HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO Achieves World-Renowned International Eco-Label 'Green Key'

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO (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-Yoshijicho, Nijo-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, General Manager: Yusuke Kasaeda), has been awarded the international eco-label 'Green Key' for environmentally conscious hotels and restaurants. This certification follows the 'VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality' sustainability certification from Forbes Travel Guide, which was obtained in June 2026. With this achievement, HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO’s environmental conservation efforts have been recognized as meeting the highest global standards.

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

This certification marks a significant milestone in realizing HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO’s brand concept, 'EMBRACING JAPAN’S BEAUTY.' Guided by the mission to preserve Japan’s beautiful nature and culture for future generations, the hotel will continue to integrate environmental stewardship with its distinctive refined hospitality to contribute to a sustainable society.

Examples of Sustainable Initiatives

Food Cycle with Partner Farm

In collaboration with a partner farm in Kyotango, used coffee grounds from the hotel are dried and used as fertilizer. The resulting pesticide-free vegetables are sourced by the hotel and used in breakfast menus and various dishes at its restaurants.

Reducing Single-Use Plastics

To minimize plastic waste, the hotel has introduced eco-friendly amenities such as natural bamboo toothbrushes and serves mineral water in aluminum cans.

Reuse of Food Waste and Waste Oil

Organic waste generated on-site is composted and used as fertilizer for local agriculture. Waste cooking oil is recycled into soap, contributing to waste reduction and a circular economy.

Tableware with Kintsugi Restoration

Tableware used in the hotel’s restaurants is repaired using the traditional Kyoto kintsugi technique when broken. This practice preserves traditional craftsmanship while conserving resources through reuse.

Active Use of Local Ingredients

To reduce food miles, the hotel actively sources ingredients from Kyoto and surrounding regions. This reduces environmental impact and helps preserve traditional flavors for future generations.

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 a high standard for environmental responsibility and sustainable operations in the tourism and hospitality industry. The certification process evaluates facilities’ environmental management, energy efficiency, waste management, water conservation, and other sustainable practices.

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

About HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO

HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO opened on November 3, 2020, on the historic site of the former residence of the Mitsui family, which stood near Nijo Castle for over 250 years. The hotel features 160 guest rooms crafted from carefully selected natural materials and artisanal techniques, three restaurants and bars offering exquisite cuisine prepared by skilled chefs using premium ingredients, and a spa area featuring natural hot spring water that emerges on the property. In October 2025, the hotel was selected for the second consecutive year as a '3 Key' property—the highest rating—in the 'Michelin Guide Hotel Selection.' It was also ranked 46th in 'The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025' and received the highest 'Five-Star' rating for the fifth consecutive year in the 'Forbes Travel Guide 2026.' Under the brand concept 'EMBRACING JAPAN’S BEAUTY,' the hotel honors the unique beauty of Japan found in its traditional culture, architecture, craftsmanship, and cuisine, offering every guest a special and relaxing experience. In 2026, HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE will open in Hakone’s Komagome area as the next property in 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: Awarded the 'Triple Crown' by Condé Nast Traveler.

June 2026: Received the international sustainability certification 'VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality' from Forbes Travel Guide.

February 2026: Achieved the highest 'Five-Star' rating in the 'Hotel' category by Forbes Travel Guide for the fifth consecutive year, having been the first hotel in Japan to receive a Five-Star rating in its opening year.

February 2026: 'Thermal Spring Spa' received a Five-Star rating in the 'Spa' category of Forbes Travel Guide 2026.

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

October 2025: Awarded the highest '3 Key' rating for the second consecutive year in the 'Michelin Guide Hotel Selection'.

October 2024: Ranked among Japan’s Top 10 Hotels in the '2024 Readers’ Choice Awards' by Condé Nast Traveler.

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

December 2023: Selected as one of 'The Best Hotels and Resorts in the World' in 'The Gold List 2024' by Condé Nast Traveler.

July 2023: Ranked as Japan’s top hotel in 'World’s Top 100 Hotels' by Travel + Leisure.

October 2021: Awarded the 'Good Design Award 2021' by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion.

July 2021: The 'Kaii Palace Gate' at the hotel’s main entrance was registered as a 'Tangible Cultural Property (Building)' by the national government.

May 2021: Selected for the 'Hot List' by Condé Nast Traveler.