Shiba Park Hotel in Tokyo has launched its 2026 participation in the Book Baton Project, an initiative that transforms donated books into funding for children’s education programs around the world. Organized in partnership with the certified nonprofit Room to Read Japan, the campaign accepts book donations from June 17 through November 13 before displaying them as part of the hotel’s annual “Book Tree.”
The initiative aligns with the hotel’s identity as a “library hotel,” a concept introduced during its 2020 rebranding. Built on the historic grounds once associated with Zojoji Temple, a place known for learning during Japan’s Edo period, the hotel now offers guests access to a collection of around 2,000 books focused primarily on Japanese culture and history.
Seeking ways to extend its book-centered philosophy beyond hospitality, Shiba Park Hotel partnered with Room to Read Japan, an organization dedicated to improving literacy and educational opportunities in underserved communities. Through the Book Baton Project, donated books are purchased by the program, with proceeds supporting the distribution of books, school development, and literacy initiatives for children in countries with limited educational resources.
Hotel representatives say the project reflects their goal of connecting people, local communities, and learning through books while creating a meaningful social impact. Each donated book contributes to a cycle in which reading materials are transformed into educational opportunities for children worldwide.
One of the initiative’s most recognizable features is the hotel’s annual Book Tree, a seasonal display created entirely from donated books. The concept originated from an employee’s idea to build a Christmas tree using books. During its first year, staff members purchased books themselves to assemble the display. Beginning the following year, the hotel incorporated donated books through the Book Baton Project, allowing the installation to serve both as a holiday attraction and a fundraising effort.
According to the hotel, more than 8,000 books had been donated through the Book Baton Project by the end of 2025.
The initiative has also strengthened relationships with guests. Hotel staff recalled one international visitor who learned about the program before arriving in Japan and shipped books from overseas so they could become part of the Book Tree during the guest’s stay. The hotel says several returning international guests now make annual book donations, turning the project into an ongoing tradition.
In addition to guest contributions, local businesses and partner organizations have begun organizing internal book collections to support the campaign, helping broaden community participation.
For the 2026 campaign, Shiba Park Hotel is accepting books with valid ISBN numbers through in-person drop-offs or mailed donations. Eligible books will be displayed in the hotel before proceeds from their sale are directed toward literacy and education programs supported by Room to Read Japan.
By combining hospitality, literature, and charitable giving, the hotel aims to demonstrate how books can continue creating value long after they have been read.
