Shukuba Travel Achieveed 『GSTC』Certification 

April 1, 2026

Press Release

On March 3, 2026, Shukuba Travel, operated by Shukuba Plus LLC (Head Office: Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo), obtained GSTC Certification as a tour operator. GSTC Certification represents compliance with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s internationally recognized standard for sustainable tourism. 

Shukuba Travel was established by Shukuba JAPAN Inc., the group that opened “Guest House Shinagawa-shuku” in 2009. Guided by the philosophy of “Connecting local communities and the world through the heartfelt experiences of small inns,” the company offers tours that go beyond traditional sightseeing, creating opportunities for meaningful interaction with local residents and authentic cultural immersion. 

One of the company’s most innovative initiatives is the experiential tour program “STORIES.”
Before the trip begins, travelers watch a short film created by a local filmmaker, capturing “the everyday lives of people who live and work in the destination.” Through scenes from greengrocers, tatami artisans, florists, hair salons, and other community-rooted shops, travelers gain a sense of the local way of life before they even arrive. Once on-site, they meet these individuals in person and have the opportunity to closely observe their work and daily routines.
Rather than a surfacelevel sightseeing visit, this tour offers a deeper connection with the people and culture of the region—an experience unique to each destination.
In addition, a portion of the tour revenue is returned to the local shop owners and communities who take part in the program. This model embodies the initiative’s philosophy that “the more you travel, the better the world becomes.” 

According to CEO Takashi Watanabe, the company aims to develop STORIES into a model that can be expanded to other regions and potentially overseas, contributing to the advancement of sustainable tourism both within Japan and internationally. 

We congratulate Shukuba Travel on achieving this globally trusted certification and look forward to their continued contributions to the development of Japan’s tourism industry, as well as their future initiatives in both domestic and international markets.