【Environmental Education】Sustainable Tourism Initiatives: Environmental Education

Marukoma Onsen Ryokan GSTC-06

Marukoma Onsen Ryokan: Leading the Way in Sustainable Hospitality

In January 2025, Marukoma Onsen Ryokan became the first hot spring inn in Hokkaido to be awarded the prestigious Sakura Quality – An ESG Practice certification, an international recognition based on the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) standards. This certification honors our ongoing commitment to reducing environmental impact, contributing to the local community, and operating in harmony with nature.
Driven by the vision of our founder — “I have never seen a world so beautiful and full of peace” — we are dedicated to preserving this legacy for the next hundred years and beyond. With passion and purpose, we embrace the principles of the SDGs and continue to evolve as a truly sustainable destination.
We will keep sharing our efforts and innovations, ensuring every guest experiences comfort, harmony, and the natural beauty of our surroundings — all while making a positive impact on the world.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism throughLocally Grown, Locally Enjoyed

Environmental Education in Sustainable Tourism
Environmental education in sustainable tourism involves incorporating educational components into tourism activities, enabling travelers to learn about and deepen their understanding of environmental issues. The aim is to foster awareness of natural environments, ecosystems, and the importance of environmental conservation within the context of tourist destinations and travel experiences. Through this understanding, visitors are encouraged to adopt and promote sustainable behaviors.

At Marukoma Onsen Ryokan, we are engaged in the following initiatives related to environmental education:

1. Promoting Understanding of the Natural Environment
   　We provide guests with knowledge about the local ecosystem, wildlife, and natural resources. This includes seasonal information on plants and animals native to the Shikotsu Lake area, enhancing awareness of the region’s biodiversity.
2. Experiential Learning Opportunities
   　Our environmental education efforts go beyond lectures and include hands-on learning experiences such as nature walks, guided tours, and eco-tours. We collaborate with local adventure tour companies in Hokkaido to offer guests enriching opportunities to explore and learn from the natural environment.
3. Encouraging Sustainable Behavior
   　We actively promote environmentally responsible behavior among our guests, emphasizing the importance of practices such as recycling, waste reduction, and the conservation of water and energy. Through these efforts, we aim to foster awareness of how individual actions can positively impact both nature and local communities.
   

In sustainable tourism, environmental education serves as a means to raise awareness of environmental conservation through travel. It fosters respect for nature and culture, playing a vital role in supporting both sustainable tourism and lifestyles.

Marukoma Onsen Ryokan – A Lakeside Retreat on Shikotsu

Founded in 1915, Marukoma Onsen Ryokan is a historic hot spring inn nestled on the serene shores of Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido. Known for its open-air panoramic bath with breathtaking lake views, the ryokan also boasts a rare natural hot spring that flows directly from the lakebed – a truly unique experience found only in a few places in Japan.
The mineral-rich waters, naturally cloudy and soothing, reflect the deep connection between the land and its history. Guests can savor seasonal Japanese cuisine crafted with local ingredients, served either in a traditional kaiseki style or grilled over an open irori hearth – a nod to the timeless culinary traditions of the region.
With nature, healing waters, and authentic flavors, Marukoma offers a soul-soothing escape from the stress of modern life.

📞 Phone: +81-123-25-2341
📍 Address: 7 Horobinai, Chitose-shi, Hokkaido 066-0287, Japan
🛏 Rooms: 55
⏱ Check-in: from 15:00 / Check-out: by 10:00
💴 Rates: From ¥22,000 per person (based on 2 guests per room, tax & service included)
🌐 Website: https://www.marukoma.co.jp

For press inquiries, please contact Mr. Hiuke at Marukoma Onsen Ryokan: +81-123-25-2341