Hoshino Resorts, with its resort properties both in Japan and abroad, has long practiced sustainable operations centered on three pillars: "Zero Emissions," aiming for 100% waste recycling; "Utilization of Natural Energy," harnessing hydropower, geothermal, and hot spring heat for energy; and "Ecotourism," leveraging natural resources as sustainable tourism assets while protecting them. Furthermore, since 2019, the company has begun phasing out plastic bottles in guest rooms to reduce plastic waste, and has initiated efforts to cut down on amenity waste, a significant challenge in hotel operations, and to recycle used toothbrushes. Moving forward, Hoshino Resorts plans to continue promoting environmental conservation activities tailored to each of its brands and regional characteristics.
Text by OZAKI Sayaka | Edit by TSUCHIDA Takashi
Protecting Resort Environments and Reducing Ecological Impact
Recognizing that "the abundant natural environment is a resort's greatest appeal," Hoshino Resorts has been committed to operations that conserve nature and minimize environmental impact. As part of its waste reduction measures, the company has begun reducing amenity waste, recycling used toothbrushes, and eliminating plastic bottles in guest rooms in favor of promoting water servers in public areas.
Pump bottles (BEB5 Karuizawa)
Pump bottles (OMO)
Pump bottles (RISONARE)
Pump bottles (KAI)
Pump bottles (Karuizawa Hotel Bleston Court)
Pump bottles (HOSHINOYA)
The first phase of this initiative involved eliminating individually packaged soaps by the end of 2019. Currently, approximately 90% of all domestic accommodation facilities operated by Hoshino Resorts have adopted pump bottles, with a goal of achieving 100% implementation. It is estimated that switching to pump bottles for soaps will reduce plastic container waste by approximately 49 tons and soap waste by about 73 kilograms annually, compared to using individually packaged soaps.
The second phase focuses on used toothbrushes. Starting with HOSHINOYA Karuizawa in October 2019, a system for recycling used toothbrushes has been introduced to 30 domestic accommodation facilities. By collecting and reprocessing over one million discarded toothbrushes annually, the initiative promotes their reuse in plastic products. Furthermore, the company is considering further applications for recycled toothbrush materials as a next step.
The third initiative is "Plastic Bottle Free." Beginning in November 2019 with RISONARE Nasu, and progressively rolling out to all RISONARE brand facilities, the provision of bottled mineral water in guest rooms has been discontinued. Instead, water servers have been installed in public areas throughout the properties. The company also plans to sell original tumblers, designed to be appealing for daily use, thereby raising awareness of plastic waste issues.
Hoshino Resorts has a history of sustainable initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact. At HOSHINOYA Karuizawa, the resort harnesses its natural surroundings, utilizing self-generated hydropower and facilities that use geothermal and hot spring heat to meet approximately 70% of its energy needs. The Karuizawa operation also achieved "Zero Emissions" (zero waste output) in 2011, aiming for 100% recycling and avoiding simple incineration or landfill for the diverse waste generated in hotel operations, a challenging feat.
Additionally, the NPO "Picchio" in the Hoshino area, which engages in environmental conservation activities while protecting the local ecosystem, organizes nature tours that facilitate encounters with wild flora and fauna through ecotourism. They also conduct conservation projects for Asiatic black bears, aiming for coexistence between humans and bears (https://openers.jp/lounge/lounge_features/nTllq).
Hoshino Resorts intends to continue its efforts to conserve the natural environment of its resorts and reduce their ecological footprint.
