If the idea of touristy Japan is not the reason you’ve planned your visit at all… I think that you will love this post so much.
3 ways to experience Japan like a local, even while on holidays.
Dining with a local Japanese family, in their home (available all over Japan)
This program is run by an organization called Nagomi Visit and I wrote about my experience using the Nagomi Visit program here.
Stay in a guesthouse outside of Tokyo with a Japanese family
This experience was the closest I’ve had to may homestay experience in high school.
The host speaks English and this guesthouse is a wonderful way to take in real Japanese life ( and it’s also not far from the base of Mt. Fuji.)
I wrote in great detail about Yado Poppoya Guest House here.
