A Unique Homestay Experience

Up until now, the guests who have come here were those who came with the purpose of experiencing a homestay at our place. However, this time we had a slightly different kind of homestay guest. They stayed with us to visit a free school located in the city.

At first, it felt different from the usual, and we were somewhat confused. We wondered if our time would be up without much connection. But as it turns out, the guests who come here have a special connection that brings them here.

The daughter, who initially found it difficult to talk to John and clung to her mother, eventually started playing together by the day before departure. We were able to take photos together and even had the opportunity to talk and play with our eldest son who had returned home for his travel preparations. It was wonderful!

The guests went to Kozoji temple with John, where the cherry blossoms are approaching their peak. They received warm welcome from the temple's parishioners in our neighborhood association, and we were grateful for their hospitality. Since they visited after the guests' returning from school, it became a bit late, but they enjoyed the outing and came back home happily.

The guests would go to the free school shortly after breakfast and return in the evening, so we didn't have much time to spend together. However, after returning in the evening, we still had some time to make many paper airplanes together, create origami boats, and so on. It was a short but sweet, and we enjoyed the time with them.

I was a little disappointed that I couldn't talk much with the mother, but since she lives relatively close by, I believe we will meet again... 💓

We received a wonderful review from the guest! ⇩

Received genuine heartfelt hospitality

From the moment we visited, I immediately felt at ease with Yoko's frankness and smile. My 4-year-old daughter is usually quite shy around strangers, but she quickly opened up and enjoyed making paper airplanes and drawing together. 

Yoko also kindly responded to her unreasonable requests and played with her, which was a lot of fun. My daughter was initially very shy around John, and I felt sorry about that. However, John watched over her and spoke to her with a smile, and gradually they became more comfortable with each other. It made me happy to see them playing together after a few days. John brought out many educational toys, which made me realize how they have successfully raised five children through homeschooling.

My daughter also enjoyed playing with both John and Yoko, and she keeps saying she wants to go back again. They shared a lot of parenting stories and gave me sincere advice. I am currently struggling with raising my only child, so their advice meant a lot to me. I believe they genuinely cared and gave their full attention. Their home is like having reliable Big Daddy and Big Mommy!

We also had the chance to meet the entertaining lively man, and their son who is a muscular handsome guy. My daughter's world expanded just by staying here for a short time. 😆

We used their washing machine and hangers, and it was very helpful to have a space where we could dry our clothes without getting them wet in the rain. The room was very clean and comfortable. They also prepared a spacious bath according to our timing. Regarding meals, it was not included. However, like a shared living situation, we would share if there was something we could share, and we would eat together if the timing was right, but if not, there was no pressure to do so. I think they set up the system like this so that there is no sense of pressure on both end. Additionally, they let us use a small refrigerator for our use, which was very convenient.

It was a truly wonderful stay. Thank you very much!