[Grand Mercure Nasu Highlands Resort & Spa] Acquired international certification "Green Glove" and promoted various sustainability activities to connect precious natural environments and local communities to the future.
First acquisition in Grand Mercure in Japan and in the Nasu area
The resort hotel Grand Mercure Nasu Highlands Resort & Spa (Location: Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture / General Manager: Richard Tintun) is located in a location overlooking the magnificent view of the Nasu Mountains and the Nasu Kogen that spreads out at its base, has obtained Green Globe certification. Green Grove is a certification program based on international standards developed for the travel and tourism industry that evaluates sustainable initiatives not only through environmental conservation but also through indicators that include social and cultural aspects.
Surrounded by the rich nature where the hotel is located, Nasu Kogen is a place where the beautiful environment that shows the seasonal expression and the culture and history rooted in the area have been nurtured. At Grand Mercure Nasu Highlands Resort & Spa, we place various sustainability activities at the center of hotel management to connect this precious natural environment and local communities to the future. In addition to providing comfortable stays for our customers, we are evolving our efforts every day so that we can provide choices that are friendly to the earth and the community.
Certification of Green Globe
The Green Grove was born in the wake of Agenda 21 at the United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 to apply the principles of sustainable development to the tourism industry and is based in Los Angeles. He is also a supporting member of the U.N. World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and has certification programs in more than 80 countries around the world. Based on four themes: sustainable management (corporate environmental and social policies, employee education, supplier management, etc.), socio-economics (local job creation, fair working conditions, contribution to local communities, etc.), cultural heritage (protecting historical and cultural heritage, supporting local cultural activities, etc.), and the environment (energy and water consumption, waste management, biodiversity protection, etc.), we have established 44 standards and over 400 compliance indicators to evaluate comprehensive sustainability, including not only environmental conservation but also social and cultural aspects. In order to obtain certification, not only document screening but also on-site audits by an independent third-party organization are required, and once a year after acquisition, the certification is reviewed to see if the standards are met.
Grand Mercure Nasu Highlands Resort & Spa achieved 83% of the above indicators on November 27, 2025 and obtained certification.
Various Initiatives in Grand Mercure Nasu Highlands Resort & Spa
Initiatives in Rooms
With the aim of balancing consideration for the natural environment with comfortable and comfortable stays, we are promoting the following initiatives in guest rooms.
1. Installation of Reusable Water Bottles and Water Servers
In order to reduce plastic bottle disposal, reusable bottles are installed in the guest rooms, and water servers are installed in various parts of the hotel.
2. Amenities using biomass materials
Amenities are made of biomass-derived materials with less environmental impact.
3. Reduction of disposable plastic and reuse of towels
As part of the reduction of disposable plastic, bath amenities have been gradually switched to bottle type. In addition, we ask for cooperation in reuse of towels during our stay, and reduce the use of water resources and electricity by reducing the washing process.
Initiatives at Restaurants
At the restaurant in the hotel, we are working to reduce food loss, recycle resources, and use sustainable ingredients.
1. Introduction of automatic toweling machine
Instead of conventional individually-packed paper towels, a machine that automatically emits paper towels when pressing a button is introduced. You can eliminate vinyl packaging and reduce the total amount of paper towels used.
2. Reduce food loss by rice robo
Introduced automatic rice cooking system "Rice Robo". We provide optimal rice cooking according to the amount provided to reduce food loss.
3. Use of environmentally friendly cutlery
For straws and madlers, materials with less environmental impact such as wood and biomass are selected. We are working to reduce the amount of disposable plastic.
4. Rainforest Alliance Certified Coffee
The coffee machine uses Rainforest Alliance certified coffee, produced in sustainable farming. We support initiatives that lead to conservation of nature and support for farmers.
5． Winnow (Food Loss Management System AI)
Reduce food loss by leveraging AI systems that measure and manage food leftovers in restaurants.
Initiatives in Public Space
We are equipped with a water-saving frame of the shower head in the public bath to reduce water usage by 40%.
Events and Local Activities
Through Grand Mercure Nasu Highlands Resort & Spa's unique experiences and efforts to contribute to the local community, we are deeply connected to the nature and culture of Nasu Kogen, creating local value and passing on culture.
1. Stargazing (starry sky viewing)
A starry sky viewing event unique to Nasu Kogen, where the clear air and the wide sky spreads, is regularly held in the lawn area on the hotel premises. We provide customers with opportunities to deepen their understanding and interest in nature.
2. Participation in the festival of Kyubi
We cooperate with festivals related to the "Kuo Legend" inherited locally, and support the transmission and succession of local culture.
3. Holding a disaster prevention show that saves lives
Invite "Disaster Prevention Show" where children can enjoy and learn from ADULTS. Not only guests but also outpatients can participate, and we cooperate in raising local safety awareness and promoting disaster prevention education.
4. Hot spring experience program "Musubibito"
The original experience program "Musubibito" offers activities that utilize hot springs and local resources on the theme of local culture and wellness experiences. We will deliver the charm of the region as an experience.
※Acceptance of this program ended on November 30, 2025.
5. Painting Exhibition in the Hotel Lobby
The gallery space set up in the hotel lobby displays works by artists from Nasu, and plays a role as a base for transmitting local culture and art.
Grand Mercure Nasu Highlands Resort & Spa
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- Resort hotel with a panoramic view of Nasu Kogen
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- Superior Twin Mountain View
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- Kids Space "NASOBIBA"
Grand Mercure Nasu Highlands Resort & Spa is a resort hotel located in a location where you can overlook the magnificent view of the Nasu Mountains and the Nasu Kogen that spreads out at its base. About 15 minutes by car from Nasu IC and about 30 minutes by taxi from Nasushiobara Station. It is located in Nasu Kogen, which is also known as the Royal Resort Nasu because the royal family visits for recreation. There are plenty of areas such as Kids Park, and it is a hotel that can be enjoyed by families.
[Location] 4449-2 Takahisa, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi 325-0302, Japan
【TEL】 03-5539-2597 (Reservation Center)
【URL】 https://grand-mercure-nasuhighlands-resortandspa.jp/
[Access] About 15 minutes by car from Nasu IC on the Tohoku Expressway, about 30 minutes by taxi from Nasushiobara Station on JR