Palace Hotel Tokyo Receives GSTC Certification for Sustainability
Palace Hotel Tokyo has received certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) in recognition of its sustainability practices. With this milestone, it becomes the first Japanese-owned and managed hotel to earn GSTC certification.
The GSTC is an independent, non-profit organization that sets internationally recognised standards for sustainable travel and tourism. Certification is granted following an external audit conducted by an accredited third-party body. The process evaluates compliance across 167 criteria covering sustainable management, social and economic impact, cultural heritage and environmental responsibility.
Sustainable Management Framework
The hotel’s Sustainability Liaison Group, led by General Manager Masaru Watanabe and composed of department heads, meets monthly to review ongoing initiatives and identify areas for improvement. All employees are required to complete internal training on GSTC standards and the hotel’s sustainability policy to ensure alignment across departments.
Community Engagement and Local Sourcing
Palace Hotel Tokyo supports community initiatives including Food Bank Net, located near its off-site kitchen in Saitama Prefecture. Surplus baked goods from the hotel’s Sweets & Deli are donated for redistribution to local food banks, children’s cafeterias and families in need.
The hotel also prioritizes domestic sourcing. In 2025, 61 per cent of ingredients purchased were produced within Japan, while 73 per cent of fresh produce was locally grown.
Cultural Integration
The property incorporates locally sourced materials and traditional craftsmanship in its design. It also curates cultural experiences that highlight Japanese heritage. Staff participation in the annual Kanda Myojin festival, linked to a historic Shinto shrine designated as a National Tangible Cultural Property, reflects its engagement with local traditions.
Environmental Stewardship
Located beside the Wadakura moat in the Imperial Palace’s outer gardens, the hotel works with the Kokyogaien National Garden Office of the Ministry of the Environment to maintain the surrounding landscape. Efforts include monitoring and managing aquatic plant growth to support biodiversity and water quality.
Palace Hotel Tokyo has also maintained environmental initiatives for several decades. Through its “Eco-Palace” programme, launched nearly 30 years ago, the hotel began converting kitchen waste into compost for use by local farms. In 2025, more than 1,000 kilograms of rice grown using this fertilizer were purchased for use in the staff canteen.
In addition to GSTC certification, the hotel has been recognised as a Sustainability Leader by The Leading Hotels of the World for its sustainability management practices.
Commenting on the certification, Senior Managing Director and General Manager Masaru Watanabe said the recognition reflects the hotel’s commitment to integrating sustainability into its operations while maintaining Japanese hospitality traditions.
With verified sustainability standards now in place, Palace Hotel Tokyo aims to strengthen transparency and build trust among travellers seeking environmentally and socially responsible accommodation options.
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