Miyazaki's Phoenix Seagaia Resort (Hamayama, Yamazaki-cho, Miyazaki City), which is undergoing a refurbishment and reopening this August, is home to Oyunomiya, the first bathhouse embodying the "Yudo" (way of bathing) advocated by Koyama Kundo.
Japan's "bath culture" is characterized by a custom of soaking naked in a bathtub with other people, an extremely rare practice worldwide. "Yudo" was launched as a way to perfect this bathing experience, deeply rooted in Japanese life. Oyunomiya, the first officially certified bathhouse based on the concept of "Yudo," the way of perfecting bathing advocated by Koyama Kundo, is equipped with various ingenious features to put into practice the etiquette of "Yudo." The bath room features a bathtub made of "Kurokasumi" stone, created by plasterer Hasado Shuhei, which emits a unique glow when wet, and a ceiling painting by Tateyama Shuhei. Under the overall production of Koyama Kundo, the bathing utensils feature Miyazaki crafts by Miyazaki-based artists and artisans.
The "way of the bath" advocated by Koyama Kundo begins with prayer; second, hydration with a glass of water (uruoshimizu); third, hiding clothes (kinukakushi); fourth, cleansing the body with a tub and checking the temperature of the water (yuawase); fifth, immersion in the water (yusanmai); and finally, ninth, finishing with prayer. The aim is to learn through "baths" such as gratitude for soaking in hot water, consideration for others in public spaces, and self-reflection.
Opening hours are two hours each from 7:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 8:00 PM, and are limited to three groups per day. Prices include tax per unit: 6,500 yen for standard stays, 5,200 yen for Club Twin guests, and free for Club Suite guests. Special shaved ice is included as part of the kaiseki meal, and guests are also given a free tenugui towel.
Phoenix Seagaia Resort has been actively renovating its lobby, front desk area, and guest rooms, including the opening of Ushinomiya, a beef kappo restaurant with only six seats, also by Kundo Koyama, serving Miyazaki beef prepared in a variety of ways, and is scheduled to reopen on August 1st of this year.
