Best Hotels and Resorts in the World" in "Condé Nast Traveler's" "The Gold List 2024."

July 2023: Selected as the top hotel in Japan in "Travel + Leisure's" "100 Best Hotels in the World."

October 2021: Received the "2021 Good Design Award" hosted by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion.

July 2021: The "Kajii-no-miya Gate" at the hotel's main entrance was registered as a "Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building)."

May 2021: Received the "Hot List" from "Condé Nast Traveler."

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