EXPERIENCE JAPAN LIKE A LOCAL

EXPERIENCE JAPAN LIKE A LOCAL
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 Borderless Visit and I wrote aboutmy experience using the Borderless Visit program here. 


 

Experience “Living in Tokyo” without Living in Tokyo with a short term stay at an Airbnb
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. 

Tokyo Family Stays, Koenji House – Kitchen
Tokyo Family Stays , Koenji House

 

 Live in Tokyo for 1 month to 12 months without the concern about key money!
I recommend looking into a stay at the stunning Sumii Furnished apartments. They are WONDERFUL for families and no need to worry about key money or house-hunting at all!

The living area at Sumii Apartment in Yoyogi-Uehara.

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. 

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