Japan Travel Sustainability Policy

We commit to:

• Have a Sustainability Coordinator who has completed the basic Travelife Sustainability training and exam and who will be responsible for overseeing, reporting, and implementing our sustainability policy and action plan.
• Define and publicly share our sustainability mission statement and policy.
• Conduct an initial assessment of the company's performance regarding sustainable practices.
• Ensure transparency in our sustainability efforts through public reporting and effective communication.
• Involve our staff in our sustainability action plan, ensuring they are well-informed about our Sustainability Policy and are dedicated to its implementation and continuous improvement.
• Comply with all national legislation related to sustainability policy.

We are committed to upholding human rights and ensuring fair treatment for all our employees.

Our commitments include:

• Incorporate into employment contracts: labor conditions in compliance with Japanese labor law, a detailed job description, and a wage rate that meets or exceeds the national legal minimum.
• Provide equal opportunities for all employees.
• Ensure favorable working conditions, including adherence to regulations concerning overtime, paid leave, maternity leave, and medical insurance.
• Comply with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and Japanese national regulations on the minimum age for employment, thereby prohibiting child labor.
• Regularly assess employee satisfaction and address any concerns to foster continuous improvement.
• Offer training sessions to our staff.
• Provide internship opportunities for students.

As an objective for 2026, we also aim to:

• Offer more complete training program for our staff

We aim to actively reduce the use of disposable and consumer goods, seek solutions to enhance our internal waste management practices, and implement strategies to minimize waste generation, all while prioritizing eco-labeled and certified products.

In this perspective, we aim to apply the 5Rs principles:

• Refuse: Do I really need this?
• Reduce: Do I need to use this much? Can I use something else in its place?
• Reuse: Can I use this multiple times?
• Repurpose: When I am done with this, is there another use for it besides its originally intended purpose?
• Recycle: Can I send this material back to be processed to a previous stage in its life cycle?

We commit to:

• Minimize the use of disposable goods in our office by using refillable cleaning products, toner, coffee in a glass container as well as purchasing rechargeable batteries for instance.
• Sort and recycle waste in accordance with Japanese national legislation on waste disposal.
• Use flow-restricted taps and dual-flush toilets.
• Favor local, eco-labelled, organic, and low carbon footprint products and services.
• Use non-hazardous or biodegradable cleaning supplies.
• Use FSC certified printer paper in the office and set the printer to low energy by default.
• Favor digital promotional material over printed one.
• Print brochures, if ever needed, on FSC certified paper and avoid overproduction. The budget should be considered. We usually use two partners for this purpose Kinko's and AcceaCreate which are both certified under the FSC program.
• Extend the usability of laptops by cleaning and reinstalling operating systems on older ones, provided the hardware is functional.
• Implement measures to avoid unnecessary energy waste by optimizing air conditioning, lighting, and electrical devices, adjusting settings based on the season, time of day, and whether it is a workday or weekend.
• Follow the Japanese Ministry of the Environment's "Cool Biz" campaign on air conditioning temperature, have a switch-off policy for unused equipment, set devices to energy-saving mode, and use energy-efficient equipment whenever possible.
• Reduce transport-related impacts by offering remote work options.

Partnering is essential for creating travel experiences that enrich our clients’ journeys while also positively impacting the communities and environments we visit.

We commit to:

• Inform key partners/suppliers on the Travelife and national tourism standard.
• Inform key partners/suppliers about Japan Travel sustainability policy.

As an objective for 2026, we also aim to:

• Include key sustainability clauses in contracts with partners/suppliers in the future.
• Motivate partners/suppliers to participate in sustainability training if applicable.

Since transport is an important aspect of sustainable tourism, we give preference to more sustainable alternatives when selecting local transport options in Japan, always taking into account price, comfort, and practical considerations for our customers.

We do not book international flights as part of our services. Instead, as a Destination Management Company (DMC), we focus exclusively on domestic operations, leaving international flight arrangements to the customer or their outbound travel agency.

Our commitments include:

• Encourage our customers to use public transportation in Japan, especially the efficient and extensive train network. Utilizing options like the JR Pass can add convenience and enhance their travel experience while promoting sustainability. The JR Pass offers unlimited access to most trains, including the Shinkansen, making it a cost-effective and convenient option when traveling within Japan. Another option is an IC card, such as Welcome Suica, which allows clients to benefit from cashless transactions and seamless transfers between trains, buses, and even some stores.

  Utilizing public transit not only provides clients with a chance to experience Japan like a local but also contributes to a more eco-friendly journey.

• Prefer trains over domestic flights whenever possible to minimize environmental impact. However, if the train journey is impractically long, we opt for domestic flights (only for Hokkaido, Okinawa, and Kyushu). In these cases, we select either JAL or ANA, both of which are committed to sustainability. JAL focuses on reducing carbon emissions and implementing eco-friendly practices, while ANA invests in advanced technologies and sustainable operations to minimize their environmental impact.
• For chartered buses to work with companies with strong business partnerships, including affiliations with embassies, public organizations, and other travel agencies. These partnerships ensure that the bus companies are committed to delivering a high quality service and staying current with industry best practice and maintaining modern, efficient vehicles.

As an objective for 2026, we also aim to:

• Develop one or more sustainable holiday packages that can be promoted not only on our website but also included in our customers' tour proposals, with the goal of offering more sustainable tours for tourists visiting Japan.

We commit to:

• Prefer and select accommodations that are locally owned and managed when possible.
• Include at least one local and typical Japanese accommodation (Ryokan) in most tours.
• Check that through the accommodations supply chain, the rights of children are respected and safeguarded and has a zero-tolerance policy of sexual exploitation of children.
• Terminate cooperation with the accommodation if there is clear evidence that it endangers the integrity of essential services—such as food, water, energy, healthcare, or soil.
• Not contract with suppliers, directly or indirectly, that are involved in compulsory labor or employ children for tasks typically performed by adults.
• Have a zero tolerance policy concerning sexual exploitation of children. We will end the contractual agreement prematurely if a supplier does not take adequate measures to prevent sexual exploitation of children within the direct supply chain.
• Support, upon request collaborative initiatives with other tour operators and/or stakeholders to promote sustainability among accommodations in Japan.

As an objective for 2026, we also aim to:

• Encourage accommodations to follow best practices for responsible tourism.
• Include standard sustainability clauses in contracts with accommodation providers, focusing on child labor, anti-corruption, waste management, and protecting biodiversity.
• Give preference to accommodations that have sustainability certification or implement a sustainable policy.
• Work with accommodations and restaurants that incorporate elements of local art, architecture, or cultural heritage to give an authentic experience to guests.

We commit to:

• Not offer any excursions that have a negative impact on humans, animals, or natural resources such as water and energy, or which are socially and culturally unacceptable.

• Not offer or promote any activities involving wildlife in captivity or animals unless they are strictly regulated and comply with local, national, and international laws. Such facilities include members of the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA), accredited National and quasi-national parks, sites recognized by UNESCO, and government-accredited facilities.

  JAZA is a respected professional organization in Japan that supports the development and ethical management of zoos and aquariums, focusing on conservation, education, and enhancing animal welfare standards. As a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), JAZA upholds global standards for animal care and habitat preservation We maintain an updated list of JAZA-accredited institutions as well as national and quasi national parks, which we can recommend to customers if they asked specifically for such activities. For more information please visit our Animal Welfare Policy page.

• Not be involved with companies that harvest, consume, display, sell, or trade wildlife species unless it is part of a regulated activity that ensures that their utilization is sustainable and in compliance with local, national, and international law.
• Have skilled and/or certified guides to guide our clients in sensitive cultural sites, heritage sites, or ecologically sensitive destinations.
• Promote and advise our guests on excursions and activities which directly involve and support local communities by purchasing services or goods, traditional crafts and local (food) production methods, or visiting social projects.
• Share our Sustainable Policy and Sustainable Travel Guide with our partners.
• Advise guests on behavior standards during excursions and activities with a focus on respecting the local culture, nature, and environment.
• Advise travelers to participate in activities which directly involve and support local communities, e.g., by purchasing services or goods that involve traditional crafts.

We commit to:

• Provide a written employment contract specifically for guide companies, outlining labor conditions and a detailed job description, ensuring that they fully understand the terms and conditions.
• Support a fair and safe working environment for both our freelance and contracted guides. For the latter, we provide a written agreement explaining the working hours, allowance, job description and cancellation terms.
• Prefer to work with local guides (licensed if possible), who have demonstrated extensive knowledge of Japan.
• Pay tour leaders, local representatives, and guides a living wage that is above the legal minimum.
• Have our tour leaders, local representatives, and guides share friendly tips with our customers about sustainability, social norms, and human rights in Japan.

As an objective for 2026, we also aim to:

• Develop a Code of Conduct to be shared with tour leaders, local representatives, and guides.
• Provide access to Travelife Guide training for all our freelance and contracted guides.
• Provide access to the Travelife sexual exploitation of children training for all our freelance and contracted guides.

We aim to maximize the positive impacts and minimize the negative impacts of tourism in Japan. We commit to:

• Select new destinations that are accessible via public transportation, and support local governments concerning sustainability and destination planning.
• Not promote souvenirs that contain threatened flora and fauna species as indicated in the CITES treaty and the IUCN ‘Red List’; or historic and archaeological artifacts (except as permitted by law). The most well-known illegal souvenirs include ivory products, turtle/tortoiseshell items, and any products made from endangered species. Additionally, we need to mention that bird feathers, coral, seashells, and seahorses—especially for clients traveling to Okinawa—as well as Japanese snake wine, known as Habushu, are also prohibited souvenirs.
• Not selecting destinations in which tourism leads to structural negative local effects.

As an objective for 2026, we also aim to:

• Consider sustainability aspects in the selection process of new destinations and possibly offer alternative, non-mainstream destinations.
• Promote more sustainable destinations to our customers.
• Support the local economy by encouraging our customers to shop at local stores (for food, souvenirs, etc.) and eat local cuisine during their trip. Recommend accommodations that source local products.

Our customers' welfare is of utmost importance to us, which is why, as a dedicated travel agency, we are fully committed to ensuring their safety, comfort, and satisfaction throughout their entire journey.

We commit to:

• Ensure that our customers' private information is safe.
• Comply with relevant standards and voluntary codes of conduct in marketing and advertising messages.
• Provide clear, complete, and accurate product and price information, as well as destination information, including sustainability aspects such as the local environment, culture, and heritage.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with our customers both before and after booking by supplying all essential information for their travel plans.
• Provide information to our customers about the natural surroundings, local culture, and cultural heritage in the destination.
• Inform our customers about applicable legislation concerning the purchasing, sales, import, and export of historic or religious artifacts and articles containing materials of threatened flora and/or fauna in Japan.
• Provide our customers with information about commercial, sexual, or any other form of exploitation and harassment, particularly of children and adolescents.
• Promote restaurants and shops owned and managed locally.
• Promote sustainable transport options when feasible.
• Inform our customers about risks and precautions related to health and safety matters in Japan.
• Keep a contact person and a telephone number permanently available for emergencies.
• Keep guidelines available on how to deal with emergencies and educate our staff to respond accordingly.
• Have clear procedures in case of complaints from clients to guarantee a fast, efficient, and fair response in case of a claim.
• Resolve the claims as quickly as possible, while keeping our customers informed throughout our complaint resolution process. Complaints can be submitted by calling, e-mailing, or writing to us. Additional information or documentation might be requested.
• Measure systematically client satisfaction and take into account the results, for service and product improvements.
• Include sustainability as an integral part of the customer satisfaction survey.

As an objective for 2026, we also aim to:

• Inform potential customers about our sustainability commitments and actions.
• Develop one or more sustainable package holidays including sustainable transport, sustainable accommodations, and sustainable activities.
• Provide our customers with documented guidelines and/or codes of conduct for sensitive excursions and activities, to minimize negative impact and maximize enjoyment.
• Encourage our customers to donate to a local charity or sustainable initiatives.

To achieve our goals and ensure the correct measures are being taken, our sustainability manager, with support from a dedicated sustainability team, regularly evaluates and monitors our processes and the impact of our sustainability efforts.

We commit to:

• Hold a monthly meeting with the Sustainability Team to track progress and implement our action plan.
• Include Sustainability topics in the agenda of monthly department meetings.
• Work closely with the relevant team members to ensure the actions are implemented effectively.
• Report on results, plan improvements, and share information and knowledge internally and with Travel Japan partners.