GOOD NATURE HOTEL KYOTO wins French guide environmental award

GOOD NATURE HOTEL KYOTO has received the Ethical and Environmental Responsibility Award from the French global guide LA LISTE for its 2026 selection. The hotel, operated by BIOSTYLE Corporation, was recognised for its proactive and comprehensive approach to sustainability in the hospitality sector.

LA LISTE, founded in 2015 by Philippe Faure, former French Ambassador to Japan, annually ranks the world’s top 1,000 restaurants and hotels. It also presents special awards in various countries to highlight exceptional establishments. GOOD NATURE HOTEL KYOTO earned its distinction for achievements that include becoming the world’s first hotel to simultaneously obtain both WELL and LEED environmental certifications under their respective hotel-specific standards.

The hotel’s operations are guided by the concept of being “good for people, good for nature.” This philosophy is reflected in its infrastructure and services. The facility runs on 100% renewable electricity and features a green wall in its central courtyard to promote biodiversity.

Circular economy principles are integrated into the guest experience. The hotel operates an in-house composting system, and the resulting compost is used to grow rice served at breakfast. To combat plastic waste, single-use plastic amenities have been eliminated, and guests are encouraged to use provided tumblers and water dispensers instead of PET bottles. In a unique blend of tradition and sustainability, hotel staff use the Japanese art of kintsugi to repair and continue using ceramic teaware.

To further sustainability efforts, rooms are furnished with organic cotton towels and fair-trade baked goods from the hotel’s own brand, RAU. Bathroom amenities are supplied by NEMOHAMO, the hotel’s proprietary brand of environmentally considerate cosmetics.

The award acknowledges the hotel’s holistic commitment, which extends throughout the GOOD NATURE STATION building where it is located. The building also houses the Chinese gastronomy restaurant VELROSIER, nominated for LA LISTE’s Top 1000, and RAU Patisserie & Chocolate, a recipient of the Pastry Discovery GEM Award.