Policy
Sustainability & Responsible Travel Policy
TOWAKA – Japan DMC (Operated by Yamatogokoro Inc.)
Issued on: November 5, 2025
Our Commitment
TOWAKA is a Japan-based Destination Management Company specializing in quiet, tailor-made journeys for international travelers. We believe that tourism, when designed with care and respect, can contribute to the long-term well-being of destinations, communities, and cultures.
Our approach to sustainability is grounded in responsibility rather than volume. By working with small groups, trusted local partners, and thoughtfully curated experiences, we aim to create travel that is meaningful for our guests while remaining considerate of local environments and ways of life.
TOWAKA operates in alignment with the principles of responsible tourism promoted by Travelife and is committed to continuous improvement across environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
How We Work as a Responsible DMC
Sustainability is integrated into our daily decision-making and operational practices. TOWAKA's management is responsible for overseeing sustainability efforts, monitoring progress, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and Travelife standards.
We regularly review our practices through internal self-assessments and identify areas where further improvement is needed. Our sustainability policy applies to all team members, contractors, guides, and business partners involved in TOWAKA's operations.
Our Partners & Local Communities
TOWAKA collaborates closely with accommodation providers, guides, and local businesses that share our commitment to ethical and responsible practices.
We expect our partners to:
- —Respect human rights and prohibit child labor and forced labor
- —Provide safe and fair working conditions
- —Comply with applicable laws and local regulations
Whenever possible, we prioritize locally owned accommodations, restaurants, and service providers in order to support local economies and encourage meaningful exchange between travelers and host communities.
Activities, Experiences & Cultural Respect
The experiences we offer are designed to respect nature, culture, and local customs.
TOWAKA does not offer:
- —Activities involving captive wildlife
- —Experiences that include wildlife capture, trade, or exploitation
All activities are selected with consideration for safety, animal welfare, cultural sensitivity, and environmental impact. Our guides and local staff provide guests with guidance on appropriate behavior, cultural norms, and responsible conduct during their stay.
Environmental Considerations
While TOWAKA operates primarily as a travel planning and coordination company, we actively seek to reduce environmental impact through our operations and partnerships.
This includes:
- —Encouraging energy-saving practices and responsible resource use in our office operations
- —Promoting waste reduction, reuse, and recycling
- —Supporting partners that demonstrate environmentally conscious practices
We also encourage guests to make sustainable choices, such as using public transportation, walking, or cycling where appropriate.
Our Responsibility to Guests
TOWAKA is committed to transparent, accurate, and ethical communication with our clients and partners.
We ensure that:
- —Marketing materials provide honest and reliable information
- —Customer data and privacy are strictly protected
- —Emergency procedures and destination contact information are clearly communicated
- —Guests are informed about the prevention of sexual exploitation, harassment, and illegal activities, including the purchase of prohibited souvenirs
Guest feedback and complaints are taken seriously and used as an opportunity to improve our services.
Continuous Improvement & Travelife
TOWAKA views sustainability as an ongoing process. We monitor our performance, review this policy regularly, and update our practices as our operations evolve.
Our sustainability efforts are aligned with the international Travelife standards, and we report progress in accordance with Travelife requirements. Key updates and improvements will be shared transparently as part of our commitment to accountability.
Policy Review
This policy is reviewed at least annually, or when significant changes occur in our business operations or regulatory environment, to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
