Three Projects to Become Japan’s First Ecotourism Resort
- General Manager of Hoshino Resorts Iriomote Hotel
- Masataka Hosokawa
- Profile
- Born in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Worked at the hotel on Kohama Island before Hoshino Resorts became the operator and stayed at the hotel after the transfer. Later, gained experience with the RISONARE brand at Kohama Island, Iriomote Island, Tomamu, and Yatsugatake. Moved to Iriomote Hotel in 2019 and became the General Manager in June 2021. “Creating a comfortable environment for the staff” as a motto, and is a supportive father of three.
Regarding the Entire Island of Iriomote as a Resort for Ecotourism
Approximately a 10 minute drive from Uehara Port to Iriomote Hotel using our shuttle bus
Iriomote Hotel with a spectacular view of the jungle and beach
In April 2021, Iriomote Hotel announced that it would aim to become the first ecotourism resort in Japan. In the spring of 2021, we began the following three projects in order to protect the island’s natural environment and create a sustainable system of tourism: ecological hotel operations; nature tours that allow guests to feel the beauty and value of the island; and conservation activities for the Iriomote wildcat.
Environmental protection includes the entire island. We intend to promote ecotourism of Iriomote Island by considering the entire island as a resort. We believe that we can contribute to the community by learning about the island’s natural resources in-depth and protecting and utilizing them in our business. We will do our best to slowly but surely achieve our goal.
Environmental Protection Starts with what we can do
Facility with hydroelectric equipment at HOSHINOYA Karuizawa for effective use of natural energy
In November 2011, Hoshino Resorts’ Karuizawa Hoshino Area was the first in the hotel industry to achieve zero emission (all waste produced through operation is incinerated or buried; 0 garbage = 100% recycling). Even today at the Karuizawa Hoshino Area, approximately 70% of energy is produced by in-house hydroelectric, installation of geothermal equipment, and installation of hot spring waste heat equipment. By being self-sufficient, we are striving for environmentally friendly operations.
Water dispensers are installed and water bottle rental service is offered.
Using that know-how at Iriomote Hotel, we are starting with what we are able to pursue: not generating garbage, removing plastic bottles, and thorough recycling. At check-in, we share information to guests about Iriomote Island’s natural environment and our efforts in installing water dispensers and eliminating disposable amenities. In this way, we are striving for zero emissions.
Responsible Tourism: Balancing Protection and Use
Debut of a tour to follow the footsteps of Iriomote wildcat
Before announcing our plans to become an ecotourism resort, we first talked to the local community about our ideas. We have begun new projects with people who share a strong mutual understanding. For example, the “Following the footsteps of Iriomote wildcat tour”, which started in August 2021, is a daytime tour by naturalist guides who work to protect the Iriomote wildcat 365 days a year. By visiting the wildcat’s habitat, guests are able to learn about its ecology: the guide can tell what a wildcat has eaten by examining their feces or assumptions on their behavior can be deduced from the footprints left behind.
As an introductory step before the tour, we also started the “Iriomote Wildcat School”, where guests can easily learn about the wildcat free of charge. In partnership with Picchio, where the staff loves wildlife above all, we are also gaining know-how as ecotourism guides. With the support of expert guides from the island and with our burning love of Iriomote Island, all of our staff is striving every day to use and protect our natural world heritage sites, and to become an ecotourism resort that can offer a fun destination to everyone.
InterviewerTravel JournalistAkiko Nokata
Born in Fukushima Prefecture. 28 years of interview experience focusing on the towns, people, hot springs, and accommodations of Japan. Introduced as a travel expert on a Japanese TV show, "The Solomon Style." Certified as an onsen (hot spring) sommelier ambassador, sleep & health advisor, listening specialist, sauna & spa professional, Japanese tea advisor. First encounter with Hoshino Resorts in the '90s, through the participation of a tour by Picchio.
Japan’s First Ecotourism Association Established on Iriomote Island 25 Years Ago
- Chairman of Ecotourism Association
- Shoken Taira
The Road to the Registration of Iriomote Island, Almost Entirely a National Park, as a Natural World Heritage Site
- Park Ranger at the Iriomote Island Nature Conservation Bureau of the Ministry of the Environment
- Yasunori Takenaka
Shoken Taira
Yasunori Takenaka
Masataka Hosokawa
Takahiro Yamashita
Shinya Kusube
