Sustainability at Six Senses Kyoto
Our sustainability initiatives reflect Kyoto's natural environment, rich culture, and local communities. We bottle drinking water on site, collect rainwater for irrigation, and generate renewable electricity via solar panels. We work with regional farmers to source produce and divert food waste. Additionally, we contribute 0.5 percent of revenue to the Regenerative Impact Fund and hold LEED Silver certification.
Environmental Responsibility
At Six Senses Kyoto, we integrate environmental practices into selected areas of our operations, including resource management and partnerships supporting local ecosystems. We work with local organizations on projects supporting forest restoration and outdoor clean-up activities as well as on the wider conservation of Kyoto’s natural and cultural heritage.
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Higashiyama Forest Improvement
Our partnership with Kyoto Traditional Culture Forest Promotion Council supports restoration activities in Higashiyama Forest. Through the Regenerative Impact Fund, in 2024, we funded the creation of forest trail maps highlighting ecosystem features and cultural heritage. In 2026, the project expanded to 7,000 square meters of the forest, and forest management, to improve light reaching the forest floor and prepare selected areas for future tree planting.
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Hiking for a Cleaner Tomorrow
Our ongoing partnership with the Kyoto Alpine Federation supports outdoor clean-ups across Kyoto’s mountain areas. In 2026, the Regenerative Impact Fund helped fund its June 7 clean-up, when 366 volunteers cleared around 290 kilograms of waste across 18 routes. Six Senses Kyoto also enabled 54 students to take part, while our hosts also joined in.
Social Responsibility
Kyoto has long been recognized for its rich cultural heritage. We work directly with local community partners to support traditional arts and cultural practices for future generations.
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Traditional Art of Sashiko
Sashiko is a traditional Japanese sewing technique that strengthens and extends the life of fabrics. Local women artisans use it to handcraft Six Senses Kyoto’s soft toy mascot, the Nine Tailed Fox, Kyu-chan, available for purchase in every guest room. Since opening, 485 Kyu-chan have been sold, with all proceeds supporting our Regenerative Impact Fund. By combining traditional sashiko techniques with antique fabrics, each Kyu-chan celebrates Kyoto’s traditional craftsmanship.
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Supporting the Next Generation of Traditional Craftspeople
Through a new multi-year partnership with JapanCraft21, Six Senses Kyoto enables the learning and development of the next generation of traditional craftspeople. For example, through our Regenerative Impact Fund, two apprentices have learned traditional indigo dyeing as they develop knowledge and techniques passed down through generations. The partnership helps carry this traditional craft forward, and for Master artisans to pass-on their knowledge.
