Our mission
Our Mission
Bridging Japan’s Tradition and a Sustainable Future
We aim to create and promote the most captivating experiences in Japan through traditional culture, which our ancestors have developed, preserved, nurtured, and passed down through generations.
We love our hometown of Kyoto and, for a sustainable future, we engage with people, nature, and the community, actively contributing to social causes.
We act with a spirit of exploration towards Japan's beauty, culture, and traditions, and always be humble towards people.
Sustainability Policy
This Sustainability Policy serves as WAKJAPAN’s code of conduct aimed at achieving sustainable tourism. Through our business operations, we dedicated to minimizing environmental impact, contributing to the well-being of local communities, and promoting fair business practices.
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We are committed to promoting business activities that have no adverse effects on the soil, air, food, water, or energy resources in the regions where we operate.
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We are committed to ensuring that any renovation or construction activities are carried out with full consideration for the preservation of traditional ways of life and the well-being of local communities.
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We take proactive measures to inform and guide participants in experience programs and tours—including visits to traditional communities and cultural sites—to ensure that their presence does not have an adverse effect on local traditions or communities.
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We promote the reduction of single-use plastic products, including PET bottles.
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We promote the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in our waste management practices. Our efforts include reducing food waste, recycling PET bottles and plastic products, and properly sorting waste and resources in accordance with local regulations.
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To reduce paper usage, we actively promote paperless practices. When the use of paper is necessary, we choose environmentally responsible paper products.
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We are committed to minimizing any activities that may have an adverse effect on natural ecosystems.
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We are committed to refraining from providing any services that may harm local residents, wildlife, plants, or natural resources (including water and energy), as well as services that are socially or culturally inappropriate.
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We strictly prohibit the sale of products derived from endangered species listed in the Washington Convention (CITES) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
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We are committed to the preservation, restoration, and heritage of Kyoto machiya townhouses utilized as experience facilities and offices, ensuring the protection of the surrounding landscape.
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We purchase and use food ingredients, food products, and traditional crafts produced in Kyoto Prefecture and surrounding regions based on fair trade and sustainability principles, thereby promoting local production for local consumption.
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We actively support collaboration with disability support facilities in Kyoto Prefecture by placing orders and promoting the purchase, sale, and use of products they produce.
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We are committed to actively integrating local art, traditional styles, and cultural heritage into the exterior and interior design, as well as the furnishings and equipment of our experience facilities and offices. Furthermore, we support those who preserve and pass on traditional industries and crafts through restoration and conservation efforts.
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Our experience programs utilize locally produced items and products manufactured through sustainable methods that reflect the region’s history and culture. Additionally, we offer and sell souvenirs created using the same sustainable production methods.
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Our experience programs include and provide explanations about various aspects of local customs and traditions.
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To address overtourism, we implement strategies such as dispersing tourists, encouraging visits during off-peak seasons, promoting travel to non-commercialized and rural regions, educating visitors on proper conduct, and supporting harmonious coexistence with local communities.
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We uphold fair business practices by ensuring full compliance with national legislation, regional ordinances, and local customs.
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We uphold human rights and economic and social fairness by providing fair labor conditions and equal rights to all employees involved in facility operations, encompassing full-time employees, part-time and temporary workers, contractors, as well as student and international student part-time staff.
SDGs Declaration
In commitment to achieving the goals set forth by the SDGs, we hereby declare as follows: SDGs is the abbreviation for "Sustainable Development Goals." The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) consist of 17 goals and 169 targets to be achieved by 2030, aimed at creating a world where no one is left behind. At WAK JAPAN, we have established 12 goals in total, divided into four themes with three goals each, and are actively working towards them.
Building a Workplace That Supports Women’s Ongoing Success
Our goal is to build a workplace where all individuals can freely and sustainably express their abilities and passion to the fullest, regardless of age or background.
- We actively promote the recruitment of motivated women and elderly individuals.
- We are developing work systems that allow employees to continue working while managing childcare or caregiving duties.
- We regularly host cultural experience programs and events.
Toward the Sustainable Growth of Our Cherished Hometown: Kyoto and Japan
Through the preservation and transmission of Kyoto's and Japan's valuable traditional culture, along with the promotion of local production and consumption, we strive to support the sustainable development of our local communities.
- We provide authentic cultural experience programs held in traditional Kyoto machiya (townhouses).
- We actively partner with local companies and leverage regional resources to develop new projects.
- We contribute to the community by initiating activities based on the "Sekai Café" approach.
Actions we can take to protect the environment and care for the Earth.
Through efforts like the 3Rs (Reuse, Reduce, Recycle), we are committed to contributing to the preservation of the environment.
- We are engaged in the development of mask cases made from antibacterial washi paper.
- We offer kimono products made from reused materials.
- We hold courses on furoshiki usage aimed at reducing plastic consumption.
To the Children Who Will Lead Japan’s Future
We are committed to undertaking a range of initiatives to foster the development of children who will carry the future of Kyoto and Japan.
- Through cultural experiences, we provide opportunities for people to learn about and appreciate the richness of Kyoto and Japan.
- We provide cultural exchange programs, including tours like “Walk In Kyoto With Foreign Students”
Kyoto Tourism Morality Promotion
WAKJAPAN is certified and registered as a “Kyoto Tourism Morality Promotion Declaration Business” for its efforts aligned with the Kyoto Tourism Code of Conduct.
The Kyoto Tourism Code of Conduct (Kyoto Tourism Morality) is a set of guidelines to ensure that Kyoto remains true to itself. As a tourism business, WAK Japan is committed to acting in accordance with these guidelines, working together with visitors and local residents to help pass Kyoto on to future generations.
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On the Harmony Between Local Life and Tourism
We respect harmony with the local community to enhance the area's appeal and the quality of life for residents. We contribute to the development of local culture, community, and economy, and also share local rules and customs with visitors.
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High-Quality Service
We strive to deepen our understanding of Kyoto’s history, culture, and traditions so that visitors are inspired and want to return again. We also make efforts to understand and respect the cultures and customs of our guests’ home countries, continuously enhancing the quality of our services and products with a spirit of hospitality.
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Conservation of the Environment and Landscape
We are committed to preserving the beloved natural environment and streetscapes of Kyoto as well as the global environment. We take care to respect the local natural surroundings and scenery, and conduct our business activities in an environmentally friendly manner.
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Disaster Response and Related Matters
We strive to ensure that everyone can live safely and securely while maintaining business continuity and employee employment. We stay vigilant against disasters, infectious diseases, accidents, and other risks, preparing thoroughly and acting appropriately.