Authenticity and Mindfulness! Enjoy a Stay at Chashin in Shintomi, Miyazaki

Nice to meet you!

We are the Koyu Foundation, an organization for rural revitalization in Shintomi, Miyazaki Prefecture.

Our vision is to create “the world’s most innovative town.” We are working to form a community that will be sustainable 100 years into the future. With a diverse team of locals and visitors, we’re striving to develop agricultural produce, entrepreneur training, sightseeing workshops and experiences, and the restoration of vacant homes.

Shintomi in Miyazaki: Myths Passed Down for Centuries

Did you know that Miyazaki Prefecture is referred to as the place of myths?

Norito, Shinto prayers, are performed at shrines across the country. One such prayer reads, “Kakemakumo kashikoki Izanagi-no-Okami / Tsukushi no Himuka no Tachibana no Odo no Awagihara” (With all due respect to Izanagi-no-Okami in Tsukushi no Himuka no Tachibana no Odo no Awagihara). This sacred place actually exists in Miyazaki! It is a popular spiritual spot with visitors from all over the world!

The town of Shintomi is a 30-minute drive from Miyazaki City, the prefectural capital.

Mythological tales are preserved in every corner of this town. Zaronbai—a natural monument—is said to have emerged from a stick planted in the ground by Emperor Jimmu, the first Emperor of Japan. The key-shaped Nyutabaru Burial Mounds are where clay figures called haniwa were excavated. These ancient figurines are also believed to have mythological motifs.

Each year on February 17, the traditional art of kagura is performed at Nyuta Shrine. Kagura dates back to over 400 years ago and tells the stories of myths through dance. It has also been the theme of movies in the past. Jakiri is a type of dance where a thick rope, symbolizing the Yamata no Orochi (Eight-Headed Serpent), is cut with a sword.

This performance always draws a large audience. The majestic dance is a showstopper, worthy of being the climax of a kagura performance.  

Experience the Spirit of Tea at a Vacation Rental

Chashin is a vacation rental located in Shintomi.

Shintomi is blessed with a warm climate, moderate rainfall, and fertile land that thrives for tea cultivation. Calling this region home, Chashin opened on May 1, 2019. The lodging facility was an estate left in great care by a local celebrity, and was renovated by Koyu Foundation.

The curtain hanging over the entryway is a greenish-gray color called rikyu. The shade refers to Sen no Rikyu, a legendary tea master. Chashin operates on the concept of “experiencing the spirit of tea.” It arose from the desire to cherish and share the history and culture of the surrounding tea fields and tea itself.

Since opening in Shintomi, we have continued to deepen our relationship with locals. The residents of Icchodo District gathered at the hotel for a private viewing. In September 2019, we also held a bamboo lantern workshop for the International Day of Peace.

As a result, a total of 143 guests have stayed at our hotel as of March 2020, nearly a year after opening. The hotel was also featured in local media, such as the Asahi Shimbun and Yomiuri Shimbun, and internationally on Taiwanese media outlets.

We even had a family visit from Macau, China. Shintomi is slowly gaining recognition among overseas visitors, who are still learning about sightseeing opportunities in rural towns.

Perfect for Meditation: Spend Time Experiencing the Spirit of Tea

At the hotel, guests can reserve the entire 188-square-meter home for leisure and relaxation. We have a wide selection of books on the spirit of tea, meditation and zen. Spend your time as you see fit, getting lost in a book on the terrace opposite the large east-facing window. You can even choose to meditate or do yoga in the home’s 35-square-meter banquet hall.

The bedroom is furnished with two beds. If you’re staying at the rental with three or more people, guests may use the banquet hall and sleep like nobility!

The rental is always stocked with tea from Shintomi’s three tea farms to allow guests to experience different flavors. This service is unique to Chashin.

Shinroku Farm is an acclaimed Japanese tea shop awarded the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Award for three consecutive years. Yumesabo is another shop that sells original and distinctive teas. Morimocha is operated by Horyokuen and produces products on land certified with the organic JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standards) logo. Guests are free to taste these different and unique teas!

We have also prepared the finest tea sets from across the country. Surrounded by tranquility, choose a set that catches your eye and appreciate the passing of time. This is the most luxurious way to enjoy your stay at Chashin.

The Philosophy of Sen no Rikyu

Chashin a place where you can experience the spirit of tea first-hand. The spirit of tea is welcoming others with a tranquil heart, treating them with mutual respect, and filling yourself with pure spirit.

This calls to mind the philosophy of wakei seijaku (harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility in a tea ceremony) of Sen no Rikyu, a great tea master. If we can bring people from across the globe here and nurture the Japanese spirit of harmony, then the world may find peace.

A stone slab engraved with the characters for “aien kien” is found in Chashin’s courtyard. These characters refer to a relationship formed between people by fate. We believe it’s the most fitting phrase for this area, where visitors are connected through tea, and this hotel where future relationships will continue to form.

Enjoy a stay at Chashin in Shintomi, Miyazaki Prefecture, otherwise known as the land of tea. This vacation rental is perfect for immersing yourself in the spirit of tea!