In Ōita’s coastal town of Kitsuki—where the sea breeze, the quiet rhythm of an old castle town, and the scent of fields all gently blend—there stands a small, private traditional home, now opened as a retreat for one group at a time. This house has watched over people’s lives for generations. Originally crafted with care by a local artisan for his family, it has evolved with time while keeping the warmth of wood, the fragrance of the old beams, and a quiet sense of welcome— as if it has been quietly waiting for someone to come home. Nature here is close enough to touch. You wake to the sound of birds, feel the soft breeze moving through the fields during the day, and see the gentle evening light drifting in from the sea. Time settles slowly in this place. There are no strict rules about how to spend your stay. For guests who wish for full hospitality, we can tailor meals, experiences, and personal guidance to your needs. For those who simply want solitude, silence, or space to breathe in nature, we offer respectful distance. We appear only when needed—and quietly step back when we’re not. This balance of freedom and comfort is at the heart of our retreat. Here, you can feel at home while also enjoying the rare luxury of being undisturbed, held only by the soft presence of the house and the land surrounding it. TŌKA Stay & Retreat

That name came naturally, much like the gentle role I stepped into after my life changed completely due to a serious illness. What I once took for granted—eating, resting, simply living—came to a sudden halt. I had to rebuild everything from the ground up, and in that difficult process, I learned a truth that became the foundation of my life: food is the beginning of health, and real healing starts from what we put into our bodies. No medicine or rest can restore you if the very “materials” building your body are not nourishing. This realization guided me toward creating gluten-free bread unlike anything I had known—sugar-free, additive-free, and made with methods that preserve the vitality of the ingredients. More than “wheat-free,” it is bread that is gentle, grounding, and quietly supportive, paired with nutrient-rich side dishes that make your body exhale and say, “This is what I needed.” Along this path, a series of meaningful encounters led me to Kitsuki in Ōita—people who cherish food and nature, families rooted in this land, friends who welcomed new ideas. When I first arrived, the sea, mountains, rivers, and soft light eased a tension inside me I didn’t even know I carried. Tears came before words. My heart simply understood: I belong here. At TŌKA Stay & Retreat, I hope guests can reclaim something within themselves. For those who wish, I offer support with food and health, gluten-free bread and cooking sessions, personal guiding through local nature and culture, and moments around the fields or the hearth. And for those who seek silence, I respect that completely. Everyone has times when they simply want to breathe—untouched, unhurried, quietly held by nature. Call me when you need me; rest freely when you don’t. This place exists so health, nature, and the self can gently reconnect. My wish is to pass on the lessons and blessings I’ve received—quietly, sincerely, and with an open heart.

Minami-Kitsuki is a rare “in-between place,” where the sea, farmland, and a historic castle town blend into one gentle landscape. From here, the culture, nature, hot springs, and history of Ōita connect effortlessly, making it an ideal base for exploring the region at your own pace. Within 0–10 minutes lies the heart of Kitsuki—Japan’s only “sandwich-style castle town.” Edo-period streets, stone slopes, and preserved samurai residences create a townscape that feels quietly timeless. The well-known Suyanosaka, perfect for kimono walks or peaceful morning strolls, is just steps away. Traditional homes like the Ōhara Residence and the Sano Family House offer a direct glimpse into the past. Nearby, you’ll also find nostalgic Showa-era museums, the white sands of Nata Beach, small shrines, natural springs, waterfalls, and ancient tombs. For families, the Sanrio theme park Harmonyland is only 10–15 minutes by car. A short drive of 20–40 minutes takes you to the Kunisaki Peninsula, a deeply spiritual region of untouched forests, mountain temples, and the distinctive Rokugō-Manzan Buddhist culture. Temples such as Futago-ji, Chōfuku-ji, and Monjusen-ji sit quietly in the mountains, holding centuries of history. Beppu and Ōita City (25–40 minutes) are close enough for easy half-day trips. Enjoy hot springs, the Jigoku geothermal area, the monkey park, the aquarium, and scenic ropeways. For mountain calm, Yufuin (30–45 minutes) offers art galleries, cafés, and views of Mt. Yufu wrapped in soft light. For spiritual journeys, Usa Shrine—head shrine of all Hachiman shrines—is 40 minutes away, with a vast and serene atmosphere. Farther out, Nakatsu and Yabakei (60–80 minutes) offer castle-town charm and dramatic valleys. And for grand landscapes, Kuju Highlands and Taketa (1.5–2 hours) provide sweeping mountain views and historic ruins. Even Aso is within day-trip distance. Minami-Kitsuki is a place where the sea, mountains, hot springs, and historic townscapes all lie within 30