Concept
The Vision Behind Nanoka Hitomeguri
Onsen have the power not only to restore a body that is exhausted from overexertion, but also to reset the mind, helping you return to your natural, true self.
Toji, the practice of restoring mind and body through onsen, has a long history as a Japanese therapeutic method.
During the Edo period, the naturalist and physician Kaibara Ekken, known for his long life, recommended toji, noting the great benefits of taking one or two seven-day cycles of toji therapy.
What this means is that for the human mind and body to heal, we truly believe that it is necessary to feel the flow of time in harmony with nature's flow.
Nanoka Hitomeguri translates roughly as 'seven days, one cycle'. As a therapeutic toji retreat, we do not offer single-night stays - accepting reservations starting from two nights or more so that guests can enjoy at least one full day free of travel.
Toji is the perfect way to cast off what is not needed, taking time to reflect on oneself.
The true essence of toji lies in harnessing one's body's innate healing power to boost the immune system, and then nurturing that strength to its full potential.
It is for this reason that we call ourselves a toji 're-treat' - emphasising reflection on and return towards the self, made explicit by the prefix 're'.
Immerse yourself in the onsen, reflect on your body and mind, and learn to care for them both anew.
In today’s fast-paced world, where hurried meals and moments have become unavoidable,
we tend to neglect self-care in favour of the chaos of daily life.
Taking time for yourself means rediscovering your true self and cherishing who you really are at your core.
When you return to your true self, you become kinder to those around you.
Through stripping body and mind of their impurities,
you'll feel that you've discovered something new.
Historically, onsen resorts were places where people would stay for extended periods in order to heal their minds and bodies in the waters, whilst enjoying local cuisine and conversation, fostering connections with the community.
Submerge yourself in the fresh, natural onsen water and enter into a dialogue with both body and mind.
Meals are a form of healing. Listen closely to what your body really needs.
Feel your natural biorhythms.
Understand the lifestyle of the locals.
Read - or re-read - all those books you've been meaning to.
Cherish moments over tea grown in local fields.
In this era of one hundred-year lifespans,
there's no better excuse to set aside seven days in which to truly focus on both body and mind.
Three days, or even ten days - there's no limit.
Toji is a way to connect with others whilst facing your true, bare self; reclaiming the authentic 'you'.
It is our hope that through this, you'll feel the flow of the moment, and that you'll come to understand the truth that we humans are meant to exist in harmony with nature.
Features
A Quiet Environment Surrounded by Nature
Beppu: a rich natural landscape, surrounded by mountains and sea.
The Ogura area in which Nanoka Hitomeguri is located provides a tranquil environment in which guests can feel at one with nature, among the rustling of trees and surrounding birdsong.
The Colours of the Seasons
The trees that surround Nanoka Hitomeguri reflect the changing seasons, offering stunning new expressions of nature all year round.Take in the serene transitions of nature as you take time to reflect upon yourself and your own needs.
The Timeless Charm of Wooden Architecture
We believe in cherishing the natural breathing rhythm of humans and wood.Some parts of the building are older than others, but we invite you to consider these differences with enjoyment and curiosity.
Immerse Yourself in What the Earth Provides
The onsen water at Nanoka Hitomeguri is only mildly acidic, making it perfect for extended stays.Gentle on the skin and excellent for retaining warmth and moisture, guests of all ages and skin types can relax and unwind in ultimate comfort.
Self-care through Self-catering
In accordance with the traditions of toji culture, at Nanoka Hitomeguri we encourage guests to create and cook their own meals. Listening closely to your own mind and body, create meals - and then savour them.Far from being just an average trip, we strive to help guests reconnect with their natural human rhythms.
Diverse Wellness Programmes
Our varied programmes - ranging from food, exercise, learning, and community interaction - all enable you to focus on your own body and mind, promoting both physical and mental wellbeing.
Onsite Guidance from Nurses and Onsen Mentors
A registered nurse and onsen mentor will be onsite every day between 10:00 and 17:00, happy to assist guests with their goals.
Interaction with Local Residents
Some of our programmes permit Beppu residents and visitors staying elsewhere in Beppu to participate. We believe this offers a unique opportunity for our in-house guests to connect with people they wouldn’t normally meet on a typical sightseeing trip.
Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable Tourism at Nanoka Hitomeguri
Both onsen and humans alike are blessings of the Earth - and yet neither is infinite.
At Nanoka Hitomeguri, we aim to continue sharing the practice of toji for as long as we can. In order to protect the finite resources of onsen and the environment, and to uphold a mindful approach to toji that encourages letting go of excess and focusing on what is truly necessary in mind, we have hereby established the following Sustainable Tourism Policy:
Soaps and Detergents that are Gentle on both Skin and Environment
We carefully select products that are gentle on both nature and on the skin.We do not use fabric softeners.
Personal Items Brought from Home
Please note that we do not provide bath towels, toothbrushes, pyjamas, toiletries, etc. We ask guests to bring whatever personal items they normally use in their daily lives.
Pure, Undiluted Onsen Water, Straight from the Source
Our water is one hundred percent pure, undiluted onsen water, giving maximum benefit to the body. Due to limited resources, we do not engage in new or replacement drilling. Instead, we upcycle all unused onsen water using geothermal power for bathing purposes. The temperature of the onsen water is carefully managed in an effort to utilise its resources as efficiently as possible.
High-quality Cotton Linens & Towels, Gentle to the Touch
We use only soft cotton linen and towels that are gentle on the skin, designed with guest comfort in mind.For guests staying three nights or longer, fresh bed linen is provided free of charge every three nights.
Your Health in Mind: Naturally-made Seasonings & Condiments
During their stay, guests have free access to a kitchen in which they can prepare meals at their own pace, according to their own health needs and preferences. We offer a carefully curated selection of all-natural seasonings (free of charge) containing minimal compounds/additives. These include whole-bean soy sauce, cane sugar, beet sugar, vinegar, sun-dried salt, and additive-free miso.
