Located about 2 hours by train from Tokyo, the ryokan “Kinugawa Park Hotels” in Kinugawa Onsen, Tochigi Prefecture, has launched a .
There are two types of plans: one that excludes animal-derived ingredients in both dinner (kaiseki cuisine) and breakfast, and another that goes further by offering a completely vegan experience including room snacks, feather-free bedding, vegan shampoos, body soap, and other amenities. With the latter, guests can enjoy a fully integrated vegan lifestyle throughout their stay.
Kinugawa Park Hotels had previously been providing vegan meals upon request. While aiming to offer a more comprehensive vegan course, they were supported by our organization, VegeProject Japan.
In addition to introducing vegan ingredients and providing consultations, we also reviewed vegan menus and offered advice from a vegan perspective for aspects beyond food. As veganism involves avoiding the use of animals in all aspects of life, not just food, we conveyed the value of extending vegan practices to amenities. The team at Kinugawa Park Hotels embraced this understanding.
About Kinugawa Park Hotels
Kinugawa Onsen in Nikko is about 2 hours by train from central Tokyo. The new Tobu Railway limited express “Spacia X” connecting Asakusa and Kinugawa is also highly popular. One of the major ryokans in this famous hot spring area is Kinugawa Park Hotels.
In addition to vegan offerings, they provide halal meals, barrier-free rooms with universal design for wheelchair access, and environmentally conscious stays through their “CO2 Zero STAY＠” initiative. Their vegan cuisine is introduced to guests as a sustainable kaiseki course.
Certified Vegan Meal Menus
Vegan dinner and breakfast options are available at Kinugawa Park Hotels. Both menus have been reviewed by our organization and have received vegan certification.
Dinner
Dinner is served at one of four locations: the restaurant “Tsukimitei,” the garden restaurant, banquet hall, or guest room. The full-course kaiseki dinner excludes all animal-derived ingredients and is nutritionally well-balanced.
Part of the vegan kaiseki meal
This photo shows a sample meal served at “Tsukimitei.” The course consists of aperitif, appetizers, sashimi-style dishes, grilled dishes, hot pot, simmered items, fried foods, rice, soup, and dessert. Local vegetables, yuba (tofu skin), and soy-based meat alternatives are abundantly used. The broth is made from kombu, not bonito or small fish.
Part of the vegan kaiseki meal
Breakfast
The breakfast is also substantial. The photo shows a sample menu served at “Tsukimitei” including six side dishes, simmered dishes, hot pot, rice, pickles, and soup.
Some dishes use vegan meat from Nisshin Shokai Co., Ltd., certified by our organization. This vegan meat is served with thoughtful garnishes of shiso and sansho pepper.
Bedding and Amenities Are Also Vegan-Friendly
In Kinugawa Park Hotels’ , considerations for veganism extend beyond food to bedding, shampoo, and amenities. The bed covers are vegan-friendly, made from Dacron instead of feather duvets. Vegan cookies are placed on the desk as tea snacks.
In the washroom, amenities from the Supmile series by R.B.G Co., Ltd., which are vegan-certified by our organization, are available.
Pioneering Example of Comprehensive Vegan Hospitality
Veganism is a lifestyle that seeks to avoid the use of animals not only in food but also in daily products, such as cosmetics and bedding, including avoiding animal testing.
While plant-based options in restaurants and accommodations are becoming more common, it is still rare for facilities to also apply vegan principles to bedding and amenities. As demand for vegan options grows in Japan, Kinugawa Park Hotels has become a pioneering model in providing a high-standard vegan experience in hospitality. Not only vegan guests but also non-vegan visitors are increasingly choosing this Vegan Plan to enjoy a plant-based stay.
Facility Information
Kinugawa Park Hotels
Address: 1409 Kinugawa Onsen Ohara, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture 321-2522
Phone: 0288-77-1289
Official Website: https://www.park-hotels.com/
Vegan Plan: See mid-page on this page
Instagram: @kinugawa_park_hotels
Also featured on VegeTime:
Vegan-friendly kaiseki, amenities, and bedding at Kinugawa Park Hotels, a hot spring ryokan in Nikko
