3 eco-friendly and vegan accommodations to enhance your Japan travel experience

Sustainable travel is widely recognized for its role in reducing transportation emissions and supporting local communities, and these aspects are undoubtedly crucial. However, to comprehensively care for the Earth, some essential pieces are still missing. Elevating your awareness of where you stay and what you eat during your travels enhances the true essence of the concept. How can you align with these principles? The answer lies in opting for eco-conscious accommodations that offer vegan cuisine.

Nurture sustainable journeys through environmental and ethical accommodations

Typically, accommodations following conventional styles tend to generate significant waste. Amenities within the rooms are individually wrapped in plastic, and they are designed for single-use.

When it comes to meals, they typically feature animal-based ingredients, significantly impacting the environment. For instance, raising cows consumes excessive amounts of water and results in a substantial emission of CO2 through their burps. In the case of fish, various fishing equipment like lures and nets often end up lost in the oceans, having destructive effects on marine environments and natural habitats.

However, finding vegan-friendly accommodations in Japan may raise some challenges due to a lower level of awareness regarding the environment and veganism compared to other leading nations. Fortunately, the experience is becoming more accessible as accommodations with environmental and ethical considerations, such as the following three places, are increasing and warmly supporting sustainable travel in Japan.

1. Vegan Minshuku Sanbiki Neko [Kyoto]

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Vegan Minshuku Sanbiki Neko is a Japanese style of B&B located in Kyoto. The neighbors are quiet and slow, thus, you can rejuvenate yourself by staying away from the hassle and bustling city center. Having said that, it is still convenient to access the major tourist spots. A vegan couple who are from Australia and fell in love with Japan have been running the space with huge dedication to support international travelers in particular while respecting their vegan lifestyles by providing comfortable guest rooms with cruelty-free and zero waste amenities, as well as a terrific vegan breakfast crafted from seasonal products.

While Kyoto is widely acknowledged for its commitment to sustainability, staying in this serene locale can truly enhance your eco-friendly travel experience. Moreover, these accommodations can be invaluable guides for vegan dining in Kyoto, directing you to fantastic food options tailored to your travel plans.

2. yuzaka natural & sustainable inn [Akita]

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yuzaka natural & sustainable inn, once known as the traditional Japanese inn Kameya Ryokan, has been a welcoming haven for numerous travelers since the beginning of the Taisho period. Unfortunately, it closed its doors in the early Heisei period due to a decline in guests and the absence of a successor.

Despite its location in front of a public bath used daily by local residents, the facility fell into disrepair. In this situation, the current owner, a descendant, relocated to the city with a determined commitment to inherit and revitalize the facility once again.

After numerous discussions, the once-ruined facility was essentially reborn as a regenerative retreat center in 2018. Three fundamental concepts, sustainability, unity with soil and humans, and harmony with nature and all on Earth, are diligently embraced in the business operations. Guests can observe these principles reflected throughout their stay, with amenities in the rooms designed with a minimal impact on the environment. Other items in the facility are either ethically selected or preserved from the original inn. Additionally, the energy provided in the inn is 100% renewable.

Concerning the vegan foods served, the delectable offerings of wild edible plants and vegetables sourced from farmers who respect nature astonish and satisfy the guests. Staying at the inn allows you to align with all the elements you seek in your sustainable travel experience.

3. Natural Pension Pumpkin [Nagano]

Are you looking for a tranquil retreat surrounded by nature? Hakuba, nestled in the Northern Alps of Nagano prefecture, awaits you.

Natural Pension Pumpkin is at the base of the mountain and accommodates four guests a night with genuine hospitality. They are dedicated to creating a healthy environment to ensure the comfort of all guests, including those with chemical sensitivity and allergies. Therefore, areas requiring paint, such as guest rooms, the dining area and the hallways, are adorned with coatings made entirely from natural materials.

Additionally, guests will also find the pension’s commitment to quality and ecology reflected in the room amenities. Mattress covers made of Indian-based textiles, sleeping pads and sheets crafted with a focus on organic materials enhance the quality of your sleep.

All the meals served at the pension are vegan-friendly. Their macrobiotic-based dishes, prepared with organic and locally-grown vegetables, satisfy your cravings without any guilt. If you are a bread lover, do try their house-made bread, baked in the brick oven in their garden.

Your mindful travel will extend further kindness to the planet

In the current landscape, sustainable travel is not merely a passing trend but a growing movement. Yet, it should extend beyond mere trendy words and genuinely contribute to fostering Mother Earth. The key lies in proactively gaining knowledge and choosing experiences aligned with sustainability when planning your next trip. Ultimately, such thoughtful travel will reward you with a wealth of benefits.