Responsibility hero image

RESPONSIBILITY

Architecture, art, and the richness of time spent at River Retreat Garaku.
We believe all of these should exist in gentle harmony with the natural environment of this region.

Just as we carefully design the spaces our guests experience, we place equal importance on the sense of comfort created by thoughtful care for the environment behind them.

Not as rigid rules, but as a new standard for the luxury of the future.
The coexistence of abundant nature and refined spaces is something we hold close.
These are our small but sincere steps toward tomorrow.

THE RESULTS

The impact of our initiatives

Solar energy generated on-site / 2026
Compost produced from kitchen waste / 2025
CO₂-free electricity supplied
from our group facilities / 2026
14,379kWh
840kg
123,725kWh
Solar energy generated on-site / 2026
14,379kWh
Compost produced from kitchen waste / 2025
840kg
CO₂-free electricity supplied
from our group facilities / 2026
123,725kWh

OUR PERSPECTIVE

How we approach sustainability

Green Renovation Project

In March 2023, Rooms 201 and 202 were renovated under the theme "Sustainability × Luxury."
We believe in honoring the character of the existing space and furnishings while giving them new life.

Natural washi wallpaper crafted by local artisans, terrazzo tiles with ceramic shards — salvaged from the pottery-making process that would otherwise have been discarded — embedded within them, carpets created from recycled fishing nets, and lighting crafted from repurposed industrial glass — each piece reflects the craftsmanship of Toyama's artisans and creators, weaving the concept of material circulation throughout the space.

We will continue pursuing the harmony between sustainability and luxury.

Guest Room Amenities

Our approach to amenities has been shaped by the everyday observations of our staff.
To reduce environmental impact, biodegradable biomass materials are used for toothbrushes and hairbrushes, and plastic packaging has been replaced with paper.
Tissue cases are made using upcycled bedspreads that were once used in the hotel, giving them a second life as original covers.

Our skincare products are created using pure snowmelt water from Mount Tateyama.
They are formulated with biodegradable ingredients and contain no petrochemical-derived substances, synthetic colorants, or parabens.

In each room, guests will also find amenity bags made with recycled eggshell material.
Rather than reducing amenities, we encourage guests to take them home and continue using them — extending their life and reducing waste.

We believe that small thoughtful choices can help protect the environment for the future.

Trésonnier

At Trésonnier, our restaurant's private farm grows approximately 40 varieties of vegetables and herbs each year without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Kitchen scraps generated during cooking are composted and returned to the soil as fertilizer.
The vegetables grown with this compost are then served in the restaurant, creating a natural cycle of food around the hotel.

We also place great importance on our connection with the region when sourcing wild ingredients.
Working together with local residents, we harvest mountain vegetables, mushrooms, and river fish while learning traditional ways of interacting with nature.
By harvesting only what is truly needed, we protect the natural resources that future generations will depend on.

These initiatives led to Trésonnier being recognized with one Michelin star and a Michelin Green Star in the Michelin Guide Hokuriku 2021 Special Edition.
Preserving nature's gifts for generations to come is, we believe, an essential part of what we do at Trésonnier.

Renewable Energy

Since December 2025, solar panels installed on the roof of the ANNEX building have been generating a portion of the electricity used within the hotel.
As a hotel operating in the heart of nature, we believe that environmental care must extend beyond the visible experience of our guests.
Through initiatives such as renewable energy use, we aim to reduce the environmental impact of our daily operations and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Off-site PPA

IZAK CO., LTD., the company that operates River Retreat Garaku, launched an off-site PPA initiative in August 2025, utilizing the surplus power utilization service provided by Hokuriku Electric Power Company.
Through this system, CO₂-free electricity generated at the IZAK Environmental Division Energy Center is supplied to facilities across the IZAK Group.
As a result, approximately 31% of the electricity used at eight group locations, including this hotel, is now powered by waste-derived CO₂-free energy.
This initiative is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 1,700 tons annually across the group.
It represents a new model of the circular economy, transforming waste into valuable resources — the first initiative of its kind in the Hokuriku region.

Garaku Uniform

Our hotel uniforms are created by NEUTRALWORKS., a brand by Goldwin, a company founded in Toyama known for its commitment to environmental care.
Aligned with Goldwin's goals of reducing CO₂ emissions and increasing the use of low-impact materials to 90% by 2030, these uniforms blend care for the global environment with innovative technology.

Our staff also wear Allbirds sneakers, a brand that balances comfort, sustainability, and simple design.
Founded in San Francisco in 2016, Allbirds has been developing footwear under the mission of "reversing climate change through the power of business," creating shoes from natural materials that are often described as feeling like walking on clouds.
Over three years from 2020, Allbirds reduced the average carbon footprint across all products by approximately 44%, with a goal of reaching zero by 2030.

Local Connections

In the hotel shop, guests will find a curated selection of traditional crafts and original works by emerging glass artists who have honed their craft in a region with a deeply rooted glass culture.
We see this space as an opportunity to introduce the beauty of Toyama's craftsmanship to both domestic and international guests, and we remain committed to nurturing our relationships with local artisans.

In our restaurant, we also highlight the region through cuisine, using Toyama ingredients in most of our dishes.
Traditional techniques such as aging, fermentation, and preservation are incorporated into our cooking — not only reducing food waste but also helping to pass down regional food culture.

On our website's "Journeys in Toyama, Hokuriku" page, we introduce guests to special experiences that connect them with the region's nature and culture — from traditional crafts to seasonal outdoor activities.

We will continue to discover and share the very best of what this region has to offer — experiences and treasures we can recommend to our guests with genuine pride.

Just comfortable.
Just beautiful.

These practices may seem uncommon today,
but we hope
to make them simply part of what we do —
for it is our responsibility
to protect the environment of this land
for generations to come.