Bio Hotels Japan sets new green standard in hospitality english.kyodonews.net

The 61-year-old heads Bio Hotels Japan, which he established in 2013 to advocate for slow living in a country where convenience -- exemplified by its 24-hour convenience stores, punctual train system, vending machines, 100 yen shops and capsule hotels -- is still king.
Though officially recognized by the Austria-based Bio Hotels Association, the largest grouping of ecological hotels in Europe, Bio Hotels Japan creates its own brand guidelines and even offers consulting services to businesses interested in going green.
While two were existing hotels that underwent renovations to meet the requirements of Bio Hotels Japan, Yasuesou in Nagano, famous for its German chamomile fields and chamomile extract bath, was committed to sustainability from the start.
"Bio hotels don't charge any more than neighboring hotels.
In an ideal world, Nakaishi would like to see at least 47 bio hotels, one in each of Japan's prefectures.