Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart, is known for its stunning temples, lush gardens, and historic ryokans—traditional Japanese inns that offer an immersive cultural experience. But in an era of climate consciousness, many ryokans are evolving to embrace sustainability while preserving their timeless charm.
For eco-conscious travelers, Kyoto’s eco ryokans offer the perfect blend of tradition and environmental responsibility. These accommodations integrate renewable energy, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing, allowing guests to enjoy a guilt-free stay. Whether you’re looking for a serene retreat in the mountains or a heritage ryokan in the heart of the city, this guide highlights Kyoto’s best eco ryokans, their sustainability initiatives, and how booking your stay supports Japan’s commitment to a greener future.
Why Stay in an Eco Ryokan?
1. Experience Japanese Tradition Sustainably
Ryokans provide a deep cultural experience, featuring tatami-mat flooring, futon bedding, shoji sliding doors, and exquisite kaiseki (multi-course) dining. Eco ryokans take this tradition a step further by minimizing their environmental impact through energy-efficient operations, zero-waste initiatives, and responsible resource use.
2. Support Renewable Energy & Low-Impact Tourism
Many eco ryokans in Kyoto operate on 100% renewable energy, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. By staying in these accommodations, travelers help support Japan’s transition toward a carbon-neutral tourism industry while reducing their own environmental footprint.
3. Enjoy a Plastic-Free, Low-Waste Stay
Sustainable ryokans actively reduce single-use plastics, replacing them with biodegradable or refillable alternatives. From reusable chopsticks to bamboo toothbrushes and zero-waste toiletries, these inns align with Japan’s national sustainability goals while providing a more environmentally friendly guest experience.
4. Support Local Artisans & Ethical Sourcing
Sustainable ryokans prioritize locally sourced, organic ingredients for their meals and feature handcrafted furnishings made by Kyoto’s traditional artisans. Many partner with small-scale farmers, potters, and textile makers to ensure that tourism directly benefits local communities.
Kyoto’s Best Eco Ryokans: Where Tradition Meets Sustainability
1. Ryokan Sanga (Central Kyoto)
Why It’s Sustainable:
- 100% powered by renewable energy, including solar and wind power.
- Offers a low-waste dining experience, using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and eliminating food waste.
- Implements a plastic-free policy, replacing single-use plastics with sustainable bamboo and glass alternatives.
- Uses traditional Kyoto paper lanterns and LED lighting to conserve energy.
2. Yoshida-Sanso (Eastern Kyoto)
Why It’s Sustainable:
- A restored historic villa, reducing new construction waste and preserving Kyoto’s architectural heritage.
- Uses energy-efficient lighting, water-saving technology, and eco-friendly insulation.
- Offers organic tea ceremonies and farm-to-table dining, using produce from Kyoto farmers to minimize food miles.
- Collaborates with local artists and craftsmen for sustainable interior design.
3. Ryokan Seikoro (Higashiyama District)
Why It’s Sustainable:
- Features a low-energy heating system and natural ventilation, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
- Constructed using sustainably harvested Kyoto cedar and bamboo, ensuring minimal impact on local forests.
- Onsen (hot spring bath) water is purified using eco-friendly filtration systems to minimize chemical use.
- Provides guests with reusable yukata robes, tatami slippers, and refillable toiletries.
4. Matsui Honkan (Downtown Kyoto)
Why It’s Sustainable:
- Powered by solar panels, supplying renewable energy for heating and lighting.
- Uses a water recycling system for traditional wooden baths, ensuring sustainable water use.
- Eliminates plastic waste by providing ceramic dining ware, wooden combs, and refillable amenities.
- Implements a zero-waste laundry system, using biodegradable detergents and energy-efficient machines.
5. Hoshinoya Kyoto (Arashiyama District)
Why It’s Sustainable:
- Hydro-powered electricity sourced from the nearby Katsura River.
- Offers zero-waste kaiseki dining, focusing on seasonal, organic ingredients to minimize food waste.
- Partners with local craftsmen and artisans to support Kyoto’s traditional industries.
- Implements composting programs and sustainable landscaping to protect the surrounding nature.
How to Make Your Ryokan Stay More Sustainable
1. Choose Ryokans with Eco-Certifications
Look for ryokans that are certified under Japan’s top sustainability programs, such as:
- Green Key Japan (for eco-friendly accommodations meeting international sustainability standards)
- JHEA Eco-Certified Ryokan Program (Japanese Hospitality Environmental Association, promoting traditional sustainable inns)
- Sustainable Travel Japan Initiative (a government-led program recognizing low-impact tourism operators)
2. Opt for Public or Low-Carbon Transport
Kyoto is well-connected with efficient public transport, including buses, subways, and the iconic JR trains. Walking and cycling are also great options to reduce your travel emissions while immersing yourself in the city’s historic charm.
3. Practice Zero-Waste Travel
- Bring a reusable water bottle—Kyoto has plenty of public refill stations to reduce plastic waste.
- Carry your own chopsticks and cloth napkins to avoid disposable utensils.
- Choose ryokans that provide biodegradable or refillable toiletries, ensuring a waste-free stay.
4. Support Local & Ethical Businesses
- Purchase handmade souvenirs from Kyoto artisans instead of mass-produced items.
- Dine at farm-to-table restaurants that source ingredients locally and sustainably.
- Participate in traditional crafts workshops, such as kimono weaving or tea ceremony lessons, that support cultural preservation.
How Booking Through Impt.io Supports Sustainability
By booking eco ryokans via Impt.io, your stay directly contributes to:
- Renewable Energy Expansion: Funding Kyoto’s growing solar and wind energy projects.
- Forest Restoration Initiatives: Supporting reforestation efforts in Japan’s rural areas to combat climate change.
- Local Sustainability Programs: Ensuring that Kyoto remains a model for responsible tourism while maintaining its cultural heritage.
Conclusion
Staying in an eco ryokan in Kyoto allows travelers to experience Japan’s rich cultural heritage while actively supporting sustainability. From energy-efficient lodging to plastic-free amenities, these accommodations seamlessly blend tradition with modern environmental responsibility.
By choosing a sustainable ryokan, you contribute to Kyoto’s commitment to green tourism, local artisans, and environmental conservation.
Book your Zen escape today through Impt.io, where every stay helps Kyoto move toward a greener, more sustainable future.
