The other day, I read in a news article on the Internet that something called a "Tohaku (pottery stay)" is about to start in Konda-cho.
Hmm? What's that? Well, are you interested?
By the way, this is NOT our homestay program, just to make sure!

Not exactly as a homestay program, but as a day trip program, we went to visit the Japanese swordsmith's workshop this time.
He works on making Japanese sword using fire during winter (it is too hot during summer!), so 10 of us went to see him working.

It is a very interesting process. The only place the...

It's snowing!!❄️☃️❄️
Usually, in Tamba Sasayama, we see the first snow around the end of December, then till February it snows off and on.
So among the locals around November, usually the conversation goes, "Did you change the tires yet?" meaning if you changed from summer tires to winter tires. We want to be prepared for the snowy...

As you all may know, we had a huge earthquake at Ishikawa prefecture on January 1st, 2024.
Our deepest sympathy to the affected, who lost their loved ones and their houses.

What can we do to be a help and to support people there?

We thought about it, and decided to open our door for...

During the year-end and New Year's holidays, we had a high school exchange student from Taiwan staying at our house.

Happy New Year 2024! 🐉
We wish you all the best for the upcoming year!! 🥰

We received a very kind review, as well as a Christmas card, from the family in Walla Walla.
As I read the review, I was reliving each moment we spent together, like a time travel!
I am sharing it with you here, hoping that you will be the next ones to experience the Tambasasayama Magic! 💓

26 exchange students from Kobe University came to visit Tamba Sasayama!

Have you seen Japanese fans cleaning up the soccer stadium?
Or the athletes cleaning up their locker room after their use?

You wonder where that custom comes from???

Well, the day came that the delegation is returning home after a 12-day stay in Japan.