Let’s go on a trip to discover "WHY?"

Kamikatsu was the first municipality in Japan declared as a zero waste town. In this town, the local residents separate their trash into 45 separate categories, which the residents then take to the neighborhood trash and recycling center called the Gomi Station. As a result of the diligent efforts by the residents the town has achieved a recycling rate of 80 percent. HOTEL WHY is located in the Kamikatsu Zero Waste Center which became the hub for the activity. 

By car we are located approximately one hour and 30 minutes from Tokushima Awaodori Airport, eventually you will encounter a question mark building within the mountain. HOTEL WHY is located within this question mark structure. 

Spend a relaxing time learning about how we can solve the problem of waste. 

For guests will receive an introduction about Kamikatsu town’s history with zero waste and a tour of the Kamikatsu Zero Waste Center. Also, at the time of check-out guests can participate in the 45 category waste sorting system at the Gomi Station. 

Guests separate their trash into 6 categories in their rooms and then bring their trash baskets to the Gomi Station where they will recycle their trash together with the hotel staff. 

Together both guests and local town residents will engage in Zero Waste Action. 

Each store in the town sells goods for everyday needs by weight as well as environmentally friendly products. Businesses and consumers work together to think about zero waste and take action. 

As part of the Zero Waste Action plan to reduce plastic waste HOTEL WHY does not provide disposable amenities. At the time of check-in guests will be provided soap and drink based on their individual usage, which will be measured by weight.

Guests must consider their own individual soap usage prior to check-out and cut their own soap.

A cozy mountain lodge atmosphere.

All guest rooms are maisonette type. Each room can accommodate up to 4 people; there are 2 Lake-side Rooms and 2 Mountain-side Rooms.

If you look closely you will see upcycled old materials everywhere including the windows, sofas, curtains, carpets, and more. The architectural design of HOTEL WHY was done by architectural firm Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP.

The first floor includes a sofa, desk, bathroom, sink, and closet. The second floor includes a restroom and reading room area. Bedding can be found in the closet on the second floor.  2 bedding sets are on the second floor, 2 bedding sets including a sofa bed on the first floor, and there is a maximum of 4 bedding sets per room. 

The bathroom walls and floors are made from unused ceramics at the Kuru Kuru Shop. Items that would normally be discarded were reused as building materials. 

About meals

〈Breakfast〉

Our breakfast is an original menu created at RISE & WIN Brewing Co., a brewery in Kamikatsu. You can make your own bagel sandwich with ingredients in bento box. You can also enjoy yoghurt with granola made from reused coconuts after brewing the beer, and minestrone soup. Breakfast is included for guests over 6 years old.

“Fish cutlets” is one of the local foods from Tokushima. Enjoy your sandwich with Yuko (Citrus unique to Kamikatsu) achari mayonnaise.

HOTEL WHY has NO restaurants nor vending machines. Kamikatsu also does NOT have convenience stores and supermarkets. And there are limited number of restaurants in town where you can have dinner, and most of the time reservations are required in advance. We apologize for the inconvenience, but please arrange your own dinner plans. Thank you for your understanding.

You can find information of restaurants in the guidebook of Kamikatsu town (http://www.kamikatsu.jp/docs/2018082800010/file_contents/KamikatsuTownTouristGuidebook.pdf).
Please contact to each restaurants directly.

[FAQ]

Q. What is the differences between Lake-side Room and Mountain-side Room?
The view from each room is different. The Lake-side Room offer a view of the Kamikatsu mountains and the dam lake. However, there is no difference in the size or facilities of the rooms.

Q. How many days in advance is it possible to make a reservation?
Reservations can be made 90 days prior to your stay. However, some plans may differ from the above. For details, please refer to the introduction page of each plan on our website.

Q. Can guests use fire?
Using fire is not allowed in the facility. Please use the smoking area when smoking. The use of barbecue stoves, cassette stoves, and hot plates is also prohibited.

Q. Are the number of co-sleeping kids included as the number of guests?
According to the Fire Service Act. the maximum number of guests per room in our hotel is 4; if you wish to stay with more than 4 people, please reserve more than 1 room.

Q. Are pets allowed?
Unfortunately, we do not allow pets in our hotel.

Q. How do you get to HOTEL WHY?

[Recommended]
The easiest way to get to our hotel is by car. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Tokushima City. Since the distances between many spots in Kamikatsu Town are far apart, we recommend to rent a car.

[Public transportation]
The options of public bus and volunteer taxi is available. Below is the transfer information of the public bus to Kamikatsu.
Tokushima Awaodori Airport → [Airport Limousine Bus] Tokushima Station (600 yen/30 min.) → [Tokushima Bus Katsuura Line bound for Yokose-nishi] Yokose-nishi (840 yen/60 min.) → [Kamikatsu Town Bus] Hibigaya (400 yen/30 min.)

▶Information about Limousine Bus to Tokushima Station (https://www.tokushima-airport.co.jp/en/access/limousine/).

▶Kamikatsu Bus Schedule (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QhQtlpx4Qvl5n2bZE6WzGxUkc_KeUh_FrOch2RW5uX4/edit?usp=sharing).

※Please note that the service schedule is different on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and at the end of the New Year (12/29 - 1/3).

[Local taxi service]

Volunteer taxi is operated by residents in Kamikatsu. You can use the service if either departure/arrival point is located in Kamikatsu. Advance reservation is required.

▶Volunteer Taxi (https://hida-mari.com/volunteer-taxi/) ※Reservation is required.

Q. Where is the nearest restaurant from HOTEL WHY?
The nearest restaurant is at Tsukigatani Onsen. Customers at HOTEL WHY can use the dinner plan.

The plan includes; dinner, hot spring entrance fee, and a shuttle bus fee between HOTEL WHY and Tsukigatani Onsen.

There are two types of plan; A) 5,500 yen and B) 6,600 yen.　　

Reservations required at least 3 days prior to check-in date. Please contact the restaurant directly.
(TEL:0885-46-0203)

Q. Are there any English tours for foreign guests?
There is an English speaking program called INOW in Kamikatsu. Run by two Canadians living in Kamikatsu, INOW provides a guided experience of the village centred around understanding the zero waste system and sustainability. INOW facilitates various experiences to show you rural life and introduce you to the locals of Kamikatsu town. Please check their website for more information. (https://inowkamikatsu.com/inow-program/)

Q. Do you have an English guide book for tourists?
You can check the guide book and the map of Kamikatsu town from here! http://www.kamikatsu.jp/docs/2018082800010/file_contents/KamikatsuTownTouristGuidebook.pdf