What we’re about
Hello and welcome!
Are you living in or traveling through Kyushu? Are you looking for a way to dive deeper than the typical tourist spots and connect with the authentic heart of Japan? This group is for you!
This is a community for international friends and locals to meet, share stories, and experience the rich culture of rural Japan together. Our activities are centered around the quiet, mindful pleasures of Japanese culture, hosted in a beautiful, private historic home (kominka) in Nagayu Onsen, a famous hot spring town in Takeda City, Oita.
### -- What We Do: Our Two Signature Events --
We host two main types of recurring events, each offering a unique way to enjoy our space:
1. The Authentic Sencha Experience A hands-on, interactive workshop where you'll dive deep into the world of Japanese brewed tea. In this session, you will:
- Taste exquisite Japanese tea made with legendary local spring water.
- Learn the art of preparing Sencha yourself in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
- Discover the history and art connected to our region, inspired by the 19th-century scholar-artist Tanomura Chikuden.
2. Sunday Chadoku: The Silent Tea & Reading Hour A peaceful weekly gathering for book lovers. Bring your own book and join fellow readers for an hour of uninterrupted, silent reading. Accompanied by a freshly brewed cup of seasonal Japanese tea, it’s a simple, restorative way to begin your Sunday in quiet contemplation and community.
In the future, we also plan to explore local craft shops, visit hidden shrines and nature spots, and enjoy other cultural activities together!
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### -- Who Should Join? --
- Expats and residents living in Oita, Kumamoto, Fukuoka, and beyond.
- Travelers seeking a unique, off-the-beaten-path cultural experience.
- Japanese locals who want to practice Japanese, share their culture, and make friends from around the world.
- Anyone with a love for Japanese tea, art, history, books, and beautiful, quiet places.
Past events
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