To Our Customers in Asia, Including Taiwan – "Five Kinds of Pungent Vegetables (Gokun) Free" Oriental Vegan Menu Obtains Vegan Certification

Kinugawa Park Hotels Co., Ltd. (President: Makoto Ono, hereinafter "Kinugawa Park Hotels"), located in Kinugawa Onsen, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, is pleased to announce that it has obtained vegan certification from the NPO Vege Project Japan (Vegan Certification Business) for its newly developed "Five Kinds of Pungent Vegetables (Gokun) Free" Oriental Vegan Menu.

Our hotel obtained vegan certification from the same project in September 2024, and this is the second certification obtained following the first. We have newly prepared a menu that does not use the five kinds of pungent vegetables, catering to the "Sushoku (素食)" food culture widely rooted among customers from East and Southeast Asia, including Taiwan.

Overview of Certification Acquisition

Certification Body: NPO Vege Project Japan (Vegan Certification)

Subject of This Certification: "Five Kinds of Pungent Vegetables (Gokun) Free" Oriental Vegan Menu (Newly Developed Menu)

Certification Date: June 2026 (Review Completed, Certification Decided)

Previous Certification: September 2024 (First Vegan Certification Obtained)

Listing: Our hotel is listed as a certified establishment on "VegeMap.org," a store search site for vegetarians and vegans operated by Vege Project Japan.

What is "Five Kinds of Pungent Vegetables (Gokun) Free" Oriental Vegan?

Oriental veganism is a dietary style that avoids not only animal-derived foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products, but also the "five kinds of pungent vegetables (gokun)" which have strong aromas. The five kinds of pungent vegetables refer to vegetables of the Allium genus, such as leeks, chives, garlic, rakkyo, and onions (though there are various theories), which have been avoided based on Buddhist and Taoist precepts (Sanen Gokun).

This food culture is widely rooted in the Chinese communities of Taiwan, Hong Kong, mainland China, and Southeast Asia, and it is said that over 10% of the population in Taiwan practices Sushoku (素食) daily or habitually. Since general vegan options often include the five kinds of pungent vegetables, the reality is that the "dishes that can be eaten with peace of mind" are limited for customers from East Asia who avoid them. This new menu provides an option that allows such customers to relax and enjoy their meals from the heart.

Comments from the Representative Director

~Offering a "Five Kinds of Pungent Vegetables (Gokun) Free" Culinary Experience that Cares for Mind and Body, to Customers in the Asian Region~

"At Kinugawa Park Hotels, we have always valued providing a lodging experience that caters to all guests with diverse cultures, values, and dietary preferences amidst the rich nature of Kinugawa Onsen.

Since receiving vegan certification in September 2024, we have been working to create an accommodation where more guests can enjoy their meals with peace of mind. We believe that obtaining our second certification for an Oriental vegan menu that does not use the five kinds of pungent vegetables is a significant step forward in welcoming guests from Asia, including Taiwan. We will continue to deepen our response to dietary diversity and pursue hospitality that is open to guests from all over the world."

What is Vegan Certification (NPO Vege Project Japan)?

Vege Project Japan's vegan certification is a system that proves, through third-party review, that the targeted menu or establishment meets the prescribed vegan standards, such as not using animal-derived ingredients. Certified menus and establishments serve as a reliable indicator for vegan and vegetarian customers to choose with confidence, through the display of certification marks and listings on VegeMap.org, operated by the organization.

Future Initiatives

Kinugawa Park Hotels places sustainability and diversity at the core of its management, providing lodging experiences that cater to customers in all aspects of environment, society, and culture. In addition to the "Vegan Plan" which does not use animal-derived foods and the "Oriental Vegan (Five Kinds of Pungent Vegetables Free)" option, we offer a variety of choices such as the "Muslim Friendly Plan" that considers Islamic dietary laws, and the "CO2 ZERO STAY Plan" for zero-emission stays utilizing J-Credit.

Moving forward, we will strengthen information dissemination aimed at customers from Asian regions, including Taiwan, and further advance menu development that accommodates dietary diversity (such as meals for those with swallowing difficulties and Kosher meals).

We will continue our efforts to become an accommodation where all guests with diverse cultures, values, and dietary preferences can stay with peace of mind.

Short strips hanging right in front of the entrance.

An example room on the special "Sorane" floor, which also offers fully vegan plans with vegan certification marks issued by NPO Vege Project Japan, amenities, and bedding.

Oriental Vegan Dinner Example Muslim Friendly Breakfast Example

Kosher Dinner Example Kaiseki Dinner Using Abundant Local Ingredients Example

Wooden Building (Kinokan) Room with Open-Air Bath Example Ancient Cypress Bath (3F Large Public Bath, Men and Women Alternate)

Open-Air Rock Bath (Adjacent to 2F Large Public Bath, Men and Women Alternate) Oedo Ukiyo Bath (2F Large Public Bath, Men and Women Alternate)

Garden with Abundant Trees Inside the Building Private Open-Air Baths (4 locations in total, fee required, 50 minutes from the top of every hour)

【Company Profile】

Company Name: Kinugawa Park Hotels Co., Ltd.

Facility Name: Kinugawa Park Hotels

Representative Director: Makoto Ono

Location: 1409 Kinugawa Onsen Ohara, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture

Business Activities: Inn and hotel operations, cafe operation

【Contact Information for This Matter】

Kinugawa Park Hotels

1409 Kinugawa Onsen Ohara, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture 321-2522

TEL: 0288-77-1289 FAX: 0288-77-0100

MAIL: [email protected]