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 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.
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!
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.
