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.
Experience “Living in Tokyo” without Living in Tokyo
Tokyo Family Stays Koenji House
The Koenji area is quite newly explored by myself and my kids.
I wanted to share my favourite places to explore in this really fun and cool part of Tokyo.
It’s a cool place to stay as:
-it is just a few stops from Shinjuku (this means you are also just a few stops on the train from the BUSTA bus terminal – which means easy access to limousine bus trips to the airports and day trips to Fujiyoshida and Fujikyu Highland. <- I wrote this for another site.)
– tourists rarely think of it (which can result in a more authentic Japan experience)
– it’s a fabulous place for creatives (lots of smaller artists hold their exhibitions and have their galleries/studios in this area.)
-this is great part of Tokyo for thrifting and second hand shopping
– it’s is also one stop from Nakano Broadway (fun shopping for collectables, vintage goods/ antiques and anime/manga merchandise and cards etc.)
To get to Koenji from Shinjuku? 6 mins on just one train!
I recommend staying in a Japanese home if you choose this area. It is a fabulous opportunity to get a taste of “living in Japan” without actually living in Japan.
For this reason, I think it’s worth making a reservation at Tokyo Family Stays Property “Koenji House.” I’ve written about it in detail 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.
