Experience Japan Like a Local: The Ultimate Homestay Adventure
Japan is an incredible travel destination, celebrated for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and delicious cuisine. But what makes this country truly unforgettable is its welcoming people. One of the most authentic ways to experience Japan is through a homestay, where you can immerse yourself in local life, learn about traditions, and gain unique insights into the culture. Here’s how a homestay in Japan can enhance your travel experience and why it should be a must-do on your next trip.
Homestays offer a deeply personal and enriching experience. They give you the opportunity to stay with local families, cook meals together, and participate in traditional Japanese activities that you might not encounter in the usual tourist spots. This kind of travel experience can help you bridge cultural gaps and provide valuable firsthand knowledge about Japanese life. As Derek Friday, a Canadian traveller, puts it, “You don’t have to organize anything. It’s really great to have people who are on the ground to escort you, especially when it comes to language barriers.”
In a homestay, you’re not just visiting a destination—you’re becoming part of it. Derek’s experience in Kawanehon-cho, a serene town nestled near Mount Fuji, was the perfect example of how a homestay can connect you to local life. “It was surreal for me,” Derek shares, reflecting on the moment he strolled through the neighborhood, surrounded by lush greenery with a breathtaking view of Japan’s iconic mountain. It was during his time at Hananeko House that he was able to embrace a more personal side of Japanese culture.
During his homestay, Derek learned how to make traditional Japanese dishes, including tempura. “I got to learn how to make tempura from scratch, which was one of my absolute top favourite things that I did on the trip,” Derek says. Cooking tempura with locals gave him the confidence to master the art of cooking with chopsticks and handling hot oil in a way that made him feel right at home. Cooking together in someone’s kitchen is an experience that connects you deeply with the culture, and it’s something that many travelers often miss when they stay in hotels or resorts.
One of the most enriching aspects of homestays in Japan is participating in traditional activities that are not typically offered to tourists. Derek was introduced to the art of making mochi, a traditional Japanese rice cake. The process involves soaking mochigome, a special glutinous rice, steaming it, and then pounding it to create a sticky, chewy texture. “Yosho!” is the cheer you’ll hear as people pound the rice together in a shared effort. “It was so fun,” Derek recalls. “I didn’t realize the process of making mochi is really that simple.”
“Our guests often say that staying here feels like the real Japan.”
On the host’s side, a homestay also provides a valuable cultural exchange. Natsuo Muramatsu, who moved to his guest house after retiring, has hosted travelers for over five years. “I wanted to meet people from different countries and enjoy conversations and cultural exchanges,” Natsuo explains. His guests appreciate the immersive experience, often remarking that it feels like staying in the “real Japan.” Activities at his homestay include catching crayfish, swimming, barbecuing, and making mochi, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into daily life in rural Japan.
According to Natsuo, a homestay is most rewarding when travelers stay for at least two nights, but a week-long stay is ideal for truly soaking up the local culture. “There’s much more to enjoy, like the starry night sky, which is beautiful here,” Natsuo shares. Guests often describe their time in Kawanehon-cho as transformative, with the peaceful rural atmosphere offering a stark contrast to the bustling cities of Japan.
If you’re considering a trip to Japan and want to experience more than just the popular tourist destinations, a homestay is an unforgettable way to connect with the culture and the people. It’s not just about sightseeing—it’s about becoming a part of the local community, sharing in their daily routines, and creating lasting memories. Whether you’re learning to cook tempura, making mochi, or simply sitting under a starlit sky, your time in a homestay will leave you with a deeper understanding of Japan and a profound connection to its people.
To find your own homestay experience in Japan, you can check out the Japan Highlights trip with Intrepid Travel, which offers immersive cultural tours, including opportunities to stay with local families in rural Japan.