OUR STORY
Preserving Japanese Beauty forGenerations to Come.
“Awakening the Spirit of Japan”
Tucked away in Japan's countryside lie timeless treasures: historic homes filled with the wisdom and aesthetics of generations past. With a mission to preserve Japan's beauty and traditions for the future, we revitalize these forgotten spaces—turning empty heritage homes into sustainable travel destinations that breathe new life into local communities nationwide.
“Crafted by Local Hands, Shaped by Nature”
Every HINOKI STAYS home is a tribute to the land it stands on. We source authentic, natural materials—locally grown hinoki and cedar, breathable plaster, raw stone, and delicate shoji paper. Guided by ancient techniques, local master artisans carefully craft each space, infusing raw materials with a soul you can feel the moment you step inside.
“Where Heritage Meets Modern Comfort”
We honor the past while embracing the comforts of today. Behind the timeless, traditional facades lies a seamless blend of global design and modern luxury, tailored for the international traveler. Familiar yet entirely new, HINOKI STAYS offers an immersive, meaningful, and deeply sustainable journey into the heart of Japan.
About the Tea House
A Small House, Moved from the Next Village
The story of “Tea House (Shojudo)” began over a century ago. Originally, it was a modest, charming cottage built in the Seto district of Kamiura on Omishima Island.
Then, on a day before the war, the house was carefully relocated to the neighboring village of “Amasaki no Mizuba.” In this vibrant, spring-fed sanctuary where people naturally gathered, the house assumed the name “Shojudo,” beginning a new chapter as a beloved local tea merchant.
Even then, the house was a masterpiece of heritage craftsmanship—built to endure with traditional “Takekomai” mud walls woven from bamboo grids and a sturdy “Tsuchibuki” tiled roof laid over cedar boards and clay.
Photographed before restoration began.
Where Heritage Beauty and Modern Comfort Align
Today, in the Reiwa era, as we revitalize this century-old sanctuary into a welcoming lodge, we remain deeply dedicated to honoring its past—creating a space where the preservation of timeless tradition seamlessly blends with the refined comforts of modern living.
While preserving the original heritage mud walls and tiled roof structure, we have invisibly updated the exterior with advanced modern boarding and high-performance insulation. This eliminates the extreme seasonal temperatures common in old houses, ensuring a serene and comfortable indoor climate all year round.
The moment you step inside, you are welcomed by traditional design elements crafted from authentic plaster, alongside highly fragrant hinoki (cypress) and cedar woods. The aesthetic devotion of artisans from a century ago still breathes softly here.
A Sanctuary Enveloped in the Scent of Hinoki
The memories of mindful living on Omishima Island, combined with the rich history of tea nurtured in the lands of Amasaki no Mizuba. Honoring this profound heritage, “Tea House Shojudo” begins its beautiful new chapter.
Immerse yourself in timeless aesthetics that echo the breath of past masters, while surrendering to the effortless comforts of the present day. We invite you to experience a truly unique island getaway that can only be found right here.