GUANGZHOU, China, Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, One Heung Kong—a premier luxury residence in the Greater Bay Area—has achieved a major milestone in sustainable architecture. It has officially secured certification from the World Green Design Organization (WGDO), LEED Platinum status, and WELL for residential certification, making it the world's only artistic landmark to hold all three of these authoritative credentials. The project has also garnered multiple international green and healthy living awards. This accomplishment positions One Heung Kong at the forefront of global green and healthy living and offers a replicable model for sustainable development in high-density urban environments.
WGDO is the first international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting green design and a special consultative body to the United Nations. It recognized One Heung Kong for its commitment to sustainability and green principles integrated into the project from the earliest design stages. The development adopts the 8 Constant + Forest Environment System and the All-Intelligent Chain Eco-Technology System, enabling a full transformation from static green design to dynamic, intelligent operation and maintenance. This infuses "green intelligence" into every phase of the building's lifecycle, supporting healthier living for residents.
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building rating system, a globally acknowledged framework for evaluating green buildings, has bestowed its highest-tier Platinum certification upon One Heung Kong, in acknowledgment of its exceptional performance in energy efficiency, water resource management, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable site planning.
At the same time, One Heung Kong has earned WELL certification, an internationally respected, authoritative healthy building standard that focuses on how indoor environments impact human health and well-being. Not only is it one of just two projects in South China to hold both WELL and LEED certifications, but it's also the region's only one to simultaneously receive interim WELL for residential and WELL community certifications, establishing a holistic ecosystem designed to enhance human health.
By weaving together biomimicry, native plant communities, and smart technologies, One Heung Kong has built a multidimensional wellness system that visibly boosts negative oxygen ion concentrations throughout the residential area, effectively reduces the urban heat island effect, and achieves carbon sequestration. Moreover, the project has successfully developed a novel negative oxygen ion nanomaterial, now widely applied in the building, which enables continuous 24-hour release of negative oxygen ions, a notable breakthrough. In water management, One Heung Kong has implemented a three-tier healthy water purification system to guarantee residents access to safe, clean drinking water.
Looking ahead, One Heung Kong will continue to embrace the principles of green design, striving to create a global model for green and sustainable living and contributing to the building of a global community of health for all.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
One Heung Kong Earns Three Prestigious International Certifications, Pioneering Global Green and Healthy Living
HYOGO, Japan, Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Located in the central-western part of Hyogo Prefecture and approximately 90 minutes by car from Kyoto and Osaka, Shiso City (Hyogo Prefecture, Japan) is gaining attention as a new destination for nature-based tourism. Built around its extensive forests, deep-rooted fermentation culture, and a heritage forest railway revived by local residents, the city is emerging as a compelling place for sustainable travel. Tourism Media Service spoke with Shiso City Tourism Association about the new tourism resources originating from Shiso City.
Due in part to the difficulty of reading its name, Shiso City remains relatively little known even within Japan. However, this very sense of being "undiscovered" is increasingly attractive to domestic and international travelers seeking meaningful and sustainable tourism experiences. This release introduces the new tourism resources originating from Shiso City.
A "Forest Kingdom" Where Forests Cover 90% of the Town
Approximately 90 percent of Shiso City's total land area is covered by forests. For generations, forestry has supported the local economy and daily life. From the Taisho era through the late Showa period (up to the 1960s), forest railways once ran through mountain valleys, playing a vital role in transporting timber.
Today, these forest resources are no longer viewed merely as scenic landscapes but have been reimagined as experiential tourism assets.
A Forest Railway Experience Revived by the Community
In the summer of 2023, a community-based organization restored a tourist forest railway at Forest Station Haga, using a diesel locomotive that had previously been employed in erosion control and forestry-related projects. The railway features approximately 678 meters of track and a station building, and it operates regularly on weekends.
This experience allows visitors to physically engage with the history of Shiso City's forestry industry—to truly "ride through" the city's past. The facility also includes hot spring baths and accommodation, while a nearby roadside station offers opportunities to purchase local specialty products.
Forest Therapy in the "Western Oirase Gorge"
Shiso City is also one of the first areas in Hyogo Prefecture to be certified as a Forest Therapy Base. Among its highlights is Akasai Gorge, which is often referred to as the "Western Oirase Gorge" due to its resemblance to the famous Oirase Stream in Aomori Prefecture.
Paths that once served as forest railway routes along the gorge have now been developed into therapy trails. Surrounded by waterfalls, clear streams, and towering trees, the area offers a tranquil and restorative environment. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal scenery throughout the city, including Fukuchi Gorge, praised by renowned Japanese author Seiko Tanabe, and the Onzui area, where remnants of former forest railways remain.
Fermentation Culture as the Birthplace of Japanese Sake
Shiso City also positions itself as a birthplace of Japanese sake. The Harima Fudoki, the oldest surviving regional chronicle in Japan, records that sake was brewed at Niwata Shrine, indicating that fermentation culture has been rooted in the area since ancient times.
In the Yamazaki district, a historic sake brewery street remains active today, with two breweries continuing production. Visitors can experience Japanese sake culture through brewery tours and tastings. One long-established brewery, founded in 1768, also operates a dining venue focused on fermented foods, presenting local cuisine and culture as an integrated experience.
A New Regional Tourism Model Created Through Forests, Fermentation, and Experience
Shiso City has developed model itineraries that combine forest therapy, gorge walks, heritage forest railway rides, and Japanese sake and fermentation-based cuisine. These itineraries offer flexible options ranging from day trips to overnight stays.
In 2025, Shiso City marks the 20th anniversary of its municipal establishment. As it does so, the city is strengthening its outreach to domestic and international travelers as a sustainable tourism destination centered on nature and culture.
Rather than mass tourism, Shiso City offers travel focused on meaning and experience. Quietly yet convincingly, it presents the essential appeal of Japan's regional landscapes and traditions.
About Shiso City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Shiso City is located in the central-western part of Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Approximately 90 percent of its land area is covered by forests. Historically, the city has developed in close connection with forestry and fermentation culture, and today it promotes sustainable tourism centered on forest therapy, heritage forest railway experiences, and local food culture.
Message from the Mayor
Shozo Fukumoto, Mayor of Shiso City, Hyogo Prefecture
"Shiso City is a 'Forest Kingdom,' with forests covering nearly 90 percent of our land area.
We are sharing a form of tourism that connects this rich natural environment with the history of daily life shaped by forestry and fermentation culture, passing these values on to future generations.
Forest therapy, our heritage forest railway, and Japanese sake and fermented cuisine all originate from the unique climate and traditions of Shiso City."
Model Itineraries
■ 2-Day / 1-Night Model Course
An Immersive Journey Through Forests, Fermentation, and Railway Heritage
Day 1
- Departure from various locations → Yamazaki Interchange
- Walk through Yamazaki Sake Brewery Street
- Brewery tours and tastings
- Hot spring bathing
- Overnight stay
Day 2
- Ride the heritage forest railway at Forest Station Haga
- Forest therapy experience in Akasai Gorge
- Lunch and shopping at Minami-Haga Roadside Station
- Return via Yamazaki Interchange
■ Day Trip Model Course
