Shiba Park Hotel Joins 'Book Baton Project' to Contribute to Society

Shiba Park Hotel (operated by Shiba Park Hotel Co., Ltd. / Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO Noriyoshi Tanaka) has joined the 'Book Baton Project' promoted by the certified NPO Room to Read Japan, launching a book donation campaign starting Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Donated books will be displayed within the hotel as a 'Book Tree' before being sold, with proceeds donated to support educational initiatives for children around the world.

Book Tree created through the Book Baton Project (2025)

Shiba Park Hotel adopted the concept of a 'Library Hotel' during its 2020 rebranding. During the Edo period, the site where the hotel now stands housed a learning academy affiliated with Zojo-ji Temple, a place where education and lodging coexisted. Building on this historical legacy, the hotel has created new value by offering guests a unique 'learn while you stay' experience. The hotel houses approximately 2,000 books, providing international guests with opportunities to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and history.

While exploring ways to contribute to society as a hotel centered around books, the hotel discovered the activities of Room to Read Japan. This certified NPO works to improve children's literacy and educational environments in regions where educational and economic support is insufficient. The 'Book Baton Project' collects donated books, sells them through Value Books Inc., and uses the proceeds to provide books to children and build schools—expanding access to learning through literature.

As a hotel that embraces the concept of a 'Library Hotel connecting people, neighborhoods, and history,' Shiba Park Hotel deeply resonates with this mission and has joined the project as part of its book-based social contribution. The hotel aims to create a sustainable cycle where every single book donated by guests, staff, and local community members contributes to children's education worldwide.

The 'Book Tree' displayed inside the hotel originated from a staff idea to create a Christmas tree using books. In the first year, staff members purchased books to build the tree. From the second year onward, to strengthen the link between book circulation and social contribution, the project partnered with Room to Read Japan's 'Book Baton Project,' evolving into a Book Tree made entirely from donated books. To date, the project has cumulatively donated 8,000 books by 2025.

Book Tree welcoming visitors at the 1F Library Lounge

These initiatives have also fostered new connections with guests. Asami Shimoku, the hospitality concierge in charge of the Book Baton Project, recalls a particularly memorable interaction with international guests. A guest planning to stay during the Christmas season learned about the project in advance and sent books from their home country to the hotel. The donated books were displayed as part of the Book Tree, and upon arrival, the guest was able to see their own donated books. They were reportedly delighted. Moreover, some returning international guests now send books annually, turning the initiative into a long-term relationship.

Shimoku shared, 'I believe the experience of seeing one’s donated book displayed as part of a Christmas tree, and knowing it will later support children in need, brings great joy to donors.'

Each book collected goes on to support children's learning after being displayed at the hotel. Currently, international guests often leave behind books they’ve read during their travels, and partner companies that resonate with the initiative organize internal book drives—demonstrating the steady expansion of this effort.

About the Book Baton Project

The Book Baton Project allows companies and employees to donate used books, CDs, DVDs, and games from their homes. Value Books Inc. purchases these items, and the proceeds are donated to Room to Read Japan.

Book Donation Details

[Donation Period] June 17 (Wed) – November 13 (Fri), 2026 (must arrive by mail)

[Eligible Books] Books with an ISBN (13-digit code). Donations accepted from one book.

*Excluded: Magazines, encyclopedias, convenience store comics, books published before 2010

[How to Donate] Bring to the hotel or send by mail (shipping costs borne by donor)

*Collection Point: Shiba Park Hotel, 1st Floor, Collection Box

*Mailing Address: Shiba Park Hotel, Book Baton Project (Attn: Project Officer), 1-5-10 Shiba Koen, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0011

Schedule: From Donation to Display to Proceeds Donation

June 17 (Wed): Book donation collection begins

November 13 (Fri): Deadline for book donations

Mid-November: Book Tree display begins

December 26 (Sat): Book Tree decorations changed to New Year theme

Mid-January 2026: Display ends

Request for book buyback by Value Books Inc.

About Room to Read Japan

Room to Read was founded in 2000 with the belief that 'children's education can change the world.' The organization supports the development of foundational literacy skills in children and promotes life skills that advance gender equality. To nurture these critical skills, it trains educators, provides high-quality learning materials and environments, strengthens education systems, and implements programs directly or in partnership. Committed to upholding the dignity of every child, Room to Read has operated in 29 countries and supported over 17 million children’s learning in 2025 alone. The organization envisions a world without illiteracy and gender-based educational disparities, where every child has the opportunity to read, learn, and grow.

Website: https://japan.roomtoread.org/

Exterior of Shiba Park Hotel

About Shiba Park Hotel

https://www.shibaparkhotel.com/

Established in 1948, Shiba Park Hotel has a rich history as a hotel originally serving foreign trade delegations. The hotel features approximately 2,000 books selected by Ginza Tsutaya Books. It offers 198 guest rooms, a restaurant on the 1st floor serving Chinese, Western, and Japanese cuisine, and four banquet halls on the 2nd floor. Between 2020 and 2023, the guest rooms and public spaces were renovated. The hotel also hosts cultural experience events such as tea ceremonies and kintsugi (gold repair) workshops.

Media Inquiries

Shiba Park Hotel / Park Hotel Tokyo, Brand Strategy Promotion Department Contact: Kitao, Tsunoda Email: pr@shibaparkhotel.com Phone: 03-3433-4141 (main) Fax: 03-5470-7515