Located in Osaki Town, Kagoshima, Circular Village Hostel Gururi offers a unique and immersive experience for travelers interested in sustainability and eco-friendly living. With Osaki Town recognized for its exceptional recycling efforts, holding the title of Japan’s No.1 recycling community for 15 years, Gururi brings these values to life, allowing visitors to experience a hands-on approach to a zero-waste lifestyle.

Through a combination of cutting-edge eco-designs and active community participation, Gururi is more than just a place to stay. It offers an opportunity to learn about circular economy principles and the importance of sustainability in everyday life.

A Unique Eco-Stay Experience

Gururi is more than a conventional hostel. Its one-building rental model allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the sustainable practices that have made Osaki Town a leader in recycling. It provides an opportunity for guests to take part in waste separation, composting, and energy-efficient living.

Guests stay in a renovated former government dormitory, with the building’s materials and design aligned with principles of reusing and reducing waste. This sustainable design helps promote circular living and the idea that hospitality can be both comfortable and environmentally conscious.

Eco-Friendly Design & Features

The design and construction of Gururi integrate eco-conscious principles from top to bottom:

Energy-efficient architecture: The building features high-insulation walls and triple-glazed windows to keep the indoor climate stable and reduce heating and cooling energy use.
Renewable energy: Gururi makes use of solar panels to generate electricity, contributing to the reduction of its carbon footprint.
Sustainable furnishings: Gururi employs a PaaS (Product as a Service) system, leasing furniture and appliances to extend their lifespan and reduce waste.
Comprehensive waste separation: The hostel encourages guests to follow Osaki Town’s unique 45-category recycling system, allowing them to actively participate in zero-waste efforts

Lodging Experience

Gururi offers entire building rentals, ideal for families, study groups, or small eco-conscious corporate retreats. This offers a more private, immersive experience, allowing guests to engage with sustainability in a practical and meaningful way.

The accommodation itself features:

A modern Japanese-style interior with natural wood elements that create a cozy yet minimalist environment.
A fully equipped kitchen where guests can prepare their meals while following Osaki’s waste-sorting guidelines.
Sustainability workshops and programs, such as composting and energy conservation lessons, that enhance the experience and deepen guests’ understanding of circular economy practices.

Future Vision

Gururi is part of a larger vision to spread the principles of circular economy to more locations in Japan and potentially abroad. Through its innovative approach to eco-tourism, it is setting the standard for sustainable hospitality, demonstrating that travel can be both enriching and environmentally responsible.

Gururi’s goal is to combine educational opportunities with sustainable living, allowing guests to experience firsthand how small, conscious changes can make a big difference in creating a greener future.