Review from Taiwan！
We got a review from Taiwanese guests who stayed with us this summer!
Thank you for coming, and thank you for taking time to write such a sweet review!
Look forward to seeing you again soon!🥰
Their review from here.⇩
When I was a child, I always envied my classmates who spent their summer vacations at their grandparents' homes in the countryside. They'd fish, catch bugs, hike, play in the water, and return to school with a deep tan and countless stories. This year, I finally got to experience that dream.
This summer, my child and I stayed at the home of John-san and Yoko-san in Tamba Sasayama for ten nights. It was our first time doing a homestay in one location, and I was a bit worried. My child doesn't speak Japanese, and without a car, I wondered if we'd struggle to keep busy. But with a mix of anxiety and excitement, we set off—and what a wonderful summer journey it turned out to be.
Our hosts, John-san and Yoko-san, are incredibly positive and energetic people. They made our stay relaxing and enjoyable. Early on, they discussed the local activities and attractions we could experience, carefully checking the weather and planning our itinerary. John-san, who contributes to the local city's English tourism website, knows everything there is to know about the area's activities, attractions, and history. Thanks to them, we got to experience summer festivals, fireworks, hiking, sea fishing, stream trekking, ancient castles, and pottery. Not only did John-san and Yoko-san prepare all the necessary equipment and provide transportation, but they also shared fascinating stories and legends along the way, making our experience even richer.
One of the most memorable parts of our trip was hiking Mount Kinzan. The trail is about 1000 meters long. As we were climbing, John-san noticed we were struggling a bit and shared a story with us. He told us that he first climbed this mountain with a group of local fifth graders, led by an elderly man in his eighties. One of the teachers even had difficulty walking and used a cane to make it up the mountain. Hearing this, we were not only amazed and impressed, but it also motivated us to keep going.
Finally, we reached the summit, where we enjoyed snacks under the trees with a 360-degree view and a refreshing breeze—pure bliss. At the top, there's a spot called "Oni no kakehashi" (Demon's Bridge), which is a large rock wedged between two cliffs, forming a naturally crafted stone bridge. With John-san's help, we bravely climbed onto the bridge and sat on the suspended rock, taking in the unbeatable scenery. The sense of accomplishment from overcoming our fears and pushing through was exhilarating and refreshing!
When we weren't out exploring, we spent our time at the house, leisurely cooking meals together, chatting, and experiencing Japanese home life. My child even helped John-san with some gardening tasks—catching bugs, picking vegetables, feeding chickens, and collecting eggs—or participated in workshops like woodworking and welding. My initial worry that my child would be bored was completely unnecessary. We had a fulfilling holiday here, met many wonderful people, and created unforgettable and beautiful summer memories for both me and my child.
